February 24, 2010

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Sudan is a diverse, developing country in northeastern

Africa. The capital city is Khartoum. The civil war between the northern and southern
regions, which began in 1983, ended in 2005. A multi-party conflict continues in the
west in Darfur, and the armed Ugandan group known as The Lord’s Resistance Army is
present in the south. Security conditions are adverse in these and some other regions.
Transportation networks and other forms of infrastructure are poor and do not meet
western standards. Even where available, water and electric services suffer frequent
outages. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Sudan for additional
information.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sudan are

encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the Department of
State’s travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and
security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist
U.S. citizens in an emergency.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of
embassies and consulates.

Embassy of Sudan
Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum
Telephone: 249-187-016000; 0187-016000 (inside Sudan)

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: The Government of Sudan requires all travelers to

present a passport and an entry visa. Most travelers must obtain an entry visa before
arrival; only U.S. citizens who also possess a Sudanese national identification document
(such as a Sudanese passport or national identification card) may apply for an entry visa
at Khartoum International Airport. The Government of Sudan routinely denies visas to
travelers whose passports contain visas issued by the Government of Israel or other
evidence of travel to Israel, such as exit or entry stamps.

Travelers must obtain an exit visa before departure from Sudan as well as pay any
airport departure tax not included in the traveler’s airline ticket. Travelers with expired
entry visas or residence permits are regularly refused exit visas, absent a written request
from the Sudanese sponsor of the visa. Spouses and children of Sudanese citizens are
generally required by the Sudanese authorities to demonstrate permission of the
Sudanese spouse/parent when applying for exit visas to depart Sudan. Sudanese
children under 13 years old cannot exit the county unless they obtain a written approval
from their father, even when they are traveling with their mother. Visitors may obtain the
latest information and further details from the Embassy of Sudan, 2210 Massachusetts
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel.: 202-338-8565.

Travel permits issued by the semi-autonomous Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS)

or by the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) are not adequate
for entry to the country, although travelers may find these documents useful to present
to local authorities while in the south. Personal baggage, including computers, is
routinely searched upon arrival in and departure from Sudan. The authorities will seize
material deemed objectionable, such as alcohol or pornography, and may detain or
arrest the traveler. Travelers intending to bring electronic items should inquire about
entry requirements when they apply for a visa; restrictions apply to many devices,
including video cameras, satellite phones, facsimile machines, televisions, and
telephones. Travelers are not allowed to depart Sudan with ivory, certain other animal
products, or large quantities of gold.

All visitors must register at the Ministry of Interior within three days of arrival in Sudan.
All foreigners traveling more than 25 kilometers outside of Khartoum must obtain a travel
permit from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in Khartoum. Travelers without such a
permit risk detention by Sudanese authorities. This applies to all travel, including
private, commercial, and humanitarian activities. Travelers must register again with the
police within 24 hours of arrival at their destination outside of Khartoum. The
government requires a separate travel permit for travel to Darfur. These regulations are
strictly enforced and even travelers with proper documentation may expect delays or
temporary detention from the security forces, especially outside the capital. Authorities
expect travelers to strictly respect roadblocks and other checkpoints.

Travelers who wish to take any photographs must obtain a photography permit from the
Government of Sudan, Ministry of Interior, Department of Aliens.

In April 2009, the Government of Sudan’s (GOS) Ministry of Animal Resources issued a
decree prohibiting the importation of all animals, including domestic pets, or animal
products into Sudan. The Government of Sudan maintained that this ban was necessary
to protect its citizens from 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu, that
it believed could be transmitted by animals. Although the ban has subsequently been
lifted, travelers are advised that such a ban could again be imposed with little warning,
and should check with the Embassy of Sudan in Washington D.C. before traveling to
Sudan with any animals.

Visit the Embassy of Sudan's website for the most current visa information.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Sudan. A
negative HIV test result must be presented at a Sudanese embassy or at Khartoum
airport in order to obtain a visa. However, anecdotal reports indicate this requirement is
not enforced in practice. Please confirm this requirement with the Embassy of Sudan.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can
be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read
our Customs Information page.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: On January 1, 2008, a group of assailants shot and killed
two U.S. Embassy employees - an American USAID officer and a Sudanese national
driver. The attack was found to be ideologically motivated, and the assailants were
convicted and sentenced under Sudanese law in 2009. Terrorists are known to operate
in Sudan and continue to seek opportunities to carry out attacks against U.S. and
European interests. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or
kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on
civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where
westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S.
or Western interests. Terrorists are known to have targeted both official facilities and
residential compounds. Anti-western sentiment is prevalent, and U.S. citizens should
exercise utmost caution at all times.
The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services in Sudan, including emergency
assistance, is severely limited. Many areas outside the capital of Khartoum are
extremely difficult to access. Travel in many parts of Sudan is hazardous. Outside the
major cities infrastructure is extremely poor, medical care is limited, and very few
facilities for tourists exist.

Conflict among various armed groups and government forces continues in western
Sudan in the states of North Darfur, South Darfur, and West Darfur. Banditry and
lawlessness are also common in the west. Many local residents are in camps for
internally-displaced persons, and receive humanitarian assistance for basic needs such
as food, water, and shelter. Expatriate humanitarian workers have been the targets of
car-jackings and burglaries.

Land mines remain a major hazard in southern Sudan, especially south of the city of
Juba. Visitors should travel only on main roads, unless a competent de-mining authority
such as the UN has marked an area as clear of mines. The armed Ugandan group
known as The Lord’s Resistance Army is present along the southern border and
reportedly has announced it will target U.S. Citizens.

Occasional clashes between armed groups representing communal interests continue to

occur in the centrally-located states of Upper Nile, Blue Nile, and Bahr al Ghazal.
Banditry also occurs. Sudan shares porous land borders with nine other countries,
including Chad, the Central African Republic, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Conflict in these countries occasionally spills over into Sudan.

The approach of two highly anticipated political events—national elections, scheduled

for April 2010, and a national referendum, scheduled for January 2011—have brought
an increase in political activism in both the northern and southern regions of the country,
particularly in Khartoum and Juba. There has been an increase in political
demonstrations, both scheduled and spontaneous. Such demonstrations are usually
tightly controlled by Sudanese security forces, and there are often outbreaks of violence
involving those forces and the demonstrators. U.S. Citizens should recognize the
potential for violence in such situations, and should avoid the area near demonstrations
to the extent possible.

U.S. Citizens considering sea travel in Sudan's coastal waters should exercise caution
as there have been incidents of armed attacks and robberies by unknown groups in
recent years, including one involving U.S. vessels. Exercise extreme caution, as these
groups are considered armed and dangerous. When transiting in and around the Horn
of Africa and/or in the Red Sea near Yemen, it is strongly recommended that vessels
convoy in groups and maintain good communications contact at all times. Marine
channels 13 and 16 VHF-FM are international call-up and emergency channels, and are
commonly monitored by ships at sea. 2182 Mhz is the HF international call-up and
emergency channel. Wherever possible, travel in trafficked sea-lanes. Avoid loitering in
or transiting isolated or remote areas. In case of emergency, contact the nearest U.S.
Embassy or Consulate. In the event of an attack, consider activating Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacons.

Please see the State Department's Fact Sheet on Maritime Piracy and the Department
of Transportation’s Maritime Advisory on “Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and Indian Ocean
Transit.”
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly
monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains
current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-
4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-
4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal
security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures
travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the
Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime is on the increase throughout Sudan. Additional security measures

should be taken at places of residence to protect life and property. Anti-American
sentiments can be found throughout the country. U.S. Citizens should exercise caution
by avoiding crowded public areas and public gatherings. U.S. Citizens should avoid
traveling alone. Report all instances of anti-American acts and crime targeting
westerners to the U.S. Embassy, and report incidents of crime to the Sudanese Police.

U.S. Citizens should guard their backpacks or hand luggage. When traveling by air,
travelers should maintain constant contact with their baggage and assure that they do
not contain illicit items, such as alcohol, pornography, or military ordinance. U.S.
Citizens have been removed from international airlines and detained when suspect
items have been detected in checked baggage.

Carjacking and armed robbery occur in western and southern Sudan. Sexual assault is
more prevalent in the areas of armed conflict. Travelers who do not use the services of
reputable travel firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are especially at risk. Travel
outside of Khartoum should be undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that there
is a backup in case of mechanical failure or other emergency. Solo camping is always
risky.

The Sudanese mail system can be unreliable. International couriers provide the safest
means of shipping envelopes and packages, although anything of value should be
insured.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available.
Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition,
bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you
should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the
Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft
of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find
appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds may
be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the
responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local
criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Khartoum, Sudan is 999.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation
programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that

country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the
United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S.
law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for
similar offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating
child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

Persons violating Sudan's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or

imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Sudan are
severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: In November 1997, the U.S. imposed comprehensive

financial and commercial sanctions against Sudan, prohibiting U.S. transactions with
Sudan. Travelers intending to visit Sudan despite the Travel Warning should contact the
Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Office of
Compliance, telephone 1-800-540-6322 or 202-622-2490, regarding the effect of these
sanctions.

Travelers must be prepared to pay cash for all purchases, including hotel bills, airfares
purchased locally, and all other travel expenses. Major credit cards, including Visa,
MasterCard, or American Express, cannot be used in Sudan due to U.S. sanctions.
Sudan has no international ATMs. Local ATMs draw on local banks only.

U.S. currency issued prior to 1996 is generally not accepted in Sudan. In addition, U.S.
currency issued in 2001 may not be accepted due to counterfeiting concerns. Travelers
often experience difficulty transferring cash into the country. Western Union operates in
Khartoum, but currently does not operate in South Sudan.

Travelers, including journalists, must obtain a photography permit before taking any
photographs. Even with a photography permit, photographing military areas, bridges,
drainage stations, broadcast stations, public utilities, slum areas, and beggars is
prohibited.

Sudan is a conservative society, particularly in the capital and other areas where the
Muslim population is the majority. Alcohol is prohibited by law and modest dress is
expected. Loose, long-sleeved shirts and full-length skirts or slacks are recommended
attire for women visitors. Women who are not Muslim are not expected or required to
cover their heads. Men may wear short-sleeved shirts but short pants are not
acceptable in public.

The U.S. Embassy often does not receive timely notification of the detainment of U.S.
citizens.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Individuals with medical

conditions which may require treatment are strongly discouraged from traveling to
Sudan. Medical facilities in Khartoum fall short of U.S. standards; outside the capital,
very few facilities exist and hospitals and clinics are poorly equipped. Travelers must
pay cash in advance for any medical treatment. Ambulance services are not available.
Medicines are available only intermittently; travelers should bring sufficient supplies of
needed medicines in clearly-marked containers.

Malaria is prevalent in all areas of Sudan. The strain is resistant to chloroquine and can
be fatal. Consult a health practitioner before traveling, obtain suitable anti-malarial
drugs, and use protective measures, such as insect repellent, protective clothing, and
mosquito nets. Travelers who become ill with a fever or a flu-like illness while in Sudan,
or within a year after departure, should promptly seek medical care and inform their
physician of their travel history and the kind of anti-malarial drugs used. For additional
information about malaria and anti-malarial drugs please see the Center for Disease
Control information on malaria.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water
precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-
877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious
diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health
Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health
information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to

consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to determine whether
the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a
medical evacuation. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas
page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens
may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.
Road conditions throughout Sudan are hazardous due to erratic driver behavior,
pedestrians and animals in the roadways, and the lack of basic safety equipment on
many vehicles. Only major highways and some streets in the cities are paved; many
roads are narrow, rutted, and poorly maintained. Local drivers do not observe
conventions for the right-of-way, stop in the road without warning, and frequently exceed
safe speeds for road, traffic, and weather conditions. Driving at night is dangerous and
should be avoided if possible; many vehicles operate without lights.

In the north and west, dust storms and sand storms, known locally as haboobs, greatly
reduce visibility when they occur. Roads in these areas can be quickly covered with
shifting sand in any season of the year. Roads in southern Sudan often are impassable
during the rainy season, from March to October.

U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling, including
traffic laws. In Sudan vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side and drivers use
the right side of the road.

Traffic from side streets on the right has the right-of-way when entering a cross street,
including fast-moving main streets. Traffic on the right has the right-of-way at stops.
Right turns on a red light are prohibited. Speed limits are not posted, but the legal
speed limit for passenger cars on inter-city highways is 120 kph (about 70 mph), while in
most urban areas the limit is 60 kph (about 35 mph.) The speed limit in congested areas
and school zones is 40 kph (about 25 mph).
Many local drivers carry no insurance despite the legal requirement that all motor vehicle
operators purchase third-party liability insurance from the government. Persons
involved in an accident resulting in death or injury must report the incident to the nearest
police station or police officer as soon as possible. Persons found at fault can expect
fines, revocation of driving privileges, and jail sentences, depending on the nature and
extent of the accident. Persons convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol face
fines, jail sentences, and corporal punishment.

U.S. citizens may use their U.S. driver's licenses for up to 90 days after arrival in Sudan,
and then must carry either an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Sudanese driver's
license. There are no restrictions on vehicle types, including motorcycles and motorized
tricycles.

Public transportation is limited to within and between major urban areas. Passenger
facilities are basic and crowded, especially during rush hours and periods of seasonal
travel. Schedules are unpublished and subject to change without notice. Vehicle
maintenance does not meet U.S. standards. There is routine passenger train service on
the route from Khartoum to Wadi Halfa (on the border with Egypt) and to Port Sudan (on
the Red Sea.) Bus service between major cities is regular and inexpensive. Intra-city bus
service in the major urban areas is regular, but most buses and bus stops are privately-
operated and unmarked. Taxis are available in the major cities at hotels, tourist sites,
and government offices. The motorized rickshaws in common use in Khartoum are
unsafe. Travelers are encouraged to hire cars and drivers from reputable sources with
qualified drivers and safe vehicles. Irregularly-scheduled mini-buses provide some public
transit to rural communities; many areas lack any public transportation.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the

United States by carriers registered in Sudan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has not assessed the government of Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority for
compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety
standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on
intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.