Travel Summary
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We are aware of reports of a potential threat to aviation security on the route between Juba, Sudan and Kampala, Uganda. We urge all travellers to remain vigilant at all times and to report anything suspicious to the authorities.
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We advise against all travel to the following parts of Sudan: the Red Sea State border with Eritrea, Darfur except the three State capitals of El Geneina, Nyala and El Fasher, Abyei in South Kordofan, within 40kms inside of Southern Sudan’s borders. See the relevant Local Travel section of this Travel Advice.
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We advise against all but essential travel to the following parts of Sudan: El Geneina, Nyala and El Fasher in Darfur, all parts of southern Sudan (including Juba), areas west of the towns of an-Nahud and al-Fula in North Kordofan up to the Darfur border. See the relevant Local Travel section of this Travel Advice.
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There have been anti-government demonstrations in and near Khartoum and other major cities across Sudan in December 2009. Some have turned violent; further demonstrations may take place. See the Local Travel section of this Travel Advice
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The security situation in Darfur remains unstable. Banditry is widespread. There have been several incidents involving NGO and UN staff and some African Union peace monitoring troops have been killed. There have been a number of kidnappings between March and November involving NGO workers and peace-keepers in Darfur. You should exercise a high level of vigilance and extreme caution at all times. See the Local Travel (Darfur and North Kordofan) sections of this Travel Advice.
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The International Criminal Court announced on 4 March 2009 its decision to issue an arrest warrant for President Bashir for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. There have been a number of rallies and demonstrations around Khartoum and other towns since the announcement. Those currently in or considering travel to Sudan should keep abreast of the latest situation, check the Travel Advice regularly, and register using our LOCATE service and with your local Embassy warden. See the Safety and Security section of this travel for more details. You should be aware that the capacity of the Embassy to assist in times of crisis will be limited and we recommend that you consider your own travel arrangements should there be the need to leave at short notice, ensuring you have up-to-date travel documents and visas.
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The Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in January 2005 brought to an end the north-south civil war. However, some areas remain tense. You should remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations or similar large gatherings in public places. See the Political Situation section of this Travel Advice.
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Southern Sudan remains volatile with regular outbreaks of violence and lawlessness. Since the beginning of 2009 there have been major incidents involving loss of life, including Malakal / Upper Nile State and Jonglei. Hundreds of people were killed in fighting in Jonglei State in August 2009 and tensions remain high.
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There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- 16 British nationals required consular assistance in Sudan in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (1 case); and arrests, for a variety of offences (8 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (13 cases).
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and our Travel Insurance page.
Safety and security
Terrorism/Security
There is a general threat from terrorism in Sudan. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Statements by terrorist groups have called for a 'jihad' in Sudan and have specifically mentioned Western interests.
On 26 August 2008 a Sun Air plane travelling from Nyala, Southern Darfur, to Khartoum was hijacked and flown to Libya. All 95 passengers were released without harm.
In August 2007 and January 2008, Sudanese authorities made a series of arrests to disrupt a terrorist cell suspected of targeting specific Western interests in Khartoum.
On 1 January 2008, a US Diplomat and a US Embassy driver were shot and killed in the Riyadh area of Khartoum. The perpetrators were arrested later in January. Two were sentenced to the death penalty on June 24, 2009. If you intend to travel in or around Khartoum, you should exercise caution, especially at night, and change your patterns of movement. You should bear this in mind when considering attending prominent social events on predictable dates.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant on 4 March for President Bashir. Following the announcement, there have been a number of demonstrations in Khartoum and other cities and towns. We continue to monitor the situation closely and advise those currently in Sudan to maintain a high level of vigilance, to keep a low profile and avoid crowds. As a precaution in case of demonstrations which might inhibit movement, you are advised to maintain several days’ stock of food and water. If a demonstration or rally occurs in your locality we advise you to remain inside until it has passed.
For more general advice see our Terrorism Abroad page.
Crime
The incidence of street crime in Khartoum and other major northern Sudanese cities, with the exception of Darfur, is low compared to many parts of Africa. However, you should exercise caution, particularly after dark.
For more general advice see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.
Political Situation
Sudan Country Profile
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in January 2005 brought to an end the north-south civil war. The ruling National Congress Party and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army formed a Government of National Unity on 20 September 2005, and the devolved Government of Southern Sudan was formed on 22 October 2005. In May, the National Elections Commission announced a timetable for national elections, which are now scheduled to be held in April 2010.
New negotiations to resolve the Darfur conflict began in Doha in February between the Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement resulting in the signing of an ‘Agreement of Goodwill and Confidence building’. These negotiations are ongoing.
The humanitarian situation continues to worsen (over two and a half million people have been displaced by the fighting in Darfur). Since January 2008, the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) started deploying a joint peace support operation (UNAMID). International pressure on the Government of Sudan to address the situation in Darfur is resented in some parts of Sudan, and there have been demonstrations against international actions.
Elsewhere, the United Nations maintains a peace support mission throughout Sudan (UNMIS), with particular focus on the south.
The Ugandan rebel group the Lords Resistance Army (LRA), which has been responsible for a large number of murders and abductions in northern Uganda, also has a presence inside southern Sudan. Talks between the Government of Uganda and the LRA have been ongoing in Southern Sudan since July 2006 and progress has been made, but despite considerable regional and international efforts the final peace agreement remains unsigned by the LRA. Uganda, in co-operation with the DRC and South Sudan, launched military attacks against the LRA camps in DRC in December 2008, in response to the LRA refusal to sign the peace agreement and continuing LRA attacks against civilians in DRC and southern Sudan. If you intend to visit southern Sudan you should remain wary of the threat from the LRA and other militia groups (see section on Southern Sudan below).
Local Travel
We are aware of reports of a potential threat to aviation security on the route between Juba, Sudan and Kampala, Uganda. We urge all travellers to remain vigilant at all times and to report anything suspicious to the authorities.
General
Demonstrations can occur at short notice in Khartoum and in other major cities. These are often in response to international events, but not exclusively. Anti-government demonstrations took place in early December in Khartoum and Omdurman city. The demonstrations turned violent following the intervention of local security forces. Incidences could occur again in Khartoum and other major cities. Visitors and residents are therefore advised to be aware of the potential for demonstrations, to avoid crowds, to maintain their awareness of the local situation by monitoring the local media and to keep away from any demonstrations that do occur.
Visitors intending to travel by land to neighbouring countries should first check the visa requirements for entry at border crossings. These may be different to when entering via an international airport.
Desert travel within Sudan should be attempted only if you are fully equipped and experienced.
Permits, obtained locally, are required for all travel to many destinations outside Khartoum, including to Darfur.
Please note the following specific localised warnings, and consult the British Embassy in Khartoum if you intend to travel to the following areas:
Demonstrations can occur at short notice in Khartoum, often in response to international events. Visitors and residents are advised to be aware of the potential for demonstrations and keep away from any that occur.
On 10 May 2008, JEM rebels launched an attack on Omdurman, a city close to Khartoum on the west bank of the Nile. The attack was repelled by Government forces.
Darfur States
We advise against all travel to the three Darfur states (North Darfur, West Darfur and South Darfur) with the exception of the state capitals El Fasher, El Geneina and Nyala where we recommend against all but essential travel.
The security situation in Darfur is volatile and unstable, particularly outside the three state capitals. In addition to fighting, widespread lawlessness and banditry throughout Darfur, there have been a number of kidnaps of expatriate and Sudanese NGO employees and peace keepers in recent months in Darfur and the bordering areas of Chad and of the Central African Republic (CAR).
On the 22 October 2009 an aid worker was kidnapped in Geneina in West Darfur. On 28 August, two UNAMID employees were kidnapped outside Zalingei in West Darfur. On 3 July, two aid workers were kidnapped near Kutum, 100km north-west of El-Fasher in Darfur, they were released without harm on the 18 October 2009. On 11 March 2009 five aid workers were kidnapped in the Saraf Umra area, 150km west of El Fasher, theses five hostages were released without harm. In addition there have been two instances of aid workers being kidnapped in Eastern Chad, close to the border with Darfur (one in August, one in November) and one instance in CAR, again, close to the Darfur border, in November. There continue to be instances of attacks on and detention of humanitarian workers and clearly identified humanitarian vehicles throughout Darfur. There are regular reports of attacks, looting and detention of humanitarian convoys and premises. You should exercise a high level of vigilance.
NGO workers should ensure that they have co-ordinated their movements with UN Security and ensure that all necessary parties have been notified. Great caution is needed if you intend to travel at night. Overnight curfews are routinely imposed throughout Darfur and these should be respected if you are in Darfur.
Fighting between government and rebel forces continues to be a threat in Darfur and has previously resulted in the closure of the airport in El Fasher. Fighting amongst rebel and Government of Sudan forces and aerial bombing, occurred around Muhajiriya in South Darfur between 10 and 27 January 2009. Since November 2007, there has been fighting in the borders between West Darfur and Chad.
Armed groups in Darfur may target people associated with the joint AU/UN peacekeeping mission (UNAMID). The armed groups may engage in violence and attacks, and may not distinguish between official and civilian targets. On 17 March a routine UNAMID patrol was ambushed outside Nyala resulting in the death of one soldier.
The Sudanese Government requires that anyone seeking entry to the Darfur area, for whatever purpose, must first obtain a special permit.
Rest of Northern Sudan
North Kordofan State:
We advise against all but essential travel to areas west of the towns of an-Nahud and al-Fula in North Kordofan, which borders Darfur.
In August 2007, two Darfuri rebel groups, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudanese Liberation Army-Unity (SLA-Unity), attacked a Sudanese army base in Wad Banda in North Kordofan. You should be aware of the risk of rebel attacks spreading outside Darfur and exercise extreme caution at all times.
Northern State:
In September 2008 19 people were kidnapped whilst on safari in the Karkur Talh area on the Egypt/Sudan border. All hostages were released unharmed. We advise extreme caution if you are considering travelling to this area.
Kassala and Red Sea States:
We advise against all travel to the Eritrean border with the Red Sea State. The Sudanese border with Eritrea in this area has been subject to instability due to the low poverty levels and high level of smuggling across the border. The situation is calm at present, but we currently advise against travel to the border as the situation could deteriorate rapidly.
Travel to eastern Sudan, particularly the major cities, is currently possible. There have not been any recent security incidents. If travelling by road in Kassala state we advise that you remain on the major roads.
Southern Sudan
We advise against all travel within 40kms of Southern Sudan’s international borders.
Western and Central Equatoria StatesThe Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) are thought to be responsible for a number of attacks since October 2005 against vehicles containing aid workers in Equatoria, southern Sudan and northern Uganda. Sporadic attacks against civilians have resulted in fatalities (including of one British national) and serious injuries. On 14 December 2008 Ugandan, DRC and Southern Sudanese forces launched joint military action against LRA bases in DRC, in response to LRA leader Kony’s failure to sign a peace agreement negotiated with the Government of Uganda. If you are currently in the region you should exercise extreme caution, think carefully about your security and whether you need to remain. Some attacks have taken place in daylight hours and close to population centres; even major towns like Yambio are vunerable to attack.
Rest of Southern Sudan
We advise against all but essential travel to other parts of southern Sudan, including Juba. Since October 2006 there have been a series of violent incidents east and south of the town resulting in around 50 deaths.
Throughout 2008 there were a spate of armed attacks on residential compounds, hotels and restaurants used by NGOs and UN staff. These were characterised by armed robbery accompanied by violence, including in at least one case the mock execution of a member of staff. Although the frequency of these attacks has decreased since the peak in April/May 2008, there have been occasional further incidents. You should consider carefully the security arrangements for any accommodation you use.
Generally, the situation on the ground in southern Sudan is volatile. Violent crime is also a problem, both in population centres and rural areas. Despite the signing of the CPA, arms remain in circulation and there are regular reports of armed militias. Since the start of 2009 there have been major breakdowns in law and order in Malakal/Upper Nile State. Jonglei State, Yei (Central Equatoria) and Kopoeta (Eastern Equatoria), among others. In the most recent of these, in Jonglei State in August 2009, hundreds of people were killed.
Travel in the south is not straightforward, particularly during the rainy season when many roads become impassable, and parts of the country become inaccessible and cut-off (from July to October/November). As well as the logistical challenges in travelling around, there is also the problem of insecurity: attacks are frequent, even on major routes (e.g. the Juba to Bor road). If you do need to travel in Southern Sudan, we advise against travel at night and outside major population centres.
South Kordofan State/Nuba Mountains region:
We advise against all travel to Abyei. Heavy fighting in the Abyei (South Kordofan) region occurred between in May 2008. The UN and other international organisations evacuated their civilian staff from the area, although some have since returned. Tensions between tribal elements in the area remain high with further significant violence in December 2008.
In October 2008, nine Chinese workers from the Chinese National Petroleum Cooperation were kidnapped about 50 km south of Muglad in Southern Kordofan. Five hostages subsequently died and four were released. Foreign personnel in the oil fields of south Sudan have occasionally been subject to brief "abductions" without ransom, usually linked to labour disputes involving oil companies.
The threat of further attacks on oil and gas industry targets in the area remains. You must be vigilant at all times and exercise caution when travelling / working in the area. You should register with the British Embassy in Khartoum on arrival in Sudan.
You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
The Nuba Mountains have been subject to a cease-fire since 2002, and this has been incorporated into the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. International personnel have participated in a peace-monitoring mission since 2002 (which has now been taken over by the UN), and the cease-fire has largely been upheld. On occasions, unofficial visitors to the Nuba Mountains area have been arrested and held in detention.
Sudan General
Road Travel
You are at risk of involvement in traffic accidents when using public transport, as many vehicles are unsafe.
The driving conditions and standards in Sudan are below those in the UK and other European countries. Only major roads are metalled. Residential areas usually have unsurfaced roads. At night, there is generally no street lighting and many vehicles have no lights. Roads are used by pedestrians, donkey-carts and rickshaws, as well as motor vehicles.
Outside Khartoum, some major routes between towns have good roads. Off the beaten track, roads may consist of a rough track and in many areas, not even that – especially in Southern Sudan. Any journeys not following a major route or road should include a local guide with experience of the area. Many areas south of Khartoum become inaccessible by road during the rainy season from July to October. The wadis (dry riverbeds) are subject to dangerous flash floods and many are not passable during the rains unless travelling on a major road.
Although drivers need a licence and insurance, many do not have these. You should ensure that you obtain adequate insurance.. You can drive in Sudan using a full UK driving licence for a maximum period of three months. You can obtain local driving licences from the police traffic department.There are no restrictions on women driving in Sudan.
Sudanese law prohibits the use of mobile phones whilst driving.
Air TravelThere are serious doubts about the reliability and safety of internal flights operated by Sudanese airlines and HMG staff have been instructed to use alternatives to domestic services in Sudan.
In addition, Air West has been refused permission to operate services to the EU because it does not meet international safety standards.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation reported in October 2008 that there have been 21 known major accidents to Sudan airline operators during the last five years, nine of which resulted in fatalities; and that there have been 16 known major accidents to foreign airline aircraft in Sudan in the last five years, two of which resulted in fatalities.
You should ensure that onward or return flights are reconfirmed with the airline at least 72 hours before departure.
For more general information see Airline Security.
Sea Travel
Mariners should be aware that incidents of piracy have been reported in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and are advised to exercise vigilance and seek local advice.
For more general advice see our River and Sea Safety page.
Local laws and customs
Local laws reflect the fact that Northern Sudan and the capital Khartoum are predominantly Muslim. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see
Travelling during Ramadan.
Northern Sudan operates Islamic Sharia Law. Alcohol is not permitted. Under the terms of the Sudanese constitution, until the referendum on secession of Southern Sudan takes place, Sharia law will apply in the states of Northern Sudan, but not Southern Sudan. Although the constitution specifies that in the national capital, Khartoum, non-Muslims shall not be subject to Sharia law, at present this has not resulted in any practical changes and you should expect Sharia law to apply.
Non-Muslim women are not expected to wear a veil or cover their heads, but you should dress modestly and respect local customs and sensitivities.
Homosexual practices and extra marital relations are illegal and subject to severe penalties under Islamic Sharia law. Sudanese society is not tolerant of homosexual relationships.
There is no legal requirement to carry identification documents but we recommend that you carry a form of photo identification with you at all times.
There are severe penalties for drug trafficking in Sudan.
All photography requires a formal photographic permit. A permit can be obtained following an application to the External Information Centre (part of the Ministry of Information). We advise against taking photographs close to Government Buildings, military installations and other sensitive areas (bridges, airports etc).
For more general advice see for different types of travellers see our
Your Trip page.
Entry requirements
Visas
British Citizens require visas to visit Sudan. These should be obtained in advance of travel. Please contact the Sudanese Embassy in London.
If you have a flight out of Sudan, you should note that there are strict exit visa requirements and you must ensure that your travel documents are up to date.
If you do not hold a diplomatic passport you are required to register with the Aliens Department within three days of your arrival in the country (two passport size photos are needed and the fee is the Sudanese Pound equivalent of around £35). Once registered, you are not required to obtain an exit visa to leave the country. You are required to pay US$20 per person airport tax.
You must obtain a permit before travelling outside of Khartoum but within Sudan, you must also register with the police at your new destination within 24 hours of arrival.
If your passport has an Israeli visa or Israeli entry/exit stamps you will not be allowed to enter Sudan.
Passport ValidityYour Passport must have a minimum of six months validity from the date of arrival in Sudan.
Travelling with childrenSingle parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the
Sudanese Embassy in London.
Health
As a general rule, GP facilities in Khartoum are adequate but the hospitals are not suitable for elective problems and only suitable for stabilisation of serious medical problems prior to evacuation.
In Southern Sudan, health facilities are extremely limited – especially outside of Juba. Most serious medical problems would require a “medevac” to Nairobi or Kampala – visitors should be aware that during the rainy season flights are often forced to remain on the ground for hours. Therefore those with medical problems should carefully consider these limitations before travelling to the south.
Water and food-borne diseases are common to Sudan. These include salmonella, typhoid, shigella, giardia, hepatitis A and amoebiasis. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Sudan you should seek immediate medical attention.
Since mid-2005 the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported cases of meningitis in the northern states of Sudan, including Khartoum.
In October 2007 an outbreak of Rift Valley fever was reported: this disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. As of January 2008, the number of cases was declining.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated the prevalence rate of HIV was at around 1.4% of the adult population. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our
HIV and AIDS page.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Sudan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre
NaTHNaC and
NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general information see our
Travel Health,
Swine Flu and
Avian and Pandemic Influenza pages.
H1N1 (Swine Flu)Procedures in place include screening at the main ports of entry. In Khartoum, those arriving on international flights are checked for symptoms and where passengers display signs of the virus they are taken to a designated hospital to be tested and, if necessary, emitted into quarantine and given treatment until they have recovered. If you have a high temperature and/or flu like symptoms, you should seek medical advice prior to travel to prevent hospitalisation on arrival in Sudan.
Further guidance on precautions you can take to protect yourself can be found on the Health Protection Agency
website and on the FCO
website.
Natural disasters
Sudan suffers from both drought and flash flooding. If you are planning to travel overland to remote areas, flooding can make areas inaccessible by road.
General
InsuranceWe recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our
Travel Insurance page.
Registration
You should register with our
LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be
found here.
Money
Credit cards and travellers' cheques are not usually accepted in Sudan. It is not possible to obtain cash against credit cards at banks, and credit cards are not accepted at hotels to settle bills. Neither is it possible to cash travellers' cheques through the local banking system in Sudan. You should ensure that you have sufficient hard currency, preferably US Dollars (dated 2003 onwards), to cover expenses during your stay.
