Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to Sudan because of the ongoing military conflict in Khartoum and other parts of the country. This does not include the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.
\n\nThere have been several ceasefires, but these have been regularly broken.
\n\nMonitor travel advice and other media reports for the latest information.
\n\nFind out more about safety and security in Sudan.
\n\nThe British Embassy in Khartoum is closed due to the conflict. There are no British consular staff in Sudan. Our ability to provide consular support is severely limited and we cannot provide in-person support inside Sudan.
\n\nIf you’re a British national in Sudan, you can call our 24/7 telephone helpline: +44 1908 516 666. Select option 2 for consular services for British nationals.
\n\nThe UK government is no longer evacuating people from Sudan.
\n\nFCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any potential departure point. Consider carefully whether you want to take any of the available options.
\n\nUse your own judgement to move towards a departure point if and when you judge it is safe to do so.
\n\nThe UK government’s ability to facilitate onward travel from countries in the region is limited and you’ll be expected to cover the cost of visas, accommodation, insurance and onward travel yourself.
\n\nAny travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk.
\n\nFCDO cannot help non-British dependants of British nationals.
\n\nIf you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Sudan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Sudan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Sudanese Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Sudan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter Sudan.
\n\nYou can apply for a visa through the Sudanese Embassy in the UK, or through the Sudanese embassy in the country you’re travelling from.
\n\nIf you enter Sudan on a single-entry visa, you’ll need an exit visa to leave the country, though this is not always enforced. You can get more information on exit visas from Port Sudan Airport Immigration. You may need to show proof of your sponsor and pay the exit visa fee.
\n\nYou will not be allowed to leave the Red Sea State without a travel permit. You need to apply for that once in country and pay a fee. The requirements for each state are different. You will have to pay different amounts and go through different processes depending on your destination.
\n\nIf your passport has an Israeli visa, entry or exit stamp, you will not be allowed to enter Sudan.
\n\nTo enter Sudan, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Sudan guide.
\n\nYou must register with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interior within 3 days of your arrival in Sudan. You will need 2 passport size photos and to pay a fee.
\n\nIf you do not register within 3 days of arrival, you may be fined. Some larger hotels will do this for you. Ask when you check-in.
\n\nAs well as a visa, children aged 17 and under must have their father’s consent to enter and exit Sudan. Children travelling without their father need a letter giving consent for them to enter and exit Sudan, though this is not always enforced.
\n\nYou must get the letter stamped at the Sudanese Embassy in the UK before travel.
\n\nIf the father is absent, mothers or guardians must get a court order which shows they have sole custodial rights for the children.
\n\nIf the parents are divorced, you’ll need to show divorce documents.
\n\nIf the father has died, you’ll need to show the death certificate.
\n\nContact the Sudanese Embassy in the UK for more information.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Sudan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Sudan.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Sudan
\nTerrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners, such as:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThere is a military response to Houthi militants’ attempts to disrupt international shipping in the Red Sea. The military activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, but travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should monitor travel advice and follow instructions from local authorities.
\n\nThere is an ongoing conflict across Sudan following violent clashes, which started in April 2023.
\n\nThere has been widespread violent crime in Khartoum since the start of the conflict. There have also been reports of a large increase in crime in other cities and areas of Sudan.
\n\nTypes of crime include:
\n\nTo reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings, you should:
\n\nIf you’re stopped or attacked, comply with demands and do not resist.
\n\nThere is a high threat of detention, including kidnap, enforced disappearances and unlawful arrest across Sudan. There have been a number of recent incidents where British nationals and other westerners have been detained against their will.
\n\nHumanitarian aid workers and journalists are viewed as legitimate targets.
\n\nThere are regular communication blackouts. Mobile phone and internet services are not always available. Telecommunications networks could be disrupted without warning.
\n\nIt is a legal requirement to carry photographic ID, such as a passport, with you at all times.
\n\nNon-Muslim women do not have to wear a veil or cover their heads. Men and women should dress modestly and respect local customs and sensitivities.
\n\nSudan is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
\n\nNon-Muslims are allowed to drink alcohol in Sudan, but not in the presence of Muslims. However, you may still be arrested for drinking alcohol regardless of the circumstances.
\n\nThere are severe penalties for drug trafficking.
\n\nDue to the conflict, it is not advisable to take photographs in secure areas in Sudan. Do not take photographs or use a mobile phone camera close to:
\n\nPlain-clothed public security officers operate in these areas.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sudan and not tolerated in Sudanese society. This includes inviting guests into hotel rooms.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIt’s illegal to have extramarital relations and there are severe penalties. It’s illegal to live together, or to share the same hotel room, with someone of the opposite sex if you’re not married or closely related.
\n\nIt’s illegal to invite guests into your hotel room. Business meetings should take place in hotel lobbies or meeting rooms, not hotel rooms. Tourist police patrol the hotels, and British nationals have reported problems with Sudanese authorities about this.
\n\nYou might need a licence to use some technical equipment in Sudan, including:
\n\nContact the Sudanese Embassy in the UK before travelling for more information.
\n\nIt’s difficult to use non-Sudanese credit or debit cards, and most banks and ATM machines will not let you withdraw cash. Bring US dollars with you to Sudan.
\n\nYou may be able to exchange US dollars dated 2006 onwards (older ones will not be exchanged), but this will be difficult due to the current conflict.
\n\nBritish pounds are rarely exchanged. Only change money through banks or official exchange bureaus.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Sudan, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Sudan for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.
\n\nRoad travel will involve heightened levels of risk due to the current conflict and should only be undertaken if strictly necessary.
\n\nRoad conditions are poor. Roads, even major ones, might:
\n\nAt night, there is generally no street lighting and many vehicles do not have lights. Many drivers in Sudan do not have a licence or insurance.
\n\nRoad traffic accidents are common. There is a high risk of traffic accidents when using public transport or vehicles for hire, such as rickshaws and ‘amjad minivans’.
\n\nSudanese law prohibits the use of mobile phones while driving.
\n\nKhartoum Airport and Port Sudan Airport are operating limited numbers of international and domestic flights. However, both airports have been the target of drone strikes due to the ongoing conflict. The risk of further attacks continues and might cause the airports to close on a temporary basis again.
\n\nThere are no Sudanese airlines which currently meet the standards required to operate direct flights to the UK or EU.
\n\nThe UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Sudan that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
\n\nThere is a significant risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. The threat assessment of the combined international naval counter-piracy forces is that sailing yachts should not enter the designated high-risk area, due to the risk of hijacking.
\n\nIf you go ashore along the Red Sea coast, make sure you have reviewed the relevant country travel advice and have the correct documentation for entry.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nFlash flooding can happen during the rainy season from July to October. Risks at this time of year include:
\n\nThis section has extra safety advice for regions of Sudan. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFor information about arriving in Jeddah and entry requirements, see Saudi Arabia travel advice.
\n\nIf you’re arriving in Jeddah from Port Sudan and need urgent assistance, you can contact FCDO in Jeddah on +966 (0)12 622 5550 and select option 4.
\n\nIf you’re considering leaving Sudan across a land border, check that the border crossing will be open.
\n\nSudan’s borders with Chad and Eritrea are currently closed.
\n\nCheck the travel advice for the country you will be entering to understand the entry requirements for that country and whether FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nSignificant numbers of people are trying to cross the border from Sudan into Egypt. There are 2 main land border crossings between Egypt and Sudan, at Argeen and Qustul. The nearest town in Sudan to the crossings is Wadi Halfa, 30km from border.
\n\nThere is almost no infrastructure at these border crossings. People are waiting several days to cross the border, with limited access to food and water.
\n\nThe British Embassy in Egypt does not have staff at the border. Our ability to provide help is very limited.
\n\nIf you’re a British national planning to cross into Egypt at Argeen or Qustul and you do not have valid documentation with you, call the British Embassy in Cairo: + 20 (0) 2 2791 6000.
\n\nSee our Egypt travel advice for entry requirements, including information on visas.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nThe current conflict has severely affected health services and many may be unavailable, including hospitals for British nationals in Khartoum.
\n\nMedical facilities in the country are limited and medical evacuation is likely to be necessary for all but the most basic treatments. Make sure you have adequate travel and medical insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nThere is a particular risk to public health in areas of conflict where immunisation coverage is poor.
\n\nCall 999 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nEmergency services in Sudan have been severely impacted by the conflict and are often unresponsive.
\nIf you need emergency medical treatment you should make your own way to hospital, if you can.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Sudan, including:
\n\nTravelHealthPro has more information on malaria in Sudan.
\n\nThere are regular outbreaks of chikungunya, dengue, measles and other diseases in Sudan, particularly in refugee camps. There is a lack of clean water and the inability to remove dead bodies means Sudan is at high risk from various diseases.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nEmergency services in Sudan have been severely impacted by the conflict and are often unresponsive.
\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n