Sudan offers an extraordinary journey through ancient Nubian civilization, home to more pyramids than Egypt. From the UNESCO-listed Pyramids of Meroe to the confluence of the Blue and White Nile in Khartoum, Sudan presents a unique blend of archaeological wonders and vibrant Sudanese culture.
Sudan is currently experiencing an active civil conflict that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, affecting Khartoum, Darfur, and other regions. Most governments advise against all travel to Sudan; any visit requires thorough pre-trip research, registration with your embassy, and strict adherence to security protocols.
Current safety advisory
High
Active armed conflict ongoing since April 2023. Most Western governments issue Do Not Travel advisories for Sudan. Khartoum, Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile State have experienced heavy fighting. Port Sudan in Red Sea State is relatively more stable but conditions change rapidly.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Do Not Travel (Level 4)
Do not travel to Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and crime. Consular services suspended in Khartoum.
Advise Against All Travel
FCDO advises against all travel to Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict and high risk to personal safety.
Déconseillé (sauf raison impérative)
Travel to Sudan strongly discouraged except for compelling reasons; conflict makes the country extremely dangerous.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Sudan has an active conflict since April 2023 - check your government travel advisory; most countries advise against all travel. Do not enter without fully understanding current conditions.
Register with your country's embassy immediately upon arrival; the US Embassy suspended operations in April 2023, so US citizens should register with another allied embassy.
Avoid all areas of active fighting: Khartoum, Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile State have seen heavy fighting. Only visit areas officially deemed accessible.
Photography is heavily restricted - never photograph government buildings, military installations, bridges, airports, or uniformed personnel. Confiscation and arrest are real risks.
Carry a certified Arabic translation of all documents; police checkpoints are common and officers rarely speak English. Keep photocopies of passport separate from the original.
Alcohol is completely illegal in Sudan; possession or consumption carries severe penalties including prison and flogging. Do not attempt to bring alcohol into the country.
Dress conservatively at all times - women should cover hair, arms, and legs in public. Men should avoid shorts outside beach or resort areas. Respect local Islamic customs.
Malaria is endemic - take prophylaxis before travel, sleep under insecticide-treated nets, and use DEET repellent. Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from endemic country.
Drink only sealed bottled water; avoid ice, raw salads, and unpeeled fruits. Tap water is not safe. Stomach illness is very common among travelers.
Arrange cash before traveling - credit cards are rarely accepted, ATMs are unreliable, and international banking sanctions may complicate wire transfers. Bring USD or EUR in small denominations.
Use only licensed taxis agreed in advance; do not accept rides from strangers. Negotiate fares before getting in. Ride-hailing apps are not widely available.
Sudanese law criminalizes same-sex relations - LGBTQ+ travelers face severe legal risks and should exercise extreme caution.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial Money Changing
Street money changers offer attractive exchange rates but are illegal and often cheat tourists with short-changing, counterfeit notes, or deliberate confusion during the exchange.
How to avoid: Use only licensed exchange bureaus at hotels or official banks; never exchange money on the street
Fake Tour Guides
Unofficial guides at archaeological sites may demand payment for services not requested, or guide visitors away from site guards and officials to avoid scrutiny.
How to avoid: Arrange guides in advance through hotels; ask for official guide identification at major sites
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxis and even licensed taxis quote vastly inflated prices to foreigners with no meter to verify.
How to avoid: Negotiate the fare firmly before getting in; ask hotel staff what a fair price should be for your route
Photography Arrest Threat
Some officials or individuals threaten arrest for photography near semi-restricted areas to extract bribes, even if the photography was not actually illegal.
How to avoid: Never photograph government buildings, bridges, or military facilities; be prepared to show you deleted photos if approached
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, rabies (if animal contact likely), routine vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Water
- NOT safe to drink. Drink only bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth.
- Food
- Facilities
- Pharmacies available in major cities like Khartoum
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Sudan is extremely high risk given the ongoing armed conflict. In stable periods before 2023, solo travelers could visit safely with proper precautions; currently, any travel requires a security team, confirmed contacts, and active conflict monitoring. Tips: register with your embassy before arrival, share your itinerary with trusted contacts daily, carry emergency contacts in Arabic, and have an evacuation plan.
Female travellers
Female travelers face significant additional challenges in Sudan beyond the conflict risk. Conservative Islamic customs require women to dress modestly at all times with hair, arms, and legs covered. Foreign women traveling alone attract attention and some harassment. Tips: dress conservatively without exception, avoid being alone in public especially at night, travel with a male companion when possible in conservative areas, and stay in international hotels for best security.
Families
Family travel to Sudan is not recommended under current conflict conditions. In stable periods, Sudan is a surprisingly family-friendly destination with Sudanese people being very welcoming to children. Tips: travel only during November-February for safe temperatures, bring comprehensive first aid supplies as medical facilities are limited outside Khartoum, use private transport with reliable drivers, and keep children's dress conservative.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relations are criminalized in Sudan under Sharia law with penalties ranging from imprisonment to flogging and potentially death. LGBTQ+ travelers face severe legal risk and should not travel to Sudan. Any displays of same-sex affection are illegal and dangerous. Exercise complete discretion if travel is unavoidable.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 999
- Medical
- 333
- Embassy
- Tourist Police