YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE

Before you go,
take 10% off.

A little guidance goes a long way. Enter your email to save on your next visa consultation.

One consultation per email. Valid for 30 days. Book using this email; your discount is applied automatically. PRO subscriptions are excluded. Your email is saved in our Leads for follow-up.
Scenic view of Sudan
COUNTRY GUIDE

Sudan country guide: visas, airlines and living abroad

A comprehensive guide to Sudan: country facts, currency, languages, airlines, visa preparation, immigration, expatriate planning and official sources.

Image credit
Source photograph · Valerian Guillot · https://www.flickr.com/photos/valerian1985/24762509761/ · CC BY 2.0. Resized; display framing and overlay vary by screen size.

Country comparison metrics

HDI measures health, education and income. GPI measures national peacefulness, including safety, conflict and militarisation. These indices use different scales and are not a current travel advisory.

Sudan at a glance

Country code
SD
Capital / administrative centre
Khartoum
Region
Northern Africa
Languages
Arabic, English
Currency
Sudanese pound (SDG)
Country-code TLD
.sd
Calling code
+249
Area (metadata)
1,886,068 km²
Location map of Sudan highlighted on a world map

Original VisaWand location map using public-domain Natural Earth data. Boundaries are illustrative; small territories are indicated by a location marker.

Understanding Sudan

Sudan requires a travel and relocation plan that reflects its geography, administrative arrangements and the traveller’s own circumstances. This guide brings together basic country information, aviation context, entry planning, longer-term residence considerations and practical preparation. A visitor, an international student, an employee and a person joining family may face different procedures even when they hold the same passport.

The country profile places Sudan in Northern Africa. The listed capital or administrative centre is Khartoum; the language metadata lists Arabic, English. Currency information is presented as Sudanese pound (SDG), and the internet-domain information is .sd. These details are useful when checking application addresses, interpreting invoices, identifying local services and arranging communication. A country-code domain identifies an internet namespace; it does not, by itself, authenticate an immigration service or establish an applicant’s eligibility.

Use the guide in two stages. First, understand the destination and prepare a realistic itinerary or relocation objective. Then confirm the applicable requirements with the authority responsible for your nationality, passport type, place of legal residence and purpose of travel. The country-specific official extracts below retain their source dates and scope. They must not be read as a universal visa decision for all passports, and an airline ticket or a consultation booking does not confer permission to enter.

Demographic, geographic and transport material attributed to the CIA World Factbook comes from its final archived edition. Figures retain their original reference years and are historical background rather than a claim that every statistic is current. Government travel-advice extracts are reproduced with attribution under the Open Government Licence. The sections on preparation are practical editorial guidance; they do not invent a visa category, processing guarantee or entitlement to permanent residence. Check the linked original advice again before travel, as the published snapshot can change. Map boundaries are illustrative and do not express a position on sovereignty or disputed borders.

Country facts, geography and economic context

Historical country context, adapted from the public-domain CIA World Factbook final archive. Original dates are retained. These facts do not establish current entry or residence rights.

History and national context

Long referred to as Nubia, modern-day Sudan was the site of the Kingdom of Kerma (ca. 2500-1500 B.C.) until it was absorbed into the New Kingdom of Egypt. By the 11th century B.C., the Kingdom of Kush gained independence from Egypt; it lasted in various forms until the middle of the 4th century A.D. After the fall of Kush, the Nubians formed three Christian kingdoms of Nobatia, Makuria, and Alodia, with the latter two enduring until around 1500. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, Arab nomads settled much of Sudan, leading to extensive Islamization between the 16th and 19th centuries. Following Egyptian occupation early in the 19th century, an agreement in 1899 set up a joint British-Egyptian government in Sudan, but it was effectively a British colony.

Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have dominated national politics since Sudan gained independence from Anglo-Egyptian co-rule in 1956. During most of the second half of the 20th century, Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars rooted in northern domination of the largely non-Muslim, non-Arab southern portion of the country. The first civil war ended in 1972, but another broke out in 1983. Peace talks gained momentum in 2002-04, and the final North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 granted the southern rebels autonomy for six years, followed by a referendum on independence for Southern Sudan. South Sudan became independent in 2011, but Sudan and South Sudan have yet to fully implement security and economic agreements to normalize relations between the two countries. Sudan has also faced conflict in Darfur, Southern Kordofan, and Blue Nile starting in 2003.

In 2019, after months of nationwide protests, the 30-year reign of President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR ended when the military forced him out. Economist and former international civil servant Abdalla HAMDOUK al-Kinani was selected to serve as the prime minister of a transitional government as the country prepared for elections in 2022. In late 2021, however, the Sudanese military ousted HAMDOUK and his government and replaced civilian members of the Sovereign Council (Sudan’s collective Head of State) with individuals selected by the military. HAMDOUK was briefly reinstated but resigned in January 2022. General Abd-al-Fatah al-BURHAN Abd-al-Rahman, the Chair of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, currently serves as de facto head of state and government. He presides over a Sovereign Council consisting of military leaders, former armed opposition group representatives, and military-appointed civilians. A cabinet of acting ministers handles day-to-day administration. 

Geographic position

north-eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and Eritrea

Land area

total : 1,861,484 sq km

land: 1,731,671 sq km

water: 129,813 sq km

Landscape

generally flat, featureless plain; desert dominates the north

Climate and seasonal planning

hot and dry; arid desert; rainy season varies by region (April to November)

Natural hazards

dust storms and periodic persistent droughts

Environmental conditions

water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water; water scarcity and drought; overhunting; soil erosion; desertification; deforestation; loss of biodiversity

Geographic considerations

the Nile is Sudan's primary water source; its major tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, meet at Khartoum to form the River Nile, which flows northward through Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea

Capital and administrative centre

name: Khartoum

geographic coordinates: 15 36 N, 32 32 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the name derives from the Arabic words ras (head or end) and al-khurtum (elephant's trunk), referring to the narrow strip of land between the Blue and White Niles where the city is located

Regional administration

18 states (wilayat, singular - wilayah); Blue Nile, Central Darfur, East Darfur, Gedaref, Gezira, Kassala, Khartoum, North Darfur, North Kordofan, Northern, Red Sea, River Nile, Sennar, South Darfur, South Kordofan, West Darfur, West Kordofan, White Nile

note: the peace agreement signed in 2020 included a provision to establish a system of governance to restructure the country's current 18 states into regions

Settlement patterns

with the exception of a ribbon of settlement that corresponds to the banks of the Nile, northern Sudan is sparsely populated; sizeable areas of population are found around Khartoum, southeast between the Blue and White Nile Rivers, and throughout South Darfur, as shown on this population distribution map

Population snapshot

total: 50,467,278 (2024 est.)

male: 25,335,092

female: 25,132,186

Urban development

urban population: 36.3% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 3.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas

6.344 million KHARTOUM (capital), 1.057 million Nyala (2023)

Languages and communication

Arabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, Fur

major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)

Religion and cultural context

Sunni Muslim, small Christian minority

Society and communities

Sudanese Arab (approximately 70%), Fur, Beja, Nuba, Ingessana, Uduk, Fallata, Masalit, Dajo, Gimir, Tunjur, Berti; there are over 500 ethnic groups

Economic context

low-income Sahel economy devastated by ongoing civil war; major impacts on rural income, basic commodity prices, industrial production, agricultural supply chain, communications and commerce; hyperinflation and currency depreciation worsening food access and humanitarian conditions

Industry and employment context

oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, armaments, automobile/light truck assembly, milling

Agriculture

sugarcane, sorghum, milk, onions, groundnuts, sesame seeds, goat milk, bananas, mangoes/guavas, millet (2023)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Trade and exports

crude petroleum, gold, oil seeds, sheep and goats, ground nuts (2023)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Trade and imports

raw sugar, wheat flours, refined petroleum, garments, packaged medicine (2023)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Legal-system background

mixed system of Islamic law and English common law

Names and terminology

conventional long form: Republic of the Sudan

conventional short form: Sudan

local long form: Jumhuriyat as-Sudan

local short form: As-Sudan

former: Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Sudan

etymology: the name derives from the Arabic balad-as-sudan, meaning "Land of the Black [peoples]"

National holiday

Independence Day, 1 January (1956)

Internet identity

.sd

Airport infrastructure

45 (2025)

Rail infrastructure

total: 7,251 km (2014)

narrow gauge: 5,851 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge

1,400 km 0.600-m gauge for cotton plantations

Airlines and transport to Sudan

Air travel to Sudan should be planned around the actual operating airport, the operating carrier and the legal conditions at every connection. A marketed flight may be operated by another airline under a codeshare arrangement. Identify which carrier performs each sector, where checked luggage is transferred and whether a change of terminal or airport requires passing through immigration. A cheap connection is not necessarily usable if the traveller lacks the relevant transit or entry permission.

The airline information below uses IATA’s membership directory retrieved on 2026-10-10. Membership is a useful way to identify registered carriers and their airline codes, but it is not a complete census of airlines, a flight timetable or a statement that every carrier operates passenger services. Cargo airlines may also appear. Registration in Sudan does not mean an airline serves the traveller’s departure city, and foreign airlines may be the practical option for reaching the destination. Consult the carrier and airport directly for current routes and operating restrictions.

IATA-listed carriers registered in this destination

Before paying for flights, check the spelling of the passenger name, passport validity, baggage entitlement, change conditions and refund rules. Compare a protected through-ticket with separate tickets: a missed connection on independently booked sectors may leave the traveller responsible for replacement transport and accommodation. Keep sufficient time for immigration, security screening and baggage collection, especially when arriving in Sudan after a long international connection.

For an island, remote settlement or seasonal route, review the consequences of cancellation as carefully as the outward journey. Weather, runway limitations and operating schedules may restrict alternatives. Keep essential medicines, identification, payment methods and a change of clothing in hand luggage. Carry the address of the first accommodation and a reliable arrival contact. Never assume that a visa exemption also removes an airline’s document checks, or that approval for the destination automatically covers a transit country.

How to plan a visa application for Sudan

Start with the intended activity rather than the name of a visa found on a commercial website. A short holiday, attendance at meetings, a paid assignment, an academic course and joining a spouse can require different permissions. Write a short factual description of the trip, its duration, who will pay and whether any work will be performed. The responsible authority can then assess the relevant category without relying on an ambiguous description such as “business travel”.

Next, establish which rules apply to the individual passport holder. Nationality, ordinary or diplomatic passport status, dual citizenship, existing residence permits and previous immigration history can affect the route. An entry exemption offered to one nationality should not be applied to another. Likewise, a resident of a neighbouring country may still need permission based on nationality. Where a guide quotes UK travel advice, its stated British-passport scope is retained; it is not a promise that another passport receives the same treatment in Sudan.

Identify the correct application channel through an official embassy, consulate, immigration department or government portal. Check whether the application must be made from the applicant’s country of nationality or legal residence, and whether a third-party centre is officially appointed. Search advertisements and a country-code website address are not adequate evidence of authorisation. Confirm the official fee, currency, payment method and process for obtaining a receipt before transferring money or uploading identity documents.

Build the evidence file around the published checklist for the selected category. Possible evidence can include a passport, photographs, a travel plan, accommodation details, financial records, an invitation or proof of a family relationship, but the required list must come from the authority. Names, dates and addresses should be consistent across forms and supporting documents. Explain genuine discrepancies honestly; do not alter a bank record, conceal a refusal or submit a reservation that is presented as paid when it is not.

If translations, certification or legalisation are required, establish the accepted language and format before commissioning them. A translation accepted by a university or employer may not satisfy the immigration authority. Keep the source document, translator’s certification and any required legalisation together. Ask whether a digital upload is sufficient or originals must be produced at an appointment. Where biometrics or an interview are requested, attendance arrangements and passport retention may affect other planned journeys.

Submit only after reviewing every answer and retain the application reference, payment receipt and a complete copy of the evidence. Monitor the official account or authorised communication channel for requests. Respond within the stated period and keep a record of what was supplied. Processing-time estimates are planning information rather than guarantees; do not invent a completion date for Sudan, and avoid non-refundable commitments until the documents and travel conditions are suitable.

When a decision is issued, examine the name, passport number, entry validity, permitted duration, number of entries and any activity restrictions. An approval letter may require a later step before boarding or after arrival. If an application is refused, read the reasons and the authority’s instructions for any review, appeal or new application. A different factual situation or corrected evidence should be explained clearly; repeatedly submitting an unchanged file is unlikely to resolve the underlying issue.

Sudan: official entry, safety and health information

Country-specific official material reproduced from UK FCDO travel advice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. The entry section is scoped to British passport holders as stated by the source; other nationalities must check their own requirements. Source last updated: 2026-05-11T16:07:13+01:00. Retrieved 2026-10-10. Read the current original advice.

Warnings and insurance

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO 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.

There have been several ceasefires, but these have been regularly broken.  

Monitor travel advice and other media reports for the latest information. 

Find out more about safety and security in Sudan. 

Get help in Sudan 

The 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. 

If 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. 

Leaving Sudan 

The UK government is no longer evacuating people from Sudan.  

FCDO 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. 

Use your own judgement to move towards a departure point if and when you judge it is safe to do so. 

The 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.   

Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk.  

FCDO cannot help non-British dependants of British nationals. 

Travel insurance  

If 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. 

About FCDO travel advice 

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

Entry requirements

This 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.  

The 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.  

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Sudan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You 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. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You must have a visa to enter Sudan.  

Applying for a visa 

You can apply for a visa through the Sudanese Embassy in the UK, or through the Sudanese embassy in the country you’re travelling from.  

Exit visas

If 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.  

Travel permits

You 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.  

Previous travel to Israel 

If your passport has an Israeli visa, entry or exit stamp, you will not be allowed to enter Sudan. 

Vaccine requirements  

To enter Sudan, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination. 

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Sudan guide. 

Registering with the authorities 

You 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.  

If 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. 

Children and young people 

As 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.  

You must get the letter stamped at the Sudanese Embassy in the UK before travel. 

If the father is absent, mothers or guardians must get a court order which shows they have sole custodial rights for the children.  

If the parents are divorced, you’ll need to show divorce documents. 

If the father has died, you’ll need to show the death certificate.  

Contact the Sudanese Embassy in the UK for more information. 

Customs rules 

There 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. 

Safety and security

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Sudan. 

Terrorism  

There 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.      

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Sudan 

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Sudan

Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners, such as: 

  • transport hubs 
  • hotels 
  • restaurants 
  • places of worship 
  • major gatherings 

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Red Sea military activity 

There 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. 

Security situation  

There is an ongoing conflict across Sudan following violent clashes, which started in April 2023. 

Crime 

There 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. 

 Types of crime include: 

  • looting 
  • burglaries and home invasions 
  • theft 
  • muggings 
  • demands for money at checkpoints 
  • mobile phone and bag-snatching, including drive-by bag-snatching by thieves on motorbikes 
  • aggressive begging, including attempts to open the doors of stopped vehicles 

To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings, you should: 

  • not leave valuable items on display 
  • keep doors locked and windows closed when driving  

If you’re stopped or attacked, comply with demands and do not resist. 

Criminal kidnap 

There 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. 

Humanitarian aid workers and journalists are viewed as legitimate targets.

Mobile phone and internet access 

There are regular communication blackouts. Mobile phone and internet services are not always available. Telecommunications networks could be disrupted without warning. 

Laws and cultural differences  

Personal ID 

It is a legal requirement to carry photographic ID, such as a passport, with you at all times. 

Dress code 

Non-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. 

Ramadan  

Sudan 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.

Alcohol and drug laws 

Non-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. 

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking. 

Using cameras in secure areas 

Due 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: 

  • government buildings 
  • military installations 
  • public utilities, including petrol stations 
  • other sensitive areas, such as bridges and airports  

Plain-clothed public security officers operate in these areas. 

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sudan and not tolerated in Sudanese society. This includes inviting guests into hotel rooms.   

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Relationships outside marriage 

It’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. 

Guests in hotel rooms 

It’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. 

Technical equipment 

You might need a licence to use some technical equipment in Sudan, including: 

  • satellite phones 
  • listening or recording devices 
  • radio transmitters 
  • powerful cameras or binoculars 

Contact the Sudanese Embassy in the UK before travelling for more information. 

Money 

It’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.  

You 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.  

British pounds are rarely exchanged. Only change money through banks or official exchange bureaus.  

Transport risks  

Road travel 

If you are planning to drive in Sudan, see information on driving abroad.  

You 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.  

Road conditions and safety 

Road travel will involve heightened levels of risk due to the current conflict and should only be undertaken if strictly necessary. 

Road conditions are poor. Roads, even major ones, might: 

  • be untarred or unsurfaced 
  • have potholes 
  • be used by pedestrians, donkey-carts and rickshaws

At 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. 

Road 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’. 

Sudanese law prohibits the use of mobile phones while driving. 

Air travel 

Khartoum 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.

There are no Sudanese airlines which currently meet the standards required to operate direct flights to the UK or EU. 

The 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. 

Sea travel 

There 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. 

If 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. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Rainy season 

Flash flooding can happen during the rainy season from July to October. Risks at this time of year include: 

  • flooding that can make areas inaccessible by road, including areas south of Khartoum 
  • dry riverbeds (‘wadis’) being hit by flash floods, with many only being passable on a major road 

Regional risks

This section has extra safety advice for regions of Sudan. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice. 

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.  

Travelling to Saudi Arabia from Port Sudan 

For information about arriving in Jeddah and entry requirements, see Saudi Arabia travel advice. 

If 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. 

Leaving Sudan by a land border

If you’re considering leaving Sudan across a land border, check that the border crossing will be open.

Sudan’s borders with Chad and Eritrea are currently closed. 

Check the travel advice for the country you will be entering to understand the entry requirements for that country and whether FCDO advises against travel.

Sudan-Egypt border 

Significant 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.  

There is almost no infrastructure at these border crossings. People are waiting several days to cross the border, with limited access to food and water. 

The British Embassy in Egypt does not have staff at the border. Our ability to provide help is very limited.  

If 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. 

See our Egypt travel advice for entry requirements, including information on visas.  

Health

Before you travel check that: 

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Healthcare in Sudan 

The current conflict has severely affected health services and many may be unavailable, including hospitals for British nationals in Khartoum. 

Medical 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. 

There is a particular risk to public health in areas of conflict where immunisation coverage is poor. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.  

Emergency services in Sudan have been severely impacted by the conflict and are often unresponsive.  

If you need emergency medical treatment you should make your own way to hospital, if you can. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

See what health risks you’ll face in Sudan, including:

  • cholera
  • malaria
  • yellow fever
  • dengue

TravelHealthPro has more information on malaria in Sudan.

Other health risks 

There 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.  

Medication  

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.  

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.  

Travel and mental health  

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.  

Expatriates, employment and immigration in Sudan

A temporary visit to Sudan and permission to reside there are separate planning questions. The terms “expatriate”, “immigrant” and “resident” describe circumstances, but they do not identify an immigration category by themselves. Determine the lawful basis for the intended stay and whether the application is made before travel or through a permitted procedure after arrival. This guide does not assume that a visitor can change status locally, obtain employment or remain indefinitely.

For employment, confirm whether the prospective employer must sponsor the applicant, obtain an approval or demonstrate particular conditions before the worker applies. Ask whether the permission is tied to a specific employer, occupation or location and what happens if the employment ends. Professional licensing, recognition of qualifications and an immigration work authorisation may be separate requirements. A job offer without the required permission should not be treated as a lawful start date.

International students should verify the institution, course eligibility and the immigration requirements directly with the competent offices. Admission, tuition payment and a student visa are separate milestones. Establish whether part-time work is allowed, whether dependants can accompany the student and what options exist after the course. Do not infer work rights or a settlement route from a school’s marketing claims. Keep a budget for study, accommodation, insurance and the return journey.

For family migration, establish which relationships are recognised and what evidence is accepted. Marriage, partnership, parenthood or dependency may involve different procedures, and a family member’s nationality does not automatically settle the applicant’s rights. Check income, accommodation or sponsorship requirements where applicable. Document custody and consent for children travelling with one parent. If names differ across civil records, obtain appropriate explanations and accepted supporting documents.

Long-term residence and citizenship should be researched as distinct stages. Temporary permits can expire, require renewal or impose limits on absence. Permanent status may have separate qualifying conditions, and naturalisation may involve language, residence, conduct or other legal tests. No number of years or automatic entitlement is promised here for Sudan. Before relying on a future route, ask the responsible authority or a qualified local adviser to identify the current provision and its conditions.

Practical preparation for living in Sudan

The language information for Sudan lists Arabic, English. Identify the language used by the office handling the application and by the intended employer, school, clinic or landlord. A multilingual country can have significant regional differences. Arrange interpretation when accuracy matters, particularly for a contract or medical consultation, and keep translated copies of essential information. Everyday language learning can help integration, but it does not replace a required certified translation.

Use Sudanese pound (SDG) as the starting point for a local budget and verify the monetary arrangements with the relevant central bank or financial institution. Avoid treating an old exchange-rate statistic as a quote for a present transaction. Separate immigration fees, transport, deposits, accommodation, utilities, insurance and professional charges. Compare the exchange rate, transfer fee and receiving-bank cost, and keep a reserve for a delayed arrival or an unexpected return journey.

An accommodation decision should follow the lawful duration and purpose of stay. Verify the property, the landlord’s authority and the contract before paying a deposit. Ask about utilities, notice periods, registration documents and refund conditions. A temporary booking can provide flexibility while the newcomer checks a neighbourhood and travel times. If accommodation evidence is needed for an application, confirm the accepted form with the authority rather than assuming that every informal invitation or booking is sufficient.

Healthcare preparation should reflect both the traveller’s health and the local services available. Review the country-specific health advice where supplied, consult an appropriate clinician for vaccinations or medication questions, and check the insurance wording. Carry prescriptions and establish the rules for importing controlled medicines. A familiar medicine brand may not be available in Sudan; plan continuity of treatment through a legitimate provider. Insurance should cover the actual activities and circumstances of the stay.

Families should assess schools, childcare, accessibility and the effect of the move on each member’s legal status. Check enrolment documents and whether translated academic or vaccination records are required. An adult’s work permission does not necessarily give a spouse work rights or a child access to every service. A realistic plan includes transport, communication, emergency contacts and arrangements if one family member’s application is delayed or refused.

Tax residence, immigration residence and access to public services can be governed by different rules. A person may need professional advice about income earned abroad, employment deductions or obligations in both the departure and destination jurisdictions. Do not infer tax treatment from an immigration label. Keep records of arrival and departure dates, contracts and payments, and ask a qualified adviser to identify the relevant rules for the actual circumstances.

After arrival, check whether a residence card, address registration, identity number or another local procedure is required by the authorised route. Maintain a calendar of expiry dates and renewal windows using the official instructions. Keep important records securely, with a backup available if a device is lost. When leaving Sudan, settle contractual obligations, retain payment evidence and check whether departure affects a continuing permission or a future return.

A preparation checklist for Sudan

Prepare one coherent personal record before consulting an adviser. It should state the traveller’s nationality, passport type, current legal residence, destination, intended dates and purpose. Include dependants and all transit points. This simple profile reduces misunderstandings and helps the adviser distinguish a visitor application from employment, study or family residence. Leave out unnecessary sensitive documents until the recipient and purpose have been verified.

Create a document register with the issuing body, issue date, expiry date, language and any certification requirement for each item. Note whether an original, copy or digital version is accepted. This is particularly useful for civil records and qualifications that may take time to obtain. A well-organised file makes it easier to answer a request for additional evidence without accidentally sending contradictory versions of the same document.

Use a financial worksheet that separates the application cost from the cost of the journey and the first period in Sudan. Record which payments are refundable and what conditions apply. A consultation charge, government visa fee, airline ticket and accommodation deposit are different transactions with different terms. Request itemised invoices and retain receipts; a single total described as a “visa package” can obscure what has actually been purchased.

Before submitting the application, read the form as a whole. Check dates against the itinerary, employment details against the contract and funds against the stated budget. Where an explanation is needed, make it factual and concise. If a representative prepares the application, review it yourself before signing. Responsibility for the truth of the information should not be delegated to an adviser or a travel agent.

Before departure, check the current official entry and travel advice, the transport operating status, the documents required at boarding and any arrival formalities. Download essential records for offline use and keep paper copies where practical. Share the itinerary with a trusted contact and confirm the first arrival transfer. A complete application file is useful, but it is the current permission and actual travel conditions that determine whether the planned journey can proceed.

Choosing assistance for a Sudan application

Select a consultant by relevant experience and a clear written scope. Ask which part of the process the consultation covers: identifying an appropriate category, explaining a checklist, reviewing evidence or representing the applicant where permitted. The adviser should distinguish general preparation from legal representation and identify any local licensing or authorisation required for the service. A confident sales statement is not a substitute for a source-backed explanation.

Request a written fee breakdown and understand what is excluded. Government charges, translations, courier costs, appointments and further representation may be separate. Ask who will handle the file, how questions are answered and what records the customer receives. A consultant should not promise guaranteed approval or claim influence over the decision-maker. The authority responsible for Sudan determines the outcome under the applicable rules.

When using VisaWand, compare the profile, the consultation scope and the displayed fee before booking. The consultation is an opportunity to clarify the route and preparation; it does not itself create entry permission. Keep control of original documents, email accounts and official application credentials. Provide sensitive material only through an appropriate verified channel, and ask how it will be stored, used and deleted when the service ends.

Sources, dates and attribution

Country metadata: mledoze/countries, Open Database Licence. Historical extracts: CIA World Factbook, public domain, final archived edition. FCDO extracts: © Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0. Maps: original VisaWand artwork using public-domain Natural Earth data.

Source collection date: 2026-10-10. Archived Factbook profile date: December 22, 2025. Government advice snapshot last updated: 2026-05-11T16:07:13+01:00.

Licences: Open Database Licence · Open Government Licence v3.0. Country identifiers include territories and do not imply a position on international recognition. Download the derived country-facts database (ODbL).

Plan your next step in Sudan

Compare consultants, explore local cities or return to the complete guide library.

Plan your next journey with confidence

Get visa news, practical application tips and destination updates delivered to your inbox. Subscribe free and stay prepared for your next step.

Visa Help

How can we help?

Find a consultant for your plans or prepare for your first consultation.

Find my consultant Request a consultation Read visa guides Contact VisaWand