Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin and three-pin plugs are in use.

Language

Arabic and English are the official languages.

Money

The official currency is the Sudanese Pound (SDG), which is divided into 100 piastres. It is advisable to bring cash, preferably in US dollars, rather than rely on credit card facilities. Receipts should be kept after changing money at banks and bureaux de change. Banking hours are from Saturday to Thursday from 8.30am to, at least, 12pm.

Tipping

Tipping (baksheesh) is commonplace in Sudan, though it's always optional. Visitors shouldn't feel pressured to tip any particular service or any particular amount.

Health

A yellow fever certificate is required by those arriving from an infected country. There is a risk of malaria throughout the year and malaria medication is recommended for travel to all parts of the country; dengue fever also occurs, so precautions against mosquito bites should be taken. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and meningococcal disease. Water and food-borne diseases are common and travellers should purify drinking water and carry anti-diarrheal drugs.

Medical facilities in Khartoum are adequate for routine problems, but the war has resulted in a shortage of medicine and hospital equipment; visitors should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance, which should include evacuation by air ambulance.

Safety

A military coup on 25 October 2021 triggered an ongoing political crisis. A civilian-led transitional government is now in place and there are ongoing efforts and talks to resolve the crisis, but the political situation remains fragile. The transitional government has brought a degree of calm across Sudan, though there have been protests, and further mass action cannot be ruled out. All visitors are advised to exercise caution, avoid all large protests or gatherings, and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

Local customs

Northern Sudan and Khartoum are predominantly Islamic, and religious customs and sensitivities should be respected, particularly with regard to dress and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear loose fitting clothes that cover most of the body, although covering the head is unnecessary. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by Islam. Sharia law applies in Sudan. Travel outside of Khartoum may require a permit and visitors arriving in any town or city are required to register with the police. Photography permits are also required by anyone intending to take photographs while in the country; certain subjects are forbidden. Homosexuality is illegal. Visitors are advised to avoid political discussion and any kind of street protest.

Doing business

Businessmen should wear a lightweight suit and, in keeping with Islamic culture, women should wear loose-fitting garments that cover most of the body. Visitors should let their local associates know that they are women in advance, as this will allow locals to prepare for their visit accordingly, such as by providing appropriate chaperones. English is widely spoken in business circles, but knowing a few words of Arabic will be well received. Punctuality is less important than patience and politeness. Personal introductions are advantageous; business cards should have an Arabic translation on the reverse.

Duty free

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Passengers over the age of 20 can bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450g of tocabbo; perfume for personal use; and a reasonable amount of gifts into the country duty-free. Alcohol is prohibited, as are goods from Israel.

Communications

The international dialling code for Sudan is +249, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Mobile-phone reception is excellent throughout the country; visitors can purchase local SIM cards for calls and mobile-phone data. Most midrange and top-end hotels have WiFi.

Passport & Visa

Most nationalities require a visa for entry to Sudan. Visitors should be aware that if their passport contains evidence of a visit to Israel, a visa for Sudan will be refused, as will entry to the country even if in possession of a valid visa. Visitors who are travelling on a single entry visa will need an exit visa to leave the country, though this is not always enforced. Extensions of stays are possible and should be paid at the Ministry of Interior. All travellers need to register with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interior within three days of arrival in Sudan. Hotels may do this automatically but it is worth checking. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US nationals require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

UK nationals require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

Canadians require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

Australians require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

South Africans require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

Irish nationals require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

Useful contacts

999 (Police)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Sudan, Washington, D.C., United States: +1 202 338 8565

Embassy in Sudan, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7839 8080

Embassy of Sudan, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 4000

Embassy of Sudan, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6290 2635

Embassy of the Republic of Sudan, Pretoria, South Africa: +021 342 4538

Embassy of Sudan, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1537 1441

Embassies / consulates in Sudan

Embassy of the United States, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 18 702 2000

British Embassy, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 156 775500

Embassy of Canada, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 156 550 500

Australian Embassy, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for Sudan): +202 2770 6600

Embassy of South Africa, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 183 585 301

Irish Honorary Consulate, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 155 117 886