As with most violent crimes, Darfur is the region that sees the most kidnappings. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc. View resourcesfor travel industry and media. While there is some public transit to rural communities by irregularly scheduled mini-buses, many areas lack any public transportation. Violent and ongoing clashes occur among rebel groups and with the Sudanese Armed Forces. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Transit at the Egyptian border can take up to several days with almost no infrastructure and very limited access to food and water. You shouldnt travel near any of Sudans land borders due to ongoing conflicts either between Sudan and its neighbors or within neighboring states that bleed over. In 2020, Sudan introduced new laws to allow women to travel with their children outside of the country without consent of the childrens father. Sudanese passport holders have different visa and entry requirements for Egypt. If you're an Australian in Sudan, register with the. Incidents have been sporadic but high-profile, such as a terrorist shoot-out in Gabra in 2021. Website:www.egypt.embassy.gov.au Violence continues along the border between Chad and Sudan and areas that border South Sudan (including the disputed Abyei area). While there are functioning traffic signals and streetlights on major thoroughfares in Khartoum, there are virtually none in other parts of the country. Sudan experiences regular sand and dust storms. Roadblocks and checkpoints continue to be imposed throughout Khartoum depending on the security situation. Danger level: 5 - Do not travel. Remain vigilant at all times. Our Most Epic Trip Ever: Living With the Mundari Tribe in South Sudan; Eritrea: 7 Epic Days Exploring Africa's Most Underrated Country; Travel and Tourism in South Sudan: Is it safe? Exercise extreme care in all parts of the country, including Khartoum. Some groups target Westerners with purpose because they know foreigners have more money than most Sudanese and will provide more leverage in terms of ransom and hostage negotiations. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Do this at least eight weeks before you leave. Due to the high risk of HIV/AIDS infection, if you are a victim of violent crime, especially rape, seek immediate medical assistance outside of Sudan. The country has some good sides, which you have no idea about. Armed actors may transit Sudans shared borders with Chad and Central African Republic. 38 reviews. The UK Government is no longer running any evacuation operations from Sudan. Tourism:Little to no formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. ATMs only accept local bank cards. Remain vigilant at all times, including around large crowds. | Safety Concerns, Is Copenhagen Safe to Visit in 2023? Violence continues along the border between Chad and Sudan and areas that border South Sudan (including the disputed Abyei area). There may be disruptions to critical infrastructure and essential services, including road and bridge closures, electricity and telecommunications outages, restrictions to healthcare services and shortages of medical supplies. ), funeral wishes, etc. Armed conflict is ongoing throughout Sudan and includes heavy fighting between various political and security groups. April 22, 2023 Sudan - Level 4: Do Not Travel O K U T C Reissued with updates to the security situation and post departure status. Darfur is the most famous and the most volatile, but Abyei, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, and West Nile states also see a lot of violence. If you choose to remain in Sudan and arenot confident in the safety and reliability of any departure option, you should continue to shelter in a safe place. Some offences attract physical punishment such as lashes. Happy travels! You should consider the risks carefully for any departure route, including during ceasefires. Carry multiple copies of permits, as travelers without permits may be detained and arrested. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. If you are arriving in Jeddah from Port Sudan and need urgent assistance, you can contact our consular help desk in Jeddah on +966 (0)12 622 5550 and press option 4. Avoid walking or traveling alone, especially after dark and particularly outside of Khartoum. On today's episode. You could be fined or go to prison. The Embassy's ability to provide consular services, including emergency assistance, in South Sudan is severely limited. In 2018, protests erupted in Sudan against long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir and his corrupt, undemocratic government. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. There remains the possibility of curfews, travel restrictions or other measures being re-introduced at short notice. The security situation remains volatile. The rainy season is from July to October. Dial 777 to contact the police for traffic emergencies, 998 for fire, and 333 for medical emergencies. Is Sudan Safe to Visit in 2023? Fax: +249 183 776 457, +249 183 775 562 For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. There are commercial departureoptions fromPort Sudan and Port Suakin. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information. Email:Our navigator assistant at the following link will guide you to the information you need. Theres not much you can really do to prevent terrorism by yourself as this crime is, by definition, random and can affect you anywhere (even in your home country). In our opinion it's not safe to travel to Sudan. In 2021, the situation grew worse due to a military coup. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. Mexico's travel advisory warns of "violent crime -- such as homicide kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery," which according to the State Department is both widespread and common in the country. There are parts of the country however, which have stabilized recently and can offer you a safe window into the country. You can enter Egypt by land via the Qastal or Arquin land borders. Maintain several days supply of food andwater andstay indoors until the demonstration has passed. There is a high risk . Crime rates in Sudan are not that bad, which surprises many people who assume that the country is full of danger. The answer to this question is obviously "YES". If you are a British national planning to cross into Egypt at Argeen or Qustul and you do not have valid documentation with you, please contact the British Embassy in Cairo on + 2 (02) 2791 6000. I know that when pyramids are talked, we remember Egypt first of all. You need a permit for any photography. There are reports of violence against protestors, including arbitrary arrests and deaths. This limits theconsular serviceswe can give if you're arrested or detained. Adopt appropriate personal security measures. Join our growing community of adventurers on Facebook and Instagram. ALL / Embassies and Consulates We advise against travel. People are only moderately concerned about theft and not concerned at all about violent crime. They are among over 6,800 Sudanese refugees who have crossed the border to seek safety in South Sudan since the fighting erupted in mid-April. Banditry is widespread throughout western Sudan. Expatriates are not generally targeted for crime in Khartoum, but may be caught in a wrong place, wrong time situation. Remember to get travel insurance for Sudan IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Sudan + COVID-19 5% discount if purchasing via this link. Sudan (Arabic: Al-Sudan) is the third largest country in Africa and sixteenth largest in the world, bordering Egypt, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Libya, and South Sudan.Getting a visa for Sudan is an expensive hit-and-miss affair, but if you do manage to get in, and you stick to the safe areas, you will probably have a memorable experience. Avoid the area after an attack because of the risk of secondary attacks. There are few sidewalks and no curb-cuts, and most buildings lack functioning elevators. Get vaccinated before you travel. Locals are quite hospitable and always happy to help tourists without requiring . According to the Global Terrorism Database, terrorist incidents in Sudan drastically decreased after 2016 but saw a slight uptick after 2019. Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged tocontact the U.S. Embassyfor assistance. You may not be able to cross some land borders. Children 6 years oldand younger are exempt. Get your IDP before you leave Australia. Can anyone give us feedback on the situation in Khartoum now and the likelihood of things going pearshaped in the future. Darfur remains dangerous despite some progress in the peace process. Other crimes are punishable by lashes. Sudan is currently experiencing an outbreak of Cholera. Traveling to Sudan during protests Shorts are not appropriate. Western Union only operates in Khartoum. Going pyramid-exploring and seeing some untouched nature in one of Africas largest countries certainly is a tempting idea. In our opinion it's not safe to travel to Sudan. FCDO advises against all travel to Central African Republic, South Sudan, Libya and within 20km of the Ethiopian side of the border with Sudan. Visit theEmbassy of the Republic of the Sudanwebsite for the most current visa information. Although most incidents of kidnapping and banditry are focused in violence-ridden regions such as Darfur, they do occur throughout the country. There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Sudan. These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order: Jump to Place: Afghanistan The Central Asian country is wrestling with "armed conflict,. Internet and phone services continue to experience disruptions and remain unreliable. Dress conservatively in clothing which covers the shoulders, upper arms, and legs to below the knee. South Kordofan and Blue Nile were even excluded from participating in the referendum on joining South Sudan. Depending on what you need, you could contact your: Always get a police report when you report a crime. Elsewhere in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, armed robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, and looting is common; victims may be targeted based on perceived wealth or affiliation, and aid workers continue to be affected by such crimes. "This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. The main problems are related to hacking and car thefts, robberies, as well as a high level of bribery and corruption. Its important to regularly check the rules in the destinationsyoure travelling to and transiting through. Pornography is not permitted. If there's an attack, leave as soon as it's safe. The State Department warns travelers not to travel to "Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, andarmed conflict." Contact the nearestembassy, high commission or consulate of your destinationbefore you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 1. The security situation remains volatile. Outside the capital, few facilities exist, hospitals and clinics are poorly equipped, and ambulance services are unavailable. Accidents:In the event of an automobile accident, remain inside the vehicle and wait for police. Remain vigilant at all times, including around large crowds. Overview Safety While Sudan has criminalized Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the national prevalence rate of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting is 88 percent. Updated: 15 June 2023 Latest update:Flights between Port Sudan and Jeddah will be restricted during the Hajj season (30 May - 28 June). It is also one of the safer parts of Sudan. If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible. Australians should strongly consider leaving Sudan as soon as possible. Moreover, dual U.S.-Sudanese nationals will be prosecuted as Sudanese citizens, impeding our ability to provide consular services. "This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. Many areas of South Sudan are extremely difficult to access, and travel in these areas is sometimes . Emergency services and the telephone network are unreliable. Governments such as Australia warn their citizens about the high risk of terrorist attacks in Sudan. Be aware of your surroundings. Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and . Incidents of cross-border criminality to include kidnapping have occurred. If you travel overland in Sudan, use main roads and paths labelled as cleared by a competent de-mining authority. Do not attempt to force your way through it. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sudan. Sudan has a current risk level of 4.7 (out of 5). Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Globally, terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attackincluding knives,firearms, and vehicles to more effectively target crowds. High-profile kidnapping incidents include the kidnapping of two Turkish engineersin Darfur in December 2021 and kidnapped farmers in 2022. Kilo 10, Soba Carry photo identification with you at all times. You may need to get medical help outside Sudan. If you do travel, get professional security advice. Consular services may be severely limited due to local measures. Conditions in any country may change at any time.". See Health. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if youre connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. I literally think you could leave your wallet on the pavement and someone would come running down the street to return it to you. Overland travel is becoming more dangerous, including to border areas. Police normally do not intervene in domestic disputes. You may use a U.S. driver's license for up to 90 days. Kidnappingis a serious risk in Sudan, even in Khartoum,and travellers have been kidnapped. Sudans borders with Chad and Eritrea are currently closed. Avoid demonstrations and areas of possible unrest. Do not travel to neighbouring Libya, Chad, Central African Republic andSouth Sudan. The British Embassy in Khartoum is temporarily closed due to the conflict. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. Do not display cash and valuable personal property. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings. However, the safest way to travel, is to be aware ahead of time of where one is going and the precautions one should take. Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Sudanese Embassy or consulate. Large numbers of displaced persons and refugees have entered Sudan. Check with your airline ahead of travel. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Most buses and bus stops are privately operated and unmarked. South of Khartoum, road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season from June to October and dust storms (haboobs) greatly reduce visibility. Students: See ourStudents Abroadpage andFBI travel tips. Take care not to offend. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information. Select option 2 for consular services for British nationals. Sudan can experiencesevere weather, including: Recent heavy rainfall has intensified in Sudan, causing flooding, displacement and deaths. Some of the larger hotels will do this for you, but you should ask when you check-in. Take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Medicines are available only intermittently. Sudan has a current risk level of 4.7 (out of 5). In the instance of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, its travel advisory reads, that there are terrorist groups, lone-wolf terrorists and other extremists plotting possible attacks, with some areas having more risk than others. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesnt make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Many regions are embroiled in active conflict, including Darfur. Paloch, South Sudan March 2, 2014: A South Sudanese soldier carries a machine gun/Punghi/Shutterstock. Check out the visa policy for Uganda here. The Australian Government provides24-hourconsular emergency assistance. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 62613305 outside Australia. Re: How safe is currently in Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Response Forces use force against each other and against suspected rebel activity. Stay alert in areas frequented by Westerners. Local authorities have removed all national COVID-19 restrictions. Carefully consider the risks. Women Travelers:Early and forced marriage of children continues. Seek direct advice from travel agents in Port Sudan about these departure options. Protests are a regular occurrence since the 2019 revolution, with the pace increasing following the October 25, 2021 military takeover. Expand all Do not travel Do not travel If you're already in this location, you should consider leaving if it's safe to do so. Certain regions of the country have widespread armed conflict, and civil unrest can occur anywhere due to dissatisfaction with the military government. Keep in mind that many governments have limited consular support in Sudan as well as a long-standing policy not to negotiate with kidnappers, so dont rely on your government to bail you out of trouble. Protests are ongoing in the country and could erupt at any time. Humanitarian aid workers and journalists have been targeted for kidnapping. Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. You won't be able to transit through Jeddah unless you have a through ticket to your final destination. International travel advisories dont seem to agree on the level of threat when visiting Sudan. Travel with a copy of your U.S. passport and Sudanese visa to prevent the originals from being taken. There are commercialdeparture options from Port Sudan or Port Suakin. Fax: +20 2 2770 6650 Drivers rarely speak English. Civilians, including foreign workers, could be affected by violence directed at others. Honestly the people here are the most genuine, helpful, kind, generous and hospitable I have met in my life. Its illegal to exchange currency outside of official banking channels. Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. That might make you a target. Stay on main roads marked as cleared by a competent de-mining authority. Landmines:Exercise caution in remote areas or off main roads outside of Khartoum due to landmines. If you decide to travel to Ethiopia: Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. If you're travelling from Sudan to Egypt, you must have valid travel documentation. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 4.7 out of 5.0. The countries under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory (and the dates when their listings were updated) are: The rest of the countries on the list are at a Level 2 and Level 1. Government offices and businesses follow an Islamic workweek (Sunday to Thursday). Bring US dollars to change when you arrive. Criminality, looting, and conflict over economic resources (land, gold, livestock) also is common. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. If you're travelling from Sudan to Saudi Arabia, you must have valid travel documentation. Banditry and intercommunal violence are common in these regions. However, it is often the site of protests that are violently suppressed by authorities. The average high during this season is between 96.6F (35.9C) and 87.5F (30.8C). Political unrest increased after the 2021 military coup. The countries under the Level 4 advisory (and the dates when there listings were updated) are: Meanwhile, 29 other countries are at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Travel within or out of Sudan is at your own risk. You are unable to enter Saudi Arabia on an Emergency Passport but may be allowed entry for transit only. While the state of emergency has been lifted, security forces may continue to: Fighting between rebel groups and government forces occur across the country. Further information may be found on theFAAs safety assessment page. Do you need a visa to travel to Uganda E-visa Almost all countries will need a visa when traveling to Uganda. We got distinct notes that traveling Sudan isn't safe right now. Photography requires a permit from the External Information Centre in Khartoum (part of the Ministry of Information). What does this mean? The Ultimate One Month West Africa Itinerary; Senegal & The Gambia: The Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary (by a Pilot) The Ultimate Guinea-Bissau Travel Guide Confirm what activities and care your policy covers, includingin terms of health and travel disruptions. Foreigners have been the target of attacks during April. Certain regions of Sudan have been locked in conflict for decades. To recap, the main concerns for tourists visiting Sudan are: There are parts of Sudan that are possible to visit with less trouble, but most people decide that the risk is not worth it. CheckSudan's air safety profilewith the Aviation Safety Network. Do not travel to neighbouring Libya, Chad, Central African Republic andSouth Sudan. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. It shares borders with Egypt, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Libya, and South Sudan. All border crossings between Ethiopia and Eritrea are currently closed. Demonstrations can happen at any time and turn violent, so avoid crowds while in Sudan. With all those dangers in mind, if you are an adventurous tourist who takes the right precautions and only visits safe areas, you will come out of Sudan with a story to tell. Telephone:+249-187-0-22000; (Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)