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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTo enter Sudan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter Sudan.
\n\nYou can apply for a visa through the Sudanese Embassy in the UK, or through the Sudanese embassy in the country you’re travelling from.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nIf your passport has an Israeli visa, entry or exit stamp, you will not be allowed to enter Sudan.
\n\nTo enter Sudan, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Sudan guide.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nAs 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.
\n\nYou must get the letter stamped at the Sudanese Embassy in the UK before travel.
\n\nIf the father is absent, mothers or guardians must get a court order which shows they have sole custodial rights for the children.
\n\nIf the parents are divorced, you’ll need to show divorce documents.
\n\nIf the father has died, you’ll need to show the death certificate.
\n\nContact the Sudanese Embassy in the UK for more information.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\n","safety_html":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Sudan.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Sudan
\nTerrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners, such as:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nThere is an ongoing conflict across Sudan following violent clashes, which started in April 2023.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nTypes of crime include:
\n\nTo reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings, you should:
\n\nIf you’re stopped or attacked, comply with demands and do not resist.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nHumanitarian aid workers and journalists are viewed as legitimate targets.
\n\nThere are regular communication blackouts. Mobile phone and internet services are not always available. Telecommunications networks could be disrupted without warning.
\n\nIt is a legal requirement to carry photographic ID, such as a passport, with you at all times.
\n\nNon-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.
\n\nSudan 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.
\n\nNon-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.
\n\nThere are severe penalties for drug trafficking.
\n\nDue 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:
\n\nPlain-clothed public security officers operate in these areas.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sudan and not tolerated in Sudanese society. This includes inviting guests into hotel rooms.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIt’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.
\n\nIt’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.
\n\nYou might need a licence to use some technical equipment in Sudan, including:
\n\nContact the Sudanese Embassy in the UK before travelling for more information.
\n\nIt’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.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nBritish pounds are rarely exchanged. Only change money through banks or official exchange bureaus.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Sudan, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nRoad travel will involve heightened levels of risk due to the current conflict and should only be undertaken if strictly necessary.
\n\nRoad conditions are poor. Roads, even major ones, might:
\n\nAt 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.
\n\nRoad 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’.
\n\nSudanese law prohibits the use of mobile phones while driving.
\n\nKhartoum 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.
\n\nThere are no Sudanese airlines which currently meet the standards required to operate direct flights to the UK or EU.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nFlash flooding can happen during the rainy season from July to October. Risks at this time of year include:
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