Sudan
About
| Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. Among the tourist attractions here are the Omdurman camel market, the Arab souk and the National Museum. The main areas of archaeological interest include Bajrawiya, Naga and Meroe. The Dinder National Park, on the Ethiopian border, is one of the largest in the world, and home to numerous species of wild animals. The Red Sea, with the transparency of its water, the variety of its fish and the charm of its marine gardens and coral reefs, is one of Sudan's main attractions. A visit to the Gezira model farm and a trip along the Nile to the dam at Jebel Aulia, where the Nile is especially rich in fish, are recommended. Sunset on the river is spectacular. The main areas of archaeological interest in Sudan are to be found beside the Nile north of Khartoum. They include Bajrawiya, El Kurru, Meroe, Musawarat, Naga and Nuri. The Gemmeiza Tourist Village, situated in the heart of East Equatoria, is considered of special interest, owing to the abundance of game in that area. Civil war and political instability prevent travellers from undertaking watersports activities at present, although there is normally great scope for them on the Red Sea coast, including swimming, diving on coral reefs and fishing for barracuda, sharks and grey cod. |
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| Capital: | Khartoum (KRT) |
| Currency: | Sudanese Pound (SDG) |
| Language: | Arabic (English is spoken) |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 249 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +3 hours (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. Application for permission to motor through the Sudan should be made to the Ministry of Interior. |
| Best Time to go: | November to March |
| Best For: | Archaeological Sites, Red Sea |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two- and three-pin plugs are used |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Healthcare facilities are underequipped, particularly outside of Khartoum. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage |
| Customs: | Sudan is a predominantly Muslim country and Sharia laws apply in the North. Women are not expected to cover their heads, but should dress modestly. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Registration is obligatory within 3 days of arrival (some hotels may be able to do so on your behalf). Independent travellers need to register with police on arrival in any town or city. Visitors must obtain a Permit to Travel if going to any places the Government deems unstable (generally any area outside of Khartoum). Note that permits / registration can take a full day. For updated costs and information, contact the Sudanese embassy. Alcohol is forbidden in Sudan. Visitors are required to obtain a permit for photography of any kind, and may require a permit to visit archaeological sites. |
| Travel Warnings: | No credit cards can be used in Sudan. Parts of the south are war-torn and should be avoided if possible – they hold little interest for tourists. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Sudan by visitors over 20 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450g of tobacco. • A reasonable amount of perfume and eau de toilette for personal use. • A reasonable amount of gifts. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited imports include alcohol, goods from Israel or South Africa, and blank pro-forma invoices. You can only import fruit, vegetables, meat and fish with the approval of the Ministry of Animal and Fish Resources. To import firearms, you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Interior. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Sudan, Pretoria
1203 Pretorius St, 0083, Hatfield
Tel: 012 342 4538
E-mail: sudanembassypretoria@yahoo.com
Submissions: 09:00-12:00 Mon-Thur
Collections: 13:00-15:00 Mon-Thur
APPLICATIONS ARE TO BE HANDED IN AT THE GATE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE PREMISES, NO APPLICANTS MAY ENTER THE PREMISES.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 7; Mar 31; Apr 1-3, 20; Jun 6-10, 27; Sep 5; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 7; Mar 20-23; Apr 12; May 26-30; Jun 17; Aug 26; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by all passport holders.
REQUIREMENTS:
All applicants visiting Sudan for work, business or visiting friends, are to request the inviting party to apply for them through the Ministry of Interior. The applicant will be given a reference number or entry permit, to collect their visa.
- A completed & signed visa application form in duplicate and signed.
- Valid passport (no less than 6 months validity) with 2 blank pages, plus a copy.
- 2 passport size photos
- Flight itinerary (detailed) (A physical ticket is not required)
- 3 months bank statement
- Confirmation of Hotel booking
- Vehicle registration papers if entering Sudan by road.
- Copy of Yellow Fever Vaccination card (Original must be shown on entry in Sudan)
- Letter of employment
- Country of destination after Sudan should be indicated on the application form
- Letter of invitation:
Tourist - a letter in which reasons for visiting are stated including dates of departure and return.
Business - a letter from local company explaining the mission and an invitation from the company in Sudan should accompany application.
Visa Processing Time
Within 10 Working days
.
Visa Validity
Validity of a visa is two months from the date of issue
Visa Cost
R700.00 Single entry visa (valid 2 months)
R4200.00 Multiple entry (valid 6 months)
R8400.00 Multiple entry (valid for one year)
In order to collect visaed passport messenger must have passport number ready as proof of collection.
Visa fee to be paid via cash deposit or EFT. Proof of payment to be submitted.
NO PAYMENT IS TO BE MADE UNTIL APPROVAL IS GRANTED.
SA Representative
SA Embassy
Street 11, House 16, Block B9, Al-Amarat, Khartoum, Sudan
Tel: + 249 183 585 301/2/3/4
E-mail: saembassykhartoum@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/Khartoum
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
