Sudan

Armed conflict is occurring across the country. Heavy fighting, gunfire and explosions are ongoing. The security situation remains volatile, and violence could escalate with short notice. 

There are reports of assaults, home invasions and looting, including on road departure routes. Foreigners and staff of international organisations have been the target of attacks and assaults, including sexual assault. Further violence could occur, including in places frequented by foreigners. Remain vigilant at all times, including around large crowds. 

There are disruptions to critical infrastructure and essential services, including road and bridge closures, electricity and telecommunications outages, restrictions to healthcare services and shortages of medical supplies.

If you choose to remain in Sudan or are not confident in the safety and reliability of any departure option, be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period. 

To stay safe, you should:

• adopt appropriate personal security measures
• keep adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, cash and medication
• keep your phone and batteries charged
• take a photo of, and keep your passport and other travel documents with you and up to date
• monitor the media to stay informed on the evolving situation.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Sudan and our ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited (see 'Local contacts').

Leaving Sudan 

If you're in Sudan, you should depart immediately if it's safe to do so.  There may be commercial departure options from Port Sudan and Port Suakin. You must have valid travel documentation and visas to exit Sudan and enter Saudi Arabia or Egypt. Confirm the exact requirements with your transport provider. Khartoum International Airport is closed. 

Overland travel is becoming more dangerous, including to border areas. You should consider the risks for any departure route, including during ceasefires. Any travel options, including convoys, are taken at your own risk. Make sure you have up-to-date travel documents and visas. 

Contact your friends and family as soon as possible to let them know you’re safe. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 62613305 outside Australia.

There are reports of visa scams impersonating the Department of Home Affairs. A fake visa won’t be recognised in Australia. To protect yourself from visa scams, you should only deal with official Australian Government channels such as the departmental website, reputable travel agents, Australian Visa Application Centres, or the Australian High Commission or Embassy.

Borders 

You may not be able to cross some land borders. Do not travel to neighbouring Libya, Chad, Central African Republic and South Sudan. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. You should carefully review our travel advice for any neighbouring country and ensure you have the correct documentation for entry. 

Landmines and unexploded remnants of war are a danger, particularly in the Eastern States and Southern Kordofan. Use main roads and paths labelled as cleared by a competent de-mining authority.

Large-scale protests and demonstrations can take place anywhere. There have been reports of violence against protestors, including arbitrary arrests and deaths. Protests can occur at short notice and turn violent quickly.

Avoid demonstrations and areas of possible unrest. Avoid public spaces in the period surrounding Friday prayers. Remain vigilant and limit your movements.

Internet and phone services continue to experience disruptions and remain unreliable.

Roadblocks and checkpoints continue to be imposed throughout Khartoum and across Sudan. If you encounter a roadblock, remain calm and seek an alternative route. Do not attempt to force your way through it.

Politically motivated protests, including anti-Western rallies, occur.

The use of weapons is common. Conflict can escalate rapidly.

Curfews are imposed with little or no warning. Observe curfews and follow the advice of local authorities.

Security forces may continue to:

• ban unauthorised public gatherings
• give security forces increased powers to arrest, restrict movement and seize assets, and
• close border crossings at short notice.

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continues across the country. Violent and ongoing clashes among rebel groups and within the Sudanese Armed Forces have been reported.

Violent skirmishes occur between local communities and armed groups in Abyei.

Violence has resulted in the deaths of thousands and displaced millions of people.

Darfur remains dangerous and is an active conflict zone. The security situation remains volatile.

Civilians, including foreign workers, could be affected by violence directed at others.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Foreigners have been the target of attacks. Further violence could occur, including in places frequented by foreigners. Remain vigilant at all times.

Terrorist groups have previously stated their intent to harm foreigners through suicide operations, bombings, shootings, and kidnappings.

Targets have included:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• airports and other public transport hubs
• sites frequented by foreigners
• tourist attractions
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• shopping centres and markets
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts and sporting events.

To protect yourself if you travel to Sudan despite the risks:

• vary routes and patterns of movement
• avoid travel at night, including in Khartoum and other urban areas
• avoid crowded areas and other possible targets
• monitor the media for threats, curfews and other restrictions
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If you're travelling outside urban areas, arrange personal security. 

Avoid the area after an attack because of the risk of secondary attacks.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

To protect yourself from crime:

• Remain alert to possible threats.
• Take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
• Leave valuable items out of sight.
• Keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times.
• If you’re stopped, avoid confrontation.

Foreigners are targeted for robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking elsewhere in Sudan and particularly in Darfur.

Banditry is widespread throughout western Sudan. Particularly in the Darfur and Chad–Sudan border regions, where several incidents have resulted in deaths.

Sexual assault is common in areas of armed conflict.

Due to the high risk of HIV/AIDS infection, if you are a victim of violent crime, especially rape, seek immediate medical assistance outside of Sudan.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnapping is a serious risk, including in Khartoum and Darfur region. Foreigners, humanitarian aid workers and journalists have been kidnapped. 

People trafficking groups operate in:

• the south and east of Sudan along the border with Eritrea and Ethiopia
• some northern states

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping: 

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone
• vary your movements and don’t set patterns
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping

Sudan can experience severe weather, including:

• high temperatures
• sand and dust storms
• flooding

The temperature can be extremely high. It can reach more than 50˚C.

Sudan experiences regular sand and dust storms.

The rainy season is from July to October. Seasonal flooding can affect overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Ensure you check local weather reports, avoid flood affected areas and adhere to instructions by local authorities.

To protect yourself if severe weather is approaching:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

Sudan experiences outbreaks of cholera, acute watery diarrhoea, dengue fever, measles, mpox and polio. 

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in Sudan. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria is a risk all year.

Other insect-borne diseases include these listed by the World Health Organization:

• dengue
• Zika virus
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• river blindness
• African sleeping sickness

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common.

Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

If you're exposed to a risk of infection get immediate medical assistance outside Sudan. This includes if you are the victim of a violent crime or sexual assault.

Other infectious diseases

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. Including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• typhoid
• cholera
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• polio (poliomyelitis)
• meningitis
• viral haemorrhagic fevers
• Rift Valley fever
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• don't swim in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Sudan for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll need to be evacuated if you get seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation may not be possible and can be very expensive. Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Sudan. 

Due to the conflict several hospitals are out of service, especially in the Khartoum area. Medical facilities are basic in Khartoum and inadequate elsewhere.

You may need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe.

More information:

• Carrying and using drugs

Other laws

Sudan follows Islamic sharia law.

Seek legal advice about family law matters, including divorce, custody and child support.

Be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Serious crime

Serious crime, such as murder, can attract the death penalty.

Some offences attract physical punishment such as lashes.

In Sudan it's illegal to:

• have same-sex relationships
• have extra-marital relations
• try to convert a Muslim to Christianity

Non-Muslims can drink alcohol, but not in the company of Muslims.

Photography

You need a permit for photography of any kind.

Even with a permit, you can't photograph:

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Sudan recognises dual nationality.

Local authorities can decide whether they consider you Sudanese or Australian.

In practice, dual Australian-Sudanese nationals are treated as Sudanese.

This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour.

If you're a woman, wear a headscarf and loose clothing to cover the arms and legs.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

We continue to advise do not travel to Sudan. The security situation remains volatile. Overland travel is becoming more dangerous, including to border areas. See ‘Safety’.

Visa conditions

If, despite our advice you travel to Sudan, you'll need a visa to enter.

Getting a visa can take several months. Visas are not granted automatically.

Visitors on a single-entry visa need to obtain an exit visa to leave the country. However, this is not always enforced. Visa and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. This includes currency, customs and quarantine.

Contact the Embassy of Sudan in Canberra for the latest details.

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sudan. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (pdf)

Border measures

If your passport has an Israeli visa or Israeli entry/exit stamps you won’t be allowed to enter Sudan. This can happen even if you have a valid Sudanese visa.

Most government ministries are now operating from Port Sudan. Check with local authorities for up-to-date requirements.

In 2020, Sudan introduced new laws allowing women to travel with their children outside of the country without the consent of the children's father. However, this law may not be applied consistently, and women and children may encounter difficulties exiting Sudan without the consent of the children's father. Please refer to the Travelling with children Smartraveller page for further information.

Airport departure taxes apply.

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The local currency is the Sudanese Pound (SDG). You can’t convert outside the country and it’s illegal to export it.

Non-Sudanese credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, even at large hotels. Make sure you have enough cash with you. Take unmarked US dollars dated from 2006.

ATMs only accept local bank cards and there are limits to cash withdrawals. Western Union and other money transfer systems are currently unreliable. 

Change money through banks or official exchange bureaus. It’s illegal to exchange currency outside of official banking channels. You could be fined or go to prison.

Road travel

We continue to advise do not travel to Sudan. The security situation remains volatile. Overland travel is dangerous, including to border areas. 

You should consider the risks carefully for any departure route, including during ceasefires. Any travel options are taken at your own risk.

You may not be able to cross some land borders. Do not travel to neighbouring Libya, Chad, Central African Republic and South Sudan. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. You should carefully review our travel advice for any neighbouring country, including Egypt and Ethiopia. 

Prior to the conflict authorities strictly enforced permit regulations for travel outside of Khartoum. Current arrangements are unclear.

If you encounter a roadblock, remain calm and seek an alternative route. Do not attempt to force your way through it.

Road traffic accidents are common. If you use public transport or vehicles for hire such as rickshaws and ‘amjad minivans’, you are at higher risk.

Road conditions are poor and many roads, even major ones, are unsealed or have potholes.

Crowds can gather following accidents and can become violent.

Landmines and unexploded remnants of war are a danger, particularly in the Eastern States and Southern Kordofan. Use main roads and paths labelled as cleared by a competent de-mining authority.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Driving permit

You’ll need a valid international driving permit (IDP). Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines. Book these through your hotel.

Take care when travelling alone at night.

Public transport

Avoid using public transport as safety and maintenance standards are poor.

Boat travel

Piracy occurs in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

All forms of shipping are attractive to pirates, including:

• commercial vessels
• pleasure craft
• luxury cruise liners

To protect yourself when travelling by boat:

• check the International Maritime Bureau piracy reports
• be alert to threats
• exercise extreme caution

Air travel

All Sudanese-registered airlines are banned from operating in European airspace.

There have been hijackings in the past.

Check Sudan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you could contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 777.

Medical emergencies

Call 333 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 999 or visit the police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

There are limits to what consular assistance we can provide in high-risk locations. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Sudan.

You can get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Cairo. Consular services may be severely limited due to local measures.

Australian Embassy, Cairo

11th floor, North Tower, World Trade Centre
1191 Corniche El Nil
Boulaq, Cairo, Egypt

Phone: +20 2 2770 6600
Email: consular.cairo@dfat.gov.au 
Website: www.egypt.embassy.gov.au
Facebook Australian Embassy in Egypt
X: @AusAmbEGY

See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia