Orientation briefing in Sudan

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. 

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. 

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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 

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.  

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: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Sudan 
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

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.