Sudan Travel Risk

Do not travel to Sudan due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, and health threats.

The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations in April 2023 due to the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan. The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to Americans in Sudan due to the current security situation. Do not travel to Sudan for any reason.

To report an emergency regarding an American in Sudan, contact:

• U.S. Embassy Cairo: +20-2-2797-3300
• From the United States and Canada: Dial +1-888-407-4747 for the U.S. Department of State.
• From elsewhere in the world: Dial +1-202-501-4444 for the U.S. Department of State.

Unrest - Armed Conflict

Armed conflict continues in Sudan. This includes heavy fighting among the Sudanese Armed Forces, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and various armed militias.

• The situation is violent, volatile, and extremely unpredictable. This is especially true in the Kordofan and Darfur regions, as well as in the capital region, including Khartoum and Omdurman.
• Khartoum International Airport is currently only operating for limited commercial traffic. Commercial service to the Port Sudan International Airport has been limited at times due to drone strikes.
• Electrical and communication disruptions can occur at any time. This includes internet and cell phone service interruptions.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against all travel to Sudan because of the ongoing military conflict in Khartoum and other parts of the country. This does not include the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.

There have been several ceasefires, but these have been regularly broken.

Monitor travel advice and other media reports for the latest information.

Find out more about safety and security in Sudan.

Get help in Sudan

The British Embassy in Khartoum is closed due to the conflict. There are no British consular staff in Sudan. Our ability to provide consular support is severely limited and we cannot provide in-person support inside Sudan.

If you’re a British national in Sudan, you can call our 24/7 telephone helpline: +44 1908 516 666. Select option 2 for consular services for British nationals.

Leaving Sudan

The UK government is no longer evacuating people from Sudan.

FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any potential departure point. Consider carefully whether you want to take any of the available options.

Use your own judgement to move towards a departure point if and when you judge it is safe to do so.

The UK government’s ability to facilitate onward travel from countries in the region is limited and you’ll be expected to cover the cost of visas, accommodation, insurance and onward travel yourself.

Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk.

FCDO cannot help non-British dependants of British nationals.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Sudan.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Sudan

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Sudan

Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners, such as:

• transport hubs
• hotels
• restaurants
• places of worship
• major gatherings

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Red Sea military activity

There is a military response to Houthi militants’ attempts to disrupt international shipping in the Red Sea. The military activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, but travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should monitor travel advice and follow instructions from local authorities.

This section has extra safety advice for regions of Sudan. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Travelling to Saudi Arabia from Port Sudan

For information about arriving in Jeddah and entry requirements, see Saudi Arabia travel advice.

If you’re arriving in Jeddah from Port Sudan and need urgent assistance, you can contact FCDO in Jeddah on +966 (0)12 622 5550 and select option 4.

Leaving Sudan by a land border

If you’re considering leaving Sudan across a land border, check that the border crossing will be open.

Sudan’s borders with Chad and Eritrea are currently closed.

Check the travel advice for the country you will be entering to understand the entry requirements for that country and whether FCDO advises against travel.

Sudan-Egypt border

Significant numbers of people are trying to cross the border from Sudan into Egypt. There are 2 main land border crossings between Egypt and Sudan, at Argeen and Qustul. The nearest town in Sudan to the crossings is Wadi Halfa, 30km from border.

There is almost no infrastructure at these border crossings. People are waiting several days to cross the border, with limited access to food and water.

The British Embassy in Egypt does not have staff at the border. Our ability to provide help is very limited.

If you’re a British national planning to cross into Egypt at Argeen or Qustul and you do not have valid documentation with you, call the British Embassy in Cairo: + 20 (0) 2 2791 6000.

See our Egypt travel advice for entry requirements, including information on visas.

Risk level

SUDAN - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest and the volatile security situation.

You should leave the country if you can do so safely.

Canadians in Sudan needing consular assistance should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

Ongoing hostilities throughout Sudan

Since April 2023, there has been heavy fighting throughout the country between the Sudanese army, a paramilitary group, and other affiliated armed groups.

The Sudanese army controls the eastern part of the country, including Khartoum and Port Sudan, while paramilitary groups control the western part. However, territorial control frequently shifts along multiple frontlines.

Drone attacks occur frequently and without warning nationwide, including in areas controlled by the Sudanese army, such as Khartoum and Port Sudan.

The security situation remains highly volatile and violent clashes are likely to continue. The civilian population has been deliberately targeted by violence, including sexual violence. Foreigners and employees of international organizations have also been targeted by these attacks.

The conflict has severely damaged infrastructure and disrupted essential services, including medical care, banking services, electricity and telecommunications. Access to basic necessities such as food, water, medication, fuel and cash is extremely challenging. Hostilities have caused mass population displacements within the country and the region, resulting in a dire humanitarian situation.

Port Sudan New International Airport is the primary civilian airport operating international flights. Khartoum’s international airport has reopened, but international flights remain limited. Both airports are subject to drone attacks and may close without notice.

If you decide to leave the country by air, you should carefully assess the security situation before heading to the airport. All travel in Sudan is extremely dangerous due to ongoing fighting.

If you are in Sudan and choose to stay despite this advisory:

• monitor local and international media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• use your judgment to decide the best time and the safest means to move to a safer location if you think it's required
• shelter-in-place until it is safe to leave the country
• make sure you have sufficient supplies of food, water and fuel
• keep your doors and windows locked at all times and ensure your phone is always charged
• ensure that your passport and other travel documents are up-to-date and secure at all times
• sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important safety updates from the Government of Canada

Canada’s response to the crisis in Sudan

苏丹现有红色（极高风险）地区13个，其他地区均为橙色（高风险）。具体如下:

一、红色地区：喀土穆州、达尔富尔地区（包括北达尔富尔州、南达尔富尔州、东达尔富尔州、西达尔富尔州和中达尔富尔州5个州）、西科尔多凡州、北科尔多凡州、南科尔多凡州、白尼罗州、杰济拉州、森纳尔州、加达里夫州。外交部提醒中国公民近期暂勿前往苏丹上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构尽快撤离或转移至安全地区。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

二、橙色地区：其他地区，即红海州、卡萨拉州、北方州、尼罗州、青尼罗州。外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往苏丹其他地区，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。