SUDAN ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

Passport:

To visit Sudan, visitors must present a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of expected departure from Sudan.

*Visitors to Sudan with visas for Israel (either valid or expired) in their passports will automatically be refused entry and transit in Sudan.

Visa:

Visas are required by all foreign citizens entering Sudan and should be obtained from a Sudanese Embassy prior to travel. Visas are NOT available on arrival at the airport. Allow at least two months between your visa application and the intended date of travel. Visas are not granted automatically to prospective travelers.

Registration:

All foreign citizens are required to register with the Aliens Registration Office, Ministry of Interior within three days of arrival in Sudan. Photocopies of your passport and visa, and two passport-size photos may be required.

Permit:

Travel permits are required for any and all travel outside of Khartoum and must be approved by the Foreign Ministry.

Children and Travel

In addition to a visa, children of Sudanese citizens (and Sudanese dual nationals) under 18 must have their father’s consent to enter and exit Sudan. Children traveling without their father will need a letter clearly providing consent for the child to enter and exit Sudan, even when the child is traveling with his/her mother. The letter should be stamped at the Sudanese Embassy before travel.

 Consult your nearest Embassy of Sudan for more information.

LAWS AND CULTURE

You are subject to all local laws in Sudan. Sharia (Islamic law) is applied throughout Sudan. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Importing and consuming alcohol (even in private) is prohibited throughout Sudan and printed matters with sexually explicit nature are prohibited. Bags are routinely searched upon arrival and departure at the airport.

Port Sudan is a Muslim city, Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws and regulations.  Travelers should respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs.

Local Customs

During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, people who are not fasting are advised to use discretion when eating, drinking and smoking in public and in the presence of people who are fasting between sunrise and sunset.

 Hospitality is extremely important in Sudan. Sudanese people are generally very welcoming and generous. Being invited for tea or dinner will not be an uncommon event.

 Dress

Sudan is a conservative society, particularly in the capital and other areas where the Muslim population is the majority. Modest dress and behavior is expected for both men and women. Women are advised to dress conservatively; avoid wearing short skirts or shirts with low necklines and displaying bare arms. Loose, long-sleeved shirts and full-length skirts or slacks are recommended attire for female visitors. Women who are not Muslim are not expected or required to cover their heads. Men may wear short-sleeved shirts, but short pants are not acceptable in public.

Cultural respect should always be considered. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Language

The official languages in Sudan are Arabic and English. Many of the local population living in and around the Marine Parks also speak TuBedawiye (Beja Language) . English is not widely spoken except by officials and hospitality workers. In contrast to many places in the world, it is the older generations that tend to speak English better, though highly-educated people among the younger generation can also speak English.

Photography 

A photography permit is required for all forms of photography in Sudan and can be obtained from the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, Department of Aliens. Even with a permit, it is strictly prohibited to photograph airports, military areas, bridges, drainage stations, broadcast stations, public utilities, slum areas or beggars. Any photography without a permit immediately draws suspicion of espionage, and individuals, including foreigners, have been detained. Cameras and other recording devices are subject to seizure, even when the user holds a photography permit. If you travel with your laptop, ensure that you remove any photo files that could be deemed by the authorities as suspicious or controversial.

Be aware of the social and religious norms of the local people and be respectful of their wishes for privacy by asking permission before taking photos.

Money

The official currency in Sudan is the Sudanese Pound -SDG (Arabic: جنية jeneh). The SDG is non-convertible outside the country and its export is prohibited. US dollars (as well as Euros or Sterling Pounds) in cash is the best currency to carry and fairly easy to exchange in Port Sudan.

While some shops will accept foreign currency, it best to change money into the local currency before shopping, particularly if you are buying at the market because of the low prices. Travelers should carry sufficient funds in cash to cover expenses for the duration of their stay.

Transferring U.S. or Canadian dollars to Sudan is difficult because of international sanctions. Hotel bills and international flights booked in Sudan must be paid in cash.

It is important to note that travelers cheques, credit cards and foreign bank ATM cards are NOT accepted in Sudan.

Weather:

Eastern Sudan has a hot desert climate with a high variance between day and night. Winter months provide the best time to travel, from October to the end of April. The weather during this period is dry and sunny. October/November and March/April are around 25-35C during the day, dropping to 12-20C at night. December to February is around 20-30C during the day and 10-15C at night.

Electric Supply & Plugs

220v current 3 Pin Round

Time

GMT plus three hours

International Country Telephone Code

+ 249

Currency

Sudanese pound (SDG)

Work Week

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday. Working hours are typically from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

HEALTH

There are no vaccination requirements to enter Sudan. However, you may be at risk for the following vaccine-preventable diseases while traveling:

• Tetanus
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Measles
• Meningococcal disease
• Polio
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Malaria

It is strongly recommended that you consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least four – six weeks before you travel to Sudan to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Sudan is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which is preventable by vaccination. It is recommended that you are vaccinated against yellow fever before traveling to Sudan.  Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting World Health Organization (WHO).

 Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travelers to any destination in the world can develop traveler’s diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food. In some areas food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practice safe food and water precautions while traveling in Sudan.

 Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Medical Services and Facilities

Medical facilities in Port Sudan are basic and are not suitable for dealing with serious trauma or illness. Doctors and hospitals generally require up-front payment before commencing treatment. In the event of an illness or accident, medical evacuation to Khartoum or your home country would be necessary. Emergency medical evacuation can be difficult; air ambulances are usually not available at short notice and costs could be considerable. There are no medical facilities to treat diving-related injuries in Port Sudan.

Ensure that you have adequate travel health insurance and your health plan coverage includes Sudan; many policies do not. It is advisable to obtain separate travel insurance when traveling in Sudan. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy.