Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Simplified E-Visa System
Sudan has streamlined its e-visa process for 2026, allowing most travelers to apply online for a tourist visa (€50-100 fee) that's valid for 30-90 days. The application typically processes in 3-7 days, but apply at least two weeks in advance to account for potential delays due to regional security checks.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Sudan, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Ensure there are no stamps from Israel or South Sudan, as these can lead to denial of entry at Sudanese borders.
Photocopy your passport and keep digital backups, as replacements in Sudan can be challenging due to limited consular services.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a few neighboring countries like Egypt, Eritrea, and some Gulf states can enter visa-free for short stays up to 30 days, but most nationalities require a visa in advance. Always verify with the Sudanese embassy, as policies can change based on diplomatic relations.
Transit visas are available for layovers at Khartoum International Airport, but they must be obtained prior to travel.
Visa Applications
Apply for a tourist visa through the official Sudanese e-visa portal or at your nearest embassy, submitting documents like a completed application form, passport photos, proof of onward travel, and a letter of invitation from a Sudanese host or tour operator. The fee ranges from €50 for single-entry to €100 for multiple-entry, with processing times of 3-10 days.
For business or journalism visas, additional approvals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are needed, which can extend processing to 4-6 weeks.
Border Crossings
Main entry points include Khartoum International Airport, Port Sudan for Red Sea arrivals, and land borders with Egypt and Ethiopia, where expect thorough checks including baggage scans and questioning about your itinerary. Overland crossings can take several hours due to security protocols.
Avoid unofficial border routes, as they pose significant safety risks; stick to official ports with prior visa approval.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and should cover medical evacuation, as healthcare facilities in Sudan are limited outside major cities; policies must include coverage for high-risk activities like desert safaris. Opt for plans that cover political instability and trip interruptions, starting at €10/day from international providers.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry from endemic areas, and malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all travelers.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Aliens Registration Office in Khartoum, requiring proof of funds, accommodation, and a valid reason like ongoing research or family visits; fees are around €30-50. Applications must be submitted before your current visa expires to avoid overstay fines of €20/day.
Extensions are not guaranteed and may require endorsement from local authorities, so plan your itinerary with buffer time.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Sudan uses the Sudanese Pound (SDG). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Khartoum by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for routes via Cairo or Addis Ababa.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside stalls or markets for affordable Sudanese dishes like asida or kisra under $5, avoiding upscale hotels to save up to 60% on food costs.
Stock up on fresh fruits and teas from souks, which provide nutritious meals at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses (aradas) for intercity travel at $10-20 per leg, or negotiate group rates for longer routes to cut costs by half.
Local bus cards in Khartoum offer unlimited rides for $5/week, including access to key markets and sites.
Free Attractions
Explore ancient ruins at Naqa or Musawwarat es-Sufra on foot or by local transport, which are free and provide deep cultural immersion without guided fees.
Many mosques and riverfronts in Omdurman offer no-cost entry, with volunteer-led insights into daily life.
Card vs Cash
Cash is king in Sudan due to limited card acceptance; exchange USD or EUR at banks for the best rates, avoiding informal changers to prevent scams.
ATMs are scarce outside Khartoum, so carry ample small bills and use Western Union for emergencies.
Site Passes
Purchase a multi-site ticket for Nubian pyramids and temples at $20-30, covering several UNESCO locations and saving 40% compared to individual entries.
It becomes worthwhile after visiting 3-4 desert heritage sites, including transport discounts.
Smart Packing for Sudan
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton layers for extreme heat, including long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection and cultural modesty in conservative areas. Include a scarf or shemagh for dust storms and quick-dry fabrics for sweat management during desert explorations.
Modest attire is required for mosques and rural villages; avoid shorts or revealing clothes to respect local customs and ensure smoother interactions.
Electronics
Bring adapters for Type D and G plugs (240V), a solar charger or high-capacity power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, and a rugged phone case for dusty conditions. Download offline maps of the Nile Valley and translation apps for Arabic phrases.
A portable GPS device is useful for off-grid safaris, as mobile signal can be spotty outside urban centers.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, antibiotics, and rehydration salts, plus vaccinations for hepatitis and typhoid. Include high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and DEET insect repellent to combat malaria risks in riverine areas.
Pack water purification tablets, as tap water is unsafe; aim for at least 4 liters daily in the heat.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable backpack with dust-proof zippers for day trips to pyramids, a collapsible water bottle, and a lightweight sleeping sheet for variable accommodations. Include multiple photocopies of your visa and passport, plus a money belt for securing cash in crowded souks.
A headlamp is essential for evening power outages or night desert camps.
Footwear Strategy
Choose closed-toe sandals or lightweight hiking boots with good ventilation for sandy terrains and hot climates, ensuring ankle support for trekking ancient sites like Jebel Barkal. Avoid open sandals in urban areas to protect against traffic hazards and dust.
Extra socks and foot powder help manage sweat and blisters during long walks in 40°C+ heat.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized, high-moisture lotions for dry skin, biodegradable soap for eco-sensitive areas like the Red Sea coast, and wet wipes for water-scarce regions. Include electrolyte packets to prevent dehydration and a small towel for post-sandbath refresh.
Compact items reduce weight for multi-leg journeys, focusing on heat-resistant toiletries.
When to Visit Sudan
Cool Dry Season (October-February)
Best time for exploring pyramids and Nile cruises with comfortable temperatures of 20-30°C and minimal rain, ideal for outdoor activities like camel treks in the Bayuda Desert.
Fewer crowds at sites like Karima, with vibrant festivals in Khartoum adding cultural depth without extreme heat.
Hot Dry Season (March-May)
Suitable for early-morning visits to ancient Meroë ruins when temps hit 35-45°C, focusing on indoor museums or shaded souks in Omdurman.
Lower tourist numbers mean better deals on accommodations, but hydrate heavily for desert adventures.
Rainy Transition (June-September)
Avoid peak rains but catch lush landscapes around the Gezira region with temps of 30-40°C and occasional showers greening the savannas for unique wildlife viewing.
Red Sea diving is excellent with warmer waters, though flash floods can disrupt overland travel.
Shoulder Season (All Year Prep)
Year-round appeal for cultural immersion in Khartoum's markets, but monitor weather advisories; winter evenings dip to 15°C for cozy tea sessions.
Budget-friendly off-peak with events like the Sufi whirling dervishes in winter, avoiding summer's intense humidity.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Sudanese Pound (SDG). Highly inflationary; USD widely accepted for exchanges. Cards rarely used outside hotels - carry cash.
- Language: Arabic (official) and English in business/tourist areas. Learn basic phrases like "shukran" (thank you) for rural interactions.
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3. No daylight saving.
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Type D/G plugs (three-pin square or round).
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services across Sudan.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants or $1-2 for guides/porters.
- Water: Do not drink tap water; bottled or purified only. Nile water unsafe without treatment.
- Pharmacies: Available in cities like Khartoum; stock up on essentials abroad due to shortages.