Visiting Sudan

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: 

The Government of Sudan requires U.S. citizens to present a passport and an entry visa or entry permit upon arrival at any port of entry. Most U.S. citizen travelers must obtain an entry visa from a Sudanese embassy before arriving in Sudan – they are NOT available at the airport. There are two exceptions to this requirement: U.S. citizens possessing a Sudanese national identification document (such as a Sudanese passport or national identification card), and travelers with a sponsor (a business or organization) that has obtained an entry permit for them in advance from the Sudanese Ministry of Interior may apply for an entry visa at Khartoum International Airport. The Government of Sudan routinely denies entry visas to travelers whose passports contain visas issued by the Government of Israel or other evidence of travel to Israel, such as exit or entry stamps. 

You must obtain an exit visa before departing from Sudan and pay any airport departure tax not included in your airline ticket. Travelers with expired entry visas or residence permits are regularly refused exit visas, except for those with a written request from the Sudanese sponsor of the visa. Spouses and children of Sudanese citizens are generally required by authorities to provide evidence that the Sudanese spouse/parent has consented to their departure when applying for an exit visa. Sudanese (and Sudanese/U.S. dual national) children under 13 years of age cannot leave Sudan without written approval from their father, even when the child is traveling with his/her mother. Visit the Embassy of Sudan website for the most current visa information.

Personal baggage, including computers, is routinely searched upon arrival in and departure from Sudan. The authorities will seize material deemed objectionable, such as alcohol or pornography, and may detain or arrest a traveler who has such items. If you intend to bring electronic items you should inquire about entry requirements when you apply for a visa; restrictions apply to many devices including video cameras, satellite phones, facsimile machines, televisions, and telephones. These items may be held for inspection for periods of days and/or weeks following arrival. You will not be allowed to depart Sudan with ivory, certain other animal products, or large quantities of gold. 

Visitors must register at the Ministry of Interior within three days after arriving in Sudan. All foreigners traveling more than 25 kilometers outside of Khartoum must obtain a travel permit from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in Khartoum. Travelers without these permits may be detained by Sudanese authorities. This requirement applies to travel for any purpose, including private, commercial, and humanitarian activities. You must register again with the police within 24 hours of arriving at a destination outside Khartoum. A separate travel permit is required for travel to Darfur. These regulations are strictly enforced, and even travelers with proper documentation may expect delays or temporary detention by security forces, especially outside the capital. Authorities expect travelers to strictly respect roadblocks and other checkpoints. 

You must obtain a photography permit from the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, Department of Aliens before taking any photos. Cameras and other recording devices are subject to seizure, even when the user holds a photography permit. All travelers, including journalists, must obtain a photography permit before taking any photographs. Even with a photography permit, photographing military facilities, bridges, drainage stations, broadcast stations, public utilities, slum areas, and beggars is prohibited.

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. 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. 

Registration with Embassies

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sudan are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://step.state.gov.   U.S. citizens without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum.    

What is Travel Registration?

Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your travel abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. U. S. Citizens residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Why should I register?

Millions of U. S. Citizens travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties. However, U.S. Embassies and Cnsulates assist nearly 200,000 Americans each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness, or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency. When an emergency happens, or if natural disaster, terrorism, or civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be your source of assistance and information. By registering your trip, you help the embassy or consulate locate you when you might need them the most. Registration is voluntary and costs nothing, but it should be a big part of your travel planning and security.

Go to the Travel Registration page for more information.