Sudan

CRITICAL WARNING: Sudan has been experiencing armed conflict since April 2023. Most governments advise against all travel to Sudan. Commercial aviation is severely disrupted, Khartoum International Airport has been closed intermittently, and the security situation remains extremely dangerous. The information below reflects pre-conflict conditions and may not be current. Do not travel to Sudan unless absolutely essential.

Sudan is Africa's third-largest country by area, located in northeastern Africa where the Blue and White Nile rivers converge at the capital, Khartoum. Prior to the current conflict, the country attracted adventurous travelers with its ancient Nubian pyramids, Red Sea diving, and Saharan landscapes.

Before the 2023 conflict, Sudan's aviation sector was centered on Khartoum International Airport (KRT), with Port Sudan International Airport (PZU) serving the Red Sea coast. However, the ongoing civil war has devastated the country's infrastructure, displaced millions, and effectively halted most commercial aviation operations.

Note: Airport operations are severely disrupted due to ongoing conflict. Verify current status before any travel planning.

Primary Airports (Pre-Conflict)

Airport	City	Role	Status (2023-Present)
KRT	Khartoum	Primary international hub	Intermittently closed; severely damaged
PZU	Port Sudan	Red Sea gateway, humanitarian hub	Limited operations

Khartoum International Airport (KRT) — Sudan's main international gateway prior to the conflict. Located in Khartoum's city center at the confluence of the Nile rivers. The airport suffered significant damage during fighting since April 2023 and has been closed for extended periods. When operational pre-conflict, it served as the hub for Sudan Airways and connected Sudan to regional African capitals, Middle Eastern hubs, and some European destinations.

Port Sudan International Airport (PZU) — Located on the Red Sea coast, approximately 850 km from Khartoum. Has become more significant during the conflict as an alternative entry/exit point and humanitarian corridor. Prior to 2023, it served domestic flights and limited regional connections, particularly for Red Sea tourism and pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Regional Airports

Airport	City	Pre-Conflict Role
ELF	El Fasher	Darfur region hub
NHF	New Halfa	Agricultural region
DOG	Dongola	Northern Sudan, Nile valley
EBD	El Obeid	Central Sudan
EGN	Geneina	Western Darfur
KSL	Kassala	Eastern Sudan, Ethiopian border

Many regional airports were built to support domestic connectivity across Sudan's vast territory. During the conflict, several have been damaged or are under military control.

Note: Commercial aviation in Sudan has been severely disrupted since April 2023. Many airlines have suspended operations entirely or drastically reduced services.

National Carrier

Sudan Airways (SD) — Sudan's flag carrier, established in 1946 as one of Africa's oldest airlines. Headquartered in Khartoum, it historically operated domestic services and regional routes to neighboring countries, the Middle East, and limited European destinations. Operations have been severely curtailed due to the conflict, economic sanctions history, and fleet limitations.

Other Sudanese Airlines (Pre-Conflict)

• Badr Airlines — Private carrier operating domestic and regional routes, particularly to Saudi Arabia for Hajj/Umrah traffic
• Tarco Air — Domestic and regional carrier serving secondary cities
• Nova Airways — Charter and domestic services

International Airlines (Pre-Conflict)

Prior to the 2023 conflict, Sudan had connections to:

• Turkish Airlines — Istanbul service via KRT
• EgyptAir — Cairo connections
• Ethiopian Airlines — Addis Ababa service
• Emirates, flydubai — UAE connections
• Qatar Airways — Doha service
• Saudi Arabian Airlines — Hajj/Umrah traffic

Most international carriers have suspended Sudan services indefinitely due to the security situation and airport closures.

WARNING: Sudan's visa and entry systems are severely disrupted due to ongoing conflict. Standard visa processes may not be functioning. Consult your government's travel advisory and the nearest Sudanese embassy for current information.

Pre-Conflict Requirements

Visa Required: Most nationalities required a visa before arrival.

Application Process (when functional):

• Apply at Sudanese embassy or consulate
• Tourist visas typically valid for 30 days
• Registration with police required within 3 days of arrival
• Travel permits needed for areas outside Khartoum
• Photography permits required

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
• Israeli stamps: Travelers with Israeli stamps or visas were historically denied entry

Current Status

• Visa issuance largely suspended or severely limited
• Border crossings unpredictable
• Humanitarian entry may require special coordination with UN agencies
• All embassies advise against travel

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: mofa.gov.sd (may not be current)

Pre-Conflict Transportation

Note: The following reflects pre-conflict conditions. Current travel within Sudan is extremely dangerous and not recommended.

Domestic Flights: Sudan Airways and smaller carriers connected Khartoum to regional cities. Given the country's vast size and limited road infrastructure, flying was often the most practical option for long distances.

Route (Pre-Conflict)	Distance	Flight Time
KRT ↔ Port Sudan	850 km	1h 30m
KRT ↔ El Fasher	900 km	1h 45m
KRT ↔ Dongola	550 km	1h 15m

Road Travel: Roads were generally poor outside main cities. 4x4 vehicles required for desert travel. Permits and guides often mandatory.

Rail: Limited passenger rail services existed between Khartoum and northern towns.

River: Nile ferries operated between some towns.

Current Reality

Travel within Sudan is extremely hazardous due to:

• Active armed conflict in multiple regions
• Checkpoints controlled by various factions
• Collapsed infrastructure
• Fuel shortages
• Communications blackouts

Note: Travel to Sudan is not recommended under current circumstances. This section reflects pre-conflict seasonal information.

Winter (November-February) — Traditional Peak Season

Cooler temperatures (25-35°C) made this the most comfortable period for tourism. Desert nights could be cold.

Summer (March-October)

Extreme heat, particularly April-June (40-45°C+). Dust storms (haboobs) common. Rainy season in the south (July-September) made some roads impassable.

Pre-Conflict Tourism Seasons

Destination	Best Time	Notes
Khartoum	Nov-Feb	Avoid extreme summer heat
Nubian Pyramids (Meroë)	Nov-Feb	Desert site, early morning visits
Red Sea Coast	Oct-May	Diving conditions, warm water year-round
Darfur	Nov-Feb	Access was already restricted pre-conflict

WARNING: None of these destinations should be visited under current conflict conditions.

Archaeological Sites (Pre-Conflict)

Destination	Nearest Airport	Known For
Meroë	KRT (3hr drive)	Ancient Nubian pyramids, UNESCO site
Jebel Barkal	DOG	Temple ruins, royal pyramid tombs
Naga & Musawwarat	KRT (4hr drive)	Meroitic temples, lion sculptures
Old Dongola	DOG	Medieval Christian kingdom ruins

Cities

• Khartoum: Confluence of the Niles, National Museum (Nubian artifacts), Omdurman camel market
• Omdurman: Traditional markets, Mahdi's Tomb, Whirling Dervishes ceremonies
• Port Sudan: Red Sea gateway, diving opportunities

Natural Areas

• Red Sea Coast: Pre-conflict, offered excellent diving with pristine reefs and hammerhead sharks
• Suakin: Historic Ottoman-era port city ruins on the Red Sea
• Nubian Desert: Pyramids, archaeological sites, stark desert landscapes

Critical Safety Information

Do not travel to Sudan. The country has been in active armed conflict since April 2023:

• Major cities including Khartoum have seen intense fighting
• Millions displaced internally and as refugees
• Humanitarian crisis with limited food, water, medicine
• Communications unreliable
• Medical facilities non-functional in many areas
• Foreign nationals have been evacuated
• Airports closed or operating unpredictably

Money (Pre-Conflict Information)

• Currency: Sudanese Pound (SDG, ج.س)
• Exchange: Currency was highly volatile; USD preferred for exchange
• ATMs: Limited functionality pre-conflict; now largely non-functional
• Cards: Very limited acceptance even pre-conflict
• Cash: Essential; bring sufficient USD in clean notes

Electrical

• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
• Plug types: Type C (Europlug) and Type D (three large round pins)
• Adapters: European and Indian-style plugs used
• Power: Pre-conflict power cuts were common; generators widespread

Connectivity (Pre-Conflict)

• Mobile: Zain, MTN, Sudani were main providers
• SIM cards: Available with passport registration
• Internet: Slow and censored; blackouts during political unrest
• VPN: Often blocked

Health Considerations

• Malaria: Risk in most areas, particularly south
• Water: Drink only bottled water
• Heat: Extreme temperatures require serious precautions
• Medical facilities: Very limited even pre-conflict; now severely compromised
• Vaccinations: Yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, typhoid, meningitis recommended
• Travel insurance: Essential; must include emergency evacuation coverage

Pre-Conflict Cultural Notes

• Islamic customs: Conservative dress expected; alcohol prohibited
• Photography: Permits required; restrictions on photographing government buildings, bridges, military installations
• Friday: Weekly holiday; reduced services
• Ramadan: Reduced hours; eating/drinking in public restricted during daylight
• Hospitality: Sudanese known for exceptional hospitality to guests

Emergency Information

• UK FCDO: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sudan
• US State Dept: travel.state.gov
• UN OCHA: unocha.org/sudan (humanitarian updates)
• UNHCR: unhcr.org/emergencies/sudan-crisis

General Information (May Not Be Current)

• Government Portal: sudan.gov.sd
• Foreign Affairs: mofa.gov.sd
• Sudan Airways: sudanair.com (likely non-functional)

Archaeological Resources

• UNESCO Sudan: whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/sd
• Sudan National Museum: Khartoum (status uncertain)