Warden Message (April 26, 2010)

Embassy Khartoum
Travel to Dafur Region of Sudan
April 26, 2010

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the continuing risks of travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region.  In addition to periodic outbreaks of violence involving government forces, rebel factions, and armed militias, foreign nationals in Darfur have been the victims of kidnappings and carjackings carried out by armed criminal groups. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel to the areas of Nyala in South Darfur and El Geneina in West Darfur.   Four employees of the African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) were recently kidnapped in Nyala and continue to be held hostage, and there has been an increase in carjackings in the West Darfur area.  The U.S. Embassy currently reviews and approves, on a case by case basis, all requests for travel by U.S. government personnel to the Darfur region.  

Note: The Department of State continues to warn against all travel to Sudan.  U.S. citizens who choose to travel and reside in Sudan despite this Travel Warning should review their security posture and take appropriate precautions, remaining aware of their surroundings at all times.  U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sudan are encouraged to register their presence with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate through the Department of State's Travel Registration website (http://travel.state.gov ) so they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Sudan.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sudan should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website, http://sudan.usembassy.gov, and the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad", which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy is located on U.S. Embassy Road, Kilo 10, Soba, off Wad Medani Highway; tel. 249-187-022000 (outside Sudan) and 0187-022000 (inside Sudan).  U.S. citizens requiring assistance may schedule an appointment with American Citizen Services through the Embassy's website: http://sudan.usembassy.gov.  For after-hours emergencies, please call the Embassy, press “0,” and ask to be connected to the Duty Officer.