Genvisec advises against all travel to the following parts of Sudan: Darfur, the Red Sea State border with Eritrea; the Abyei region; Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states; areas of Northern Kordofan and White Nile states south of the Kosti-El Obeid-En Nahud road. 

 

 We advise against all but essential travel to the following parts of Sudan: areas west of the towns of En-Nahud in North Kordofan up to the Darfur border

 

Sudan is not a place for the casual traveller and business travellers should seek security advice if the journey is essential.

 

Crime

 

The level of street crime in Khartoum and other major Sudanese cities, with the exception of Darfur, is low but increasing. You should take normal precautions against crime.  

 

Local travel

 

A state of emergency remains in place in a number of states, which gives the government greater powers of arrest.

 

There have been reports of arbitrary detentions in different parts of the country, including in Khartoum and including foreign nationals. Take great care around any areas which may be sensitive to the government, including military installations, border areas and camps for internally displaced persons. Don’t take photographs in these areas.

 

You must get a permit before travelling outside of Khartoum. Permits to visit tourist sites must be obtained from either the Ministry of Tourism, your hotel or travel agent. Travel outside of Khartoum for any other purpose must be checked with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interior.

 

Local travel Khartoum

 

Demonstrations can occur at short notice in Khartoum. You should try to avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people where possible.

 

Local travel Darfur States

 

We advise against all travel to the 5 Darfur states (Central Darfur, East Darfur, North Darfur, West Darfur and South Darfur).

 

The security situation in Darfur is volatile and unstable. Banditry and lawlessness are widespread, and there are frequent violent confrontations between rebel and government forces, between tribes and over economic resources (land, gold). There are tensions within camps for internally displaced people, which have sometimes resulted in violence and fatalities. Armed robbery and break-ins of guesthouses and other buildings have been reported.

 

Humanitarian workers and UNAMID peacekeepers are possible targets of attack or for kidnap, and have been caught up in cross-fire and violent incidents. A number of aid workers and peacekeepers have been killed.

 

If you are already in Darfur , you should respect any curfews that are imposed and make sure you are aware of any military operations, conflict and crime patterns. Make sure that you have co-ordinated your movements with UN Security and that all necessary parties have been notified. Anyone seeking entry to the Darfur area, for whatever purpose, must first obtain a special permit from the Sudanese government.

 

Northern Kordofan, White Nile and Sennar States

 

There is a risk of conflict and violence spreading into White Nile, North Kordofan and Sennar states from neighbouring areas. You should maintain high situational awareness and avoid any areas in which conflict has been reported.

 

We advice against all but essential travel to areas west of the town of En-Nahud which border Darfur.

 

Sudan –Libya border (north of Darfur state)

 

Visitors should take great care in all areas close to the Sudan - Libya border. There are ongoing media reports of trafficking in people and goods as well as movement of armed militants between the two countries. In January 2015, the media reported that five refugees were killed fleeing border police. Visitors to the area should be aware that we advise against all travel to Libya and the border is closed to non-African nationals.

 

Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Abyei

 

Genvisec advises against all travel to the Abyei Administrative Area. The security situation there remains tense and unpredictable as it is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan.

 

We advise against all travel to South Kordofan due to continuing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudanese People’s Liberation Army - North (SPLA-N).

 

Foreign nationals have previously been targeted for kidnap in South Kordofan .

 

Landmines and unexploded ordnance are a threat in areas affected by conflict.

 

Since the outbreak of violence in South Sudan in December 2013 there has been an increase in refugees entering southern Sudan.

 

East Sudan: Gedaref, Kassala and Red Sea States

 

We advise against all travel to the Sudanese border with Eritrea in the Red Sea State. Although the situation is calm at present it has been subject to instability and could deteriorate rapidly.

 

Travel to eastern Sudan, particularly the major cities, is currently possible but foreign nationals need to get a permit. People trafficking is widespread in the area.

 

If you’re travelling by road in Kassala State, you should keep to the major roads especially near the Eritrean border where people trafficking groups are believed to operate.

 

Road travel

 

Road traffic accidents are common in Sudan. There is a high risk of being involved in a traffic accident when using public transport or vehicles for hire such as rickshaws and ‘amjads’. Use a reputable taxi firm or driver.

 

Road conditions are poor and many roads, even major ones, are not tarred or have potholes. Many roads are unsurfaced. 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. .

 

If your journey doesn’t follow a major route you should travel with an experienced local guide. 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 except on a major road.

 

You can drive in Sudan using a full EU driving licence for a maximum period of 3 months. You can get a local driving licence from the police traffic department. There are no restrictions on women driving in Sudan. Although drivers should have a licence and insurance, many do not have these. Make sure you have adequate insurance.

 

Sudanese law prohibits the use of mobile phones while driving. 

 

Air travel

 

All airlines registered in Sudan have been banned from operating in the EU because of the high rate of accidents involving Sudanese airlines.

 

Sea travel

 

Incidents of piracy have been reported in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Be vigilant and seek local advice.

 

Political situation

 

Rallies and demonstrations occur, often at short notice, in Khartoum and in other major cities. There are sometimes protests in response to international events. These may be directed against foreigners. Keep a low profile, avoid crowds, monitor local media and keep away from any demonstrations. As a precaution, you should maintain several days’ stock of food and water, and stay indoors until any demonstration or rally in your locality has passed 

 

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Sudan is 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.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 1eeJuly. 

 

Sudan operates Islamic Sharia Law. Alcohol is not permitted. Although the constitution specifies that in Khartoum non-Muslims shall not be subject to Sharia law, you should expect Sharia law to apply.

 

Non-Muslim women are not expected to wear a veil or cover their heads, but should dress modestly and respect local customs and sensitivities.

 

Homosexual practices and extra marital relations are illegal and subject to severe penalties. This includes inviting guests into hotel rooms. Sudanese society is not tolerant of homosexual relationships.

 

Since the beginning of 2013, we have received reports that a large number of foreign nationals have left Sudan either because they have been asked to leave by the Sudanese authorities, or because they have come under pressure from the Sudanese security service, or because their places of work/study have been closed. Many of these people appear to have been accused of sharing their religious beliefs with Sudanese nationals or of visa irregularities.

 

You should carry a form of photo ID with you at all times.

 

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking.

 

All photography requires a formal permit, which you can get from the External Information Centre in Khartoum (part of the Ministry of Information). Don’t take photographs or use a mobile phone camera close to government buildings, military installations, public utilities (including petrol stations), and other sensitive areas (bridges, airports etc). Many plain clothes public security officers operate.

 

Money

It is not possible to withdraw cash against credit cards at banks. Credit cards are not accepted at hotels to settle bills. Make sure you have enough hard currency with you, preferably in US dollars dated 2006 onwards (older ones will not be exchanged).

 

Health

Please ensure you have the recommended vaccinations before travelling to Sudan. There is a particular risk to public health in conflict affected areas where immunisation coverage is poor .

 

As a general rule, medical facilities in Khartoum are adequate but the hospitals are not suitable for more serious medical problems. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip dial one of the following numbers:

 

0183 741 426 (press #236 for English) or 0912 314 621: Fedail Hospital (ambulance:  0122 222 555);

0183 279601 ext 222:  Sahiroon Hospital;

0183 745 444/999:  Al Zaytouna Hospital;

0183 481 764 ext 118: Doctors’ Clinic;

0156 550 150/151: Royal Care Hospital.

You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

Sudan suffers from drought and flash flooding. Flooding can make areas inaccessible by road during the rainy season. 

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals need a visa to visit Sudan. Apply before you travel at your home country.

 

You should register with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interior within 3 days of your arrival in the country. You will need two passport size photos. The fee is the Sudanese Pound equivalent of around £35. If you don’t register within 3 days of arrival, you may be fined. Some of the larger hotels will do this for you but you should ask when you check-in.

 

You’ll need to get an exit visa at the Aliens Department to leave the country.

 

Children under 18 must have their father’s consent to leave the country.

 

Previous travel to Israel

 

If your passport has an Israeli visa or Israeli entry/exit stamps you will not be allowed to enter Sudan.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Sudan.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are not valid for entry into or transit through the Republic of Sudan. However, ETDs are accepted for exit from the country.