Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Sudan depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for SudanEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 999
Currency
- Name
- Sudanese Pound
- Code
- SDG
- Symbol
- ج.س
Cash economy. Bring USD in crisp bills — exchange at banks. International cards do not work. Note: Sudan has been in active civil war since April 2023; most Western governments advise against all travel. This entry is provided for historical/informational interest — verify conditions thoroughly before any visit.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type D
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
CAT (UTC+3) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
November–February was the pre-conflict travel window — Meroe's pyramids at sunrise, Nubian villages along the Nile, and the desert are best in cooler months. The civil war that began in April 2023 has made travel impossible for the foreseeable future.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guides | $10–15 USD per day | — |
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
Dress Code
- Very conservative dress throughout — Sudan is a conservative Muslim country
- Women must cover hair and wear loose, long clothing in public
- Men: long trousers and covered shoulders
Social Etiquette
- Sudanese hospitality is legendary — tea and conversation with strangers is a cherished tradition
- The pyramids of Meroe (Nubian kingdoms, 700 BCE–350 CE) are among the world's great archaeological wonders — less visited than Egypt's, equally spectacular
- Always seek permission before photographing people
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- CRITICAL: Sudan has been in active civil conflict since April 2023 with fighting in Khartoum and Darfur. Do not travel until conditions stabilise and your government's advisory permits.
- Alcohol is completely prohibited
- LGBTQ+ activity is illegal
- Photography of bridges, government buildings, military, and official facilities is prohibited
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Arabic/Sudanese) | مرحبا / أزيكم (Marhaba / Azaykum) | MAR-hah-bah / ah-ZAY-koom |
| Thank you (Arabic) | شكرا (Shukran) | SHOO-krahn |
| Welcome (Arabic) | أهلا وسهلا (Ahlan wa sahlan) | AH-lan wah SAH-lan |
| Peace (Arabic) | السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum) | ah-SAH-lah-moo ah-LAY-koom |
| Tea (Arabic) | شاي (Shay) | SHAY — offered to every guest |
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