Risk level

Safety and security

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Port Sudan

On August 26, 2019, Sudan’s sovereign council declared a state of emergency and imposed curfews in Port Sudan.

Since August 21, 2019, intertribal clashes have led to deaths and injuries. Further violence cannot be ruled out.

Darfur

The conflict in Darfur has created a dangerous situation in western Sudan, particularly outside the major towns. Other areas of Sudan and eastern Chad are also affected by the conflict.

Despite the signing of a preliminary peace agreement, the security situation in Darfur remains extremely volatile, and lawlessness is prevalent.

Violence has resulted in deaths, displacement of people, general instability and insecurity.

The region has seen sporadic fighting between the government and rebels groups. Carjacking, break-ins and kidnapping remain a genuine threat to foreigners.

Violence regularly breaks out within camps for internally displaced people. Humanitarian workers and United Nations (U.N.) peacekeepers have been attacked and kidnapped.

Further clashes and regional violence cannot be ruled out.

A state of emergency is in effect in the 5 states of Darfur, Kassala, and South, West and North Kordofan. Curfews are sometimes put in effect by the government.

You should leave if you are in Darfur.

Abyei region, West Kordofan, South Kordofan and Blue Nile

Both Sudan and South Sudan claim Abyei, and there is continued fighting in South Kordofan and Blue Nile between government forces and rebels.

There is a heightened risk of attacks in the region. Armed groups have carried out attacks on foreign workers, including oil field workers.

Sudan has declared a state of emergency in the states bordering South Sudan.

You should leave if you are in Abyei administrative region, South Kordofan or Blue Nile states.

Area bordering Eritrea in Red Sea and Kassala states, and Ethiopia in Al-Qadrif and Sennar states

The security situation in the area comprised within 50 km of the border with Eritrea, in Red Sea, and Kassala states, and within 50 km of the border with Ethiopia in the Al-Qadrif and Sennar states is volatile due to cross-border militant activity. Military operations have been occurring in the Tigray region of Ethiopia since early November 2020.

Foreigners working for aid organizations in this area have been the target of attacks.

Area bordering Egypt

The Halayib triangle and Bir Tawil are disputed territories between Sudan and Egypt. The threat of isolated and indiscriminate clashes cannot be discounted.

Area bordering Libya

The area within 50 km of the border with Libya is used by armed groups as transit route to smuggle weapons, goods and people and is prone to banditry.

Border crossings

The land borders with some neighbouring countries are closed. Border closures may occur without notice.

Commercial overland expeditions occasionally cross Sudan’s land borders with Libya, the Central African Republic and Chad, but these routes are dangerous.

There are landmines in many areas outside the main cities, including border areas.

Don’t attempt to cross land borders.

Crime

While the incidence of crime in Khartoum is low, incidents of petty crime are increasing including opportunistic theft from vehicles. Keep valuables out of sight and drive with locked doors and closed windows.

Banditry is rampant throughout western Sudan, especially in the Darfur region. Several incidents have resulted in deaths near the border with Chad.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• sites frequented by foreigners such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres markets, hotels, etc.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Kidnapping

Westerners face the risk of being kidnapped even in Khartoum.

Maintain a heightened level of vigilance and consider regularly modifying your patterns of travel.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Fuel shortage

There are shortages of fuel in Khartoum and most other areas of Sudan.

If you must travel by road, make sure you have enough fuel for the entire trip.

Road safety

Unpredictable local driving habits, pedestrians and roaming animals pose serious risks.

Road conditions are poor.

Many roads outside the capital are sand tracks. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for overland travel except on the Khartoum–Kassala–Port Sudan, Khartoum–Atbara, and Khartoum–El Obeid highways.

Only experienced and fully equipped travellers should undertake desert travel. Basic equipment should include:

• a shovel
• metal ramps for heavy sand
• a global positioning system (GPS)
• spare fuel and
• water supplies

Roadblocks are common. Have your identity and vehicle documents readily available.

Public transportation

Public transportation is limited outside of major urban areas.

Buses

Most buses are irregularly scheduled. They are poorly maintained and drivers are reckless. Fatal accidents involving buses are routine.

If you decide to travel by bus, use only top-of-the-line buses.

Ferry

A ferry connects Wadi Halfa, in Sudan, and Aswan, in Egypt.

Trains

A weekly train service operates between Wadi Halfa and Khartoum.

Trains are dilapidated, but service is punctual.

Taxis

Taxis are available in urban centres but are generally in bad conditions.

In Khartoum, you may use an online hailing service but you must have a local SIM card in your phone with the data service.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Random searches

For national security reasons, Sudanese authorities may conduct random searches of personal effects belonging to individuals working for international organizations.

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Sudanese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Sudan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Transit visa: required

Allow at least 2 months between your visa application and the intended date of travel. Visas are not granted automatically to prospective travellers.

Registration

As a foreigner, you must register with the Ministry of the Interior’s Aliens’ Registration Office within 3 days of your arrival in Sudan.

If arriving by land or sea, you can register at your port of entry.

Certain larger hotels offer to register their guests. Processing fees apply and vary depending on where you register. Two passport-style photos may be required.

Travels outside of Khartoum

You must obtain a permit before travelling outside of Khartoum. You can obtain your permit from the Foreign Ministry. You should start procedures at least a week prior to your trip dates.

It is extremely difficult to obtain permits for destinations within west Sudan, except for persons working for registered humanitarian organizations and diplomatic missions.

Sudanese authorities enforce permit regulations rigorously and they can retain documents. Carry at least 3 copies of your travel permit and passport, including the Sudan visa page, at all times.

Stamp from Israel

Local authorities will automatically deny you entry to Sudan if your passport contains a stamp from Israel.

Children and travel

The country’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs.

Under Sudanese law, women and their children may encounter difficulties relating to mobility. Local authorities may prohibited them from departing Sudan if the father has not given his consent, regardless of custodial rights accorded to the mother by any Sudanese, Canadian or other courts.

More about travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Central Africa, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Central Africa. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Central Africa, certain insects carry and spread diseases like African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, onchocerciasis, Rift Valley fever, West Nile virus and yellow fever.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas of Central Africa, like Ebola,  rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate in Sudan.

You will likely need an emergency medical evacuation is case of serious illness or injury. However, it can also be difficult to obtain and air ambulances are usually not available on short notice.

There are no medical facilities to treat diving-related injuries in Port Sudan.

• Avoid surgery in Sudan
• Ensure that your health plan coverage includes Sudan

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Shortage of medicine

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Culture

Sudan is a traditional, conservative society. Sharia (Islamic law) is applied throughout the country. Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws and regulations.

• Avoid displays of affection in public, holding hands for instance
• Be extremely discreet if swimming in public
• Avoid wearing shorts in public
• If you are a woman:
  • dress conservatively
  • avoid wearing short skirts or shirts with low necklines
  • avoid displaying bare arms

Ramadan

In 2023, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 22.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when :

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Religious proselytization

Religious proselytization can lead to arrest for long periods of time and deportation.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.  Bags are routinely searched upon arrival and departure at the Khartoum airport.

Alcohol

It is prohibited to import or consume alcohol, even in private.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

LGBTQ2 travellers

Sudanese law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Third time convicted offenders can face up to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Sudan.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Sexually explicit publications

It is prohibited to import magazines or books of a sexually explicit nature.

Photographs

A photography permit is required for all forms of photography.

Even with a permit, it is strictly prohibited to photograph:

• airports
• military areas
• bridges
• drainage stations
• broadcast stations
• public utilities
• slum areas
• beggars

The authorities may suspect you of espionage if you take pictures without a permit.

If you travel with your laptop, ensure that you remove any photo files that could be deemed by the authorities as suspicious.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Sudan.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Sudan, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Minors

Sudanese minors (under 18 years of age) require the permission of their father or guardian to leave the country.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Sudan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Sudan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Sudan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

You should carry an international driving permit.

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency of Sudan is the Sudanese pound (SDG). It is non-convertible outside the country and its export is prohibited.

Transferring U.S. dollars to Sudan is difficult because of international sanctions. In addition, U.S. currency dated prior to 2006 is not usually accepted.

Foreign banking and credit cards are not accepted in Sudan. There are ATMs, but they only service local accounts.

International flights and hotel bills must be paid in cash.

You should carry sufficient funds in U.S. dollars to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay.

Natural disasters and climate

Sandstorms

Sandstorms occur, particularly from July to October. Expect difficulties travelling overland. Local services and the availability of water and basic food may be affected. Take preventive measures and exercise extreme caution.

Rainy season

The rainy season in Sudan lasts 3 months, from July to September.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.