Sudan Travel Safety

Road safety

Road conditions are poor. Many roads outside the capital are sand tracks. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for overland travel except on the Khartoum–Kassala–Port Sudan, Khartoum–Atbara, and Khartoum–El Obeid highways. Only experienced and fully equipped travellers should undertake desert travel. Basic equipment should include a shovel, metal ramps for heavy sand, a global positioning system (GPS), spare fuel and water supplies. Roadblocks are common. Have your identity and vehicle documents readily available. Unpredictable local driving habits, pedestrians and roaming animals pose serious risks.

Border crossings

The land borders with some neighbouring countries are closed. Border closures may occur without notice. Check with local authorities in Khartoum for up-to-date information. Attempting to cross land borders is dangerous and not recommended. Commercial overland expeditions occasionally cross Sudan's land borders with Libya, the Central African Republic and Chad, but these routes are dangerous. There are landmines in many areas outside the main cities, including border areas.

Public transportation

Public transportation is limited outside of major urban areas. A weekly train service operates between Wadi Halfa and Khartoum. Trains are dilapidated, but service is punctual. Travel only in top-of-the-line buses. Most other buses are irregularly scheduled, poorly maintained and very badly driven. Fatal accidents involving buses are routine. The only regular surface access from Egypt is by ferry from Aswan, Egypt, to Wadi Halfa, Sudan. There are ferries to and from the Red Sea port of Suakin.

Taxis

Taxis are available in urban centres but are generally old and uncomfortable. Khartoum has a metered taxi service but drivers rarely speak English. It is recommended to have your destination written down in Arabic.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Sudan, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters, and in some cases, further out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Kidnapping

Westerners face the risk of being kidnapped even in Khartoum. Maintain a heightened level of vigilance in Khartoum and consider regularly modifying your patterns of travel.

Crime

While the incidence of crime in Khartoum is low, incidents of petty crime are increasing notably, opportunistic theft from vehicles. Keep valuables out of sight and drive with locked doors and closed windows. Banditry is rampant throughout western Sudan, especially in the Darfur region, near the border with Chad, where several incidents have resulted in deaths.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:government buildings, schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, but keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Culture

Customs, laws and regulations adhere strongly to Islamic practices and beliefs. Use discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively: for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable. Both women and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas or in some tourist areas as well. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Sudanese culture. During the month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

Homosexual practices and extra marital relations are illegal and subject to severe penalties. This includes inviting guests into hotel rooms. Sudanese society is not tolerant of homosexual relationships. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Sudan.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Bags are routinely searched upon arrival and departure at the Khartoum airport. It is prohibited to import or consume alcohol (even in private) and to import magazines or books of a sexually explicit nature. Religious proselytization can lead to arrest for long periods of time and deportation. A photography permit is required for all forms of photography. Even with a permit, it is strictly prohibited to photograph airports, military areas, bridges, drainage stations, broadcast stations, public utilities, slum areas or beggars. Any photography without a permit immediately draws suspicion of espionage, and individuals, including foreigners, have been detained. If you travel with your laptop, ensure that you remove any photo files that could be deemed by the authorities as suspicious or controversial. Also deleting your browsers history is recommended.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.