GOV.UK
Foreign travel advice
Sudan
Summary
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:
- the Darfur states
- the Abyei Region
- South Kordofan and Blue Nile states
- the southern area of West Kordofan state that was previously part of South Kordofan, as shown on the map
- within 50km of the border with South Sudan in White Nile and Sennar states
- within 200km of the border with Libya
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:
- within 100km of the border with Egypt in areas west of the Nile Valley
- within 20km of the border with Eritrea
- areas of North Kordofan and West Kordofan states south of the Kost-El Obeid-En Nahud road
On 22 February 2019, President Omar Al Bashir announced a year-long state of emergency across Sudan, in response to ongoing protests which started in mid-December 2018. This gives security forces increased powers. Protests have continued since the announcement.
British Nationals considering travel within Sudan should check the local situation before travelling. In Khartoum, the areas around Omdurman, Burri, Bahri, Haj Yousif and Souq Al-Arabi have seen the most regular protests and security operations, but demonstrations have occurred sporadically across the city, particularly following Friday prayers. Live ammunition and tear gas have been used against protestors. You should exercise vigilance, avoid protests or large gatherings, observe local curfews and follow the instructions of the relevant authorities. You’re advised to: limit travel, including within/around cities; seek information on the situation in districts you propose travelling to or through before departing; and identify and remain in a place of safety if local circumstances dictate. There is currently limited access to several internet-based communications and social media sites without the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which are not readily available to download in Sudan.
The government of Sudan has declared an outbreak of Chikungunya in the east of Sudan (especially Red Sea and Kassala). There have also been reports of cases in other parts of Sudan. See Health
On a number of occasions since the beginning of 2018, there have been shortages of fuel throughout Sudan including in Khartoum. At times these have led to very long queues (several hours or even overnight) at petrol stations (which regularly run dry) and rationing of the commercial supply. Earlier in the year, the shortages had knock on effects, including availability of services and some basic food items. There have been some violent incidents at petrol stations. If you need to travel by road, consider how you will get fuel during your journey and whether you have sufficient fuel for your return trip.
On 31 January 2019 the border between Sudan and Eritrea was reopened, having been closed since January 2018. A heavy security presence remains in the area.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Sudan. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Terrorism
Consular support is severely limited in parts of Sudan where we advise against all travel and all but essential travel. The British Embassy no longer registers British nationals in Sudan and the capacity of the British Embassy to help in times of crisis may be limited. You should consider your own travel arrangements carefully and make sure you have up-to-date travel documents and visas in case you need to leave at short notice. In case of a crisis this page outlines the precautions you should take and the help and support the British Embassy can provide.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.