Sudan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Sudan.
Healthcare System
Sudan's healthcare system is severely underdeveloped and has been critically damaged by the ongoing conflict. The system faces acute shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel. Many hospitals and clinics have been forced to close, looted, or destroyed during fighting. Even before the conflict, healthcare infrastructure was limited primarily to major cities.
Hospitals
In Khartoum, the few functioning hospitals include Soba University Hospital and Royal Care Hospital, though their operational status fluctuates. Many facilities have been damaged or occupied during fighting. Private clinics offer slightly better care but are expensive and have limited capabilities. Medical evacuation to Egypt, Kenya, or Europe is essential for serious conditions.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies exist in urban areas but face severe shortages of medications. Quality control is poor, and counterfeit medications are common. Bring all necessary medications from home with prescriptions and in original packaging. Common over-the-counter medications may be unavailable or of questionable quality.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $500,000 USD) is absolutely essential. Standard policies often exclude conflict zones, so verify coverage specifically mentions Sudan and conflict-related incidents. Ensure coverage includes emergency evacuation to a country with adequate medical facilities.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics, anti-malarials, water purification tablets, and any prescription medications for the entire trip plus extra
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records in English and Arabic
- Know your blood type and any allergies
- Identify the location of your embassy's medical officer before arrival
- Avoid any medical procedures unless absolutely necessary due to risk of contaminated equipment
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne diseases
- Ensure tetanus, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and other vaccinations are current before travel
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Active fighting between SAF and RSF forces with heavy weapons, including artillery and airstrikes. Clashes occur with little warning and can trap civilians in crossfire.
Demonstrations and civil unrest can occur suddenly and may turn violent. Security forces may use lethal force against protesters.
Terrorist groups operate in Sudan, and kidnapping for ransom or political purposes is a significant risk, particularly for foreigners.
Armed robbery, carjacking, and violent assault have increased significantly during the conflict. Lawlessness prevails in many areas with limited police presence.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, though less significant compared to violent crime risks.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain from previous conflicts and current fighting, posing serious risks in certain areas.
Roads are poorly maintained, lighting is inadequate, vehicles are often unsafe, and driving standards are poor. Checkpoints and armed groups control many roads.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Armed individuals set up fake checkpoints to extort money or rob travelers. May pose as military or police.
Black market money changers use sleight of hand, counterfeit bills, or shortchange customers. Exchange rates may be manipulated.
Individuals claim you photographed restricted areas (government buildings, bridges, military sites) and demand payment to avoid arrest.
Taxi drivers charge excessive fares to foreigners or take unnecessarily long routes.
Individuals offer guide services but provide poor service, demand extra payments, or lead tourists to shops for commissions.
Hotels may overcharge, claim damage to rooms, or have accomplices who rob guests after check-in.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Security
- Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival and maintain regular contact
- Develop and maintain multiple evacuation plans with routes to airports and border crossings
- Keep emergency cash in USD in multiple locations
- Maintain a low profile and avoid discussing political topics
- Learn basic Arabic phrases for emergencies
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) in multiple locations including digital backups
- Share your location and itinerary with trusted contacts regularly
- Monitor news and security updates multiple times daily through reliable sources
Communication
- Purchase local SIM card but be aware networks are frequently disrupted
- Download offline maps before arrival as internet access is unreliable
- Have satellite phone or communication device if traveling to remote areas
- Keep phone charged and carry power banks
- Learn locations of your embassy and safe houses
- Have emergency contact numbers written down in case phone is lost or stolen
- Be cautious about what you communicate electronically as monitoring may occur
Documentation
- Carry passport and visa at all times as checkpoints are common
- Obtain all necessary permits before travel, including photography permits and travel permits for restricted areas
- Keep photocopies of documents separate from originals
- Register with police within three days of arrival as required by law
- Carry business cards or letter from employer/host explaining purpose of visit
- Have hotel contact information readily available
- Ensure passport has at least 6 months validity and blank pages for stamps
Money and Valuables
- Bring sufficient USD cash as ATMs are unreliable and credit cards rarely accepted
- Divide money and store in multiple secure locations
- Use money belt or hidden pouch under clothing
- Only carry what you need for the day
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Keep small denominations for daily transactions
- Photograph valuable items and record serial numbers in case of theft
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
Transportation
- Avoid all non-essential travel within Sudan during current conflict
- Use trusted drivers and vehicles arranged through reputable sources
- Never travel alone; use convoy system when possible
- Avoid travel after dark under all circumstances
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up at all times
- Have emergency supplies in vehicle (water, food, first aid, fuel)
- Know locations of checkpoints and expect delays
- Comply with all checkpoint instructions calmly and respectfully
- Avoid areas of recent fighting and monitor security situation constantly
Accommodation
- Stay in secure hotels with good security measures in place
- Choose accommodations away from government buildings and military installations
- Know all exits and emergency procedures
- Keep room locked at all times and use additional security devices
- Store valuables in hotel safe if available and reliable
- Be cautious about sharing room number or personal information
- Have emergency supplies in room (water, snacks, flashlight, first aid)
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
Health Precautions
- Complete all recommended vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before travel
- Bring comprehensive medical kit with supplies for entire trip
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed
- Practice strict food and water safety measures
- Avoid contact with animals due to rabies risk
- Use insect repellent and protective clothing to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Seek medical attention immediately for fever, diarrhea, or injuries
- Avoid swimming in freshwater sources
- Maintain good hand hygiene with soap or hand sanitizer
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress conservatively with loose-fitting clothing covering shoulders, chest, and knees minimum
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Respect Islamic customs and prayer times
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Use right hand for eating and greeting (left hand considered unclean)
- Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques
- Be respectful during Ramadan (avoid eating, drinking, smoking in public during daylight hours)
- Learn and use appropriate greetings in Arabic
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Sudan is an extremely challenging destination for women travelers, particularly given the current conflict situation. The country is deeply conservative with strict Islamic customs and gender segregation in many aspects of society. Women face significant restrictions and harassment is common. Female travelers should exercise extreme caution and preferably travel with male companions or in organized groups with security. The current conflict has increased risks of gender-based violence.
- Dress very conservatively: wear loose-fitting clothing covering entire body including arms and legs; headscarf (hijab) is strongly recommended and may be required in some areas
- Avoid traveling alone; arrange trusted male escort or travel with organized groups when possible
- Be prepared for gender segregation in public spaces, restaurants, and transportation
- Avoid eye contact with men and do not engage in conversation with unfamiliar men
- Use women-only sections on public transportation when available
- Book accommodation with good security and reputation; inform hotel staff of your schedule
- Avoid being out after dark under any circumstances
- Do not accept drinks or food from strangers
- Learn culturally appropriate responses to unwanted attention in Arabic
- Carry phone with emergency contacts readily accessible
- Be aware that reporting harassment or assault may not result in supportive response from authorities
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deflect unwanted attention
- Avoid beaches and swimming areas as women's swimwear is not culturally acceptable
- Be extremely cautious about photography as being photographed as a woman can cause issues
- Understand that women's testimony may carry less weight in legal situations
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Sudan and punishable by death under Sharia law, though death penalty is rarely enforced. Same-sex sexual activity can result in imprisonment, flogging, or execution. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and discrimination is not prohibited. Same-sex marriage is not recognized and is illegal.
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity to anyone
- Avoid any public displays of affection regardless of gender
- Do not engage in any LGBTQ+ activism or advocacy
- Be extremely cautious about using dating apps or online platforms as they may be monitored and could lead to arrest
- Remove any LGBTQ+ related content from social media and devices before arrival
- Do not wear or carry any rainbow symbols or LGBTQ+ identifiers
- Be aware that even private consensual activity can result in prosecution if discovered
- Understand that your embassy's ability to assist in cases involving LGBTQ+ issues may be extremely limited
- Consider whether travel to Sudan is absolutely necessary given the severe risks
- Have emergency evacuation plan ready in case of discovery or threat
- Do not trust anyone with this information, regardless of how friendly or accepting they may seem
- Be prepared to conform to all gender norms and expectations
- Understand that legal consequences could include lengthy imprisonment or corporal punishment
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive coverage is absolutely essential for Sudan, but standard policies typically exclude coverage in conflict zones or areas with government travel warnings. Due to the ongoing armed conflict since April 2023, obtaining coverage for Sudan is extremely difficult and expensive. Most insurers will not provide coverage at all, or will exclude conflict-related incidents. The dire state of medical facilities and necessity for emergency evacuation makes specialized insurance critical for anyone who must travel to Sudan despite warnings.
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