Sudan requires a visa for most nationalities. The e-visa system functions intermittently through the official government portal, though application processing times vary widely and approval is not guaranteed even with complete documentation. Tourist visas typically allow stays of 30 days. Registration with local authorities within three days of arrival is mandatory in theory, though enforcement varies by region and political conditions. The Ministry of Interior website provides current requirements, but consular offices often maintain more reliable information than online portals.
Khartoum International Airport serves as the primary entry point, with international connections through Cairo, Addis Ababa, Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul. Port Sudan receives limited passenger flights from Khartoum. Internal flights operate irregularly due to fuel shortages and security conditions. Sudan Airways is the national carrier. Overland borders with Egypt at Wadi Halfa and with Ethiopia remain the most consistently passable crossing points for travelers. The border with South Sudan at Juba closes periodically. Borders with Libya, Chad, and the Central African Republic are effectively closed to tourist travel due to conflict and banditry.
Sudan uses the Sudanese pound. The currency has experienced severe devaluation, with official exchange rates diverging significantly from black market rates. ATMs in Khartoum accept international cards sporadically, with frequent network outages. No ATMs reliably accept foreign cards outside the capital. Cash in US dollars or euros remains the practical currency for travelers, exchanged through hotels or informal money changers. Credit cards see virtually no acceptance. Travelers should carry sufficient cash for their entire stay.
Budget accommodations in Khartoum range from 15 to 40 US dollars per night for basic guesthouses without consistent electricity or hot water. Mid-range hotels charge 60 to 120 dollars. A meal at a local restaurant costs 2 to 5 dollars for ful medames, kisra, or asida. Street food runs 1 to 2 dollars. Transport within Khartoum via shared minibus costs a few Sudanese pounds per ride. Hiring a private vehicle with driver costs 50 to 100 dollars per day depending on distance and negotiation. Fuel shortages frequently disrupt transport, creating price volatility.
Arabic is the official language. Nubian languages are spoken in the north, Beja along the Red Sea coast, and various Nilo-Saharan languages in western regions. English is understood by educated urban Sudanese and those in the tourism sector, which is minimal. French has negligible presence. Learning basic Arabic phrases becomes essential outside Khartoum. Sudanese dialect differs notably from Egyptian or Gulf Arabic but remains mutually intelligible for core communication.
Medical facilities in Khartoum include Soba University Hospital and Royal Care Hospital, both offering limited services by international standards. Outside the capital, medical infrastructure is rudimentary. Pharmacies in Khartoum stock basic medications but supply chains are unreliable. Travelers requiring prescription medications should carry full supplies. Malaria is endemic in most regions except the far north. The Nile River and irrigation channels harbor schistosomiasis. Tap water is not potable. Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from endemic countries. Meningococcal meningitis vaccination is recommended during the dry season belt outbreak period from December to June.
The security situation varies dramatically by region and changes rapidly. Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile states have experienced active conflict for years. The capital saw violent clashes between military factions in April 2023, with fighting continuing in multiple cities as of late 2023. Check your government's travel advisories immediately before any Sudan travel plans. No travel insurance policies reliably cover Sudan. Embassy consular services operate under severe restrictions during conflict periods.
Internet connectivity exists in Khartoum through cellular data and some hotels, but the government has imposed total internet shutdowns during political crises, most recently in 2023. Connection speeds are slow when available. Mobile networks include Zain and MTN. SIM cards require registration with official identification. Electricity in Khartoum follows a rationing schedule with outages lasting 4 to 8 hours daily. Outside major cities, electricity is sporadic or absent. Voltage is 230V at 50Hz with British-style three-pin plugs standard.
Photography restrictions apply to bridges, government buildings, military installations, and airports. Photographing people, especially women, without explicit permission violates social norms and can provoke confrontation. Sudan's conservative social customs require modest dress covering shoulders and knees at minimum for both genders. Alcohol is illegal throughout Sudan. Friday is the weekly holiday with most businesses closed. Ramadan fasting is observed publicly, with restaurants closed during daylight hours.
Transport between cities relies on buses and shared minivans. The Khartoum to Dongola route takes approximately 8 hours by bus when roads are passable. Wadi Halfa to Khartoum is roughly 18 hours. The Nile ferry from Aswan to Wadi Halfa operates irregularly, taking 16 to 24 hours when running. The railway system connecting Khartoum to Atbara and Port Sudan operates unreliably with journeys often taking double the scheduled time due to mechanical failures and track conditions.