Sudan Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens require a visa to visit Sudan. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Sudan due to active armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces that began in April 2023.
United States passport holders require a visa to enter Sudan.
Obtaining a Sudanese visa is currently extremely difficult due to the conflict and suspension of normal consular operations. Before the 2023 conflict, visas required an application at the Sudanese Embassy, invitation letter, photos, yellow fever certificate, and approximately $100 fee. Current visa issuance is unreliable. Travel is strongly discouraged.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Visa required from embassy. Travel extremely dangerous due to ongoing conflict.
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay with at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
Completed Visa Application Form
Fill out the official visa application form from the embassy or consulate
Passport-size Photos
Two recent color photos (2x2 inches or 35x45mm) with white background, taken within last 6 months
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or invitation letter with host address
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Recent bank statements (last 3 months), credit card statements, or sponsorship letter
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
Confirmed return or onward flight booking showing departure from the country
Employment or Business Letter
Letter from employer stating position, salary, and approved leave dates, or business registration documents
Travel Insurance Recommended
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation
Cover Letter Recommended
Personal letter explaining purpose of visit, itinerary, and ties to home country
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningitis, Rabies
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Sudan is experiencing a severe civil conflict since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has caused widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crisis. All travel to Sudan is strongly advised against. The situation is extremely dangerous throughout the country.
Money & Costs
Currency
ุฌ.ุณ Sudanese Pound (SDG)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $40 ยท Mid: $80 ยท Luxury: $150+
Tipping
When tourism operated normally, tipping was appreciated but not expected.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, D, 230V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
999 (Emergency)
Getting There
Main Airports
Khartoum (KRT)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
When travel is possible, the best time is November to February when temperatures are cooler (25-35ยฐC). March to May is extremely hot (up to 47ยฐC). The rainy season (July-October) affects some regions. Currently, the civil conflict makes all travel extremely dangerous.
Cultural Notes
Sudan has a rich history as part of ancient Nubia with more pyramids than Egypt. The Nubian kingdoms left remarkable archaeological heritage. The country bridges Arab and African cultures. When at peace, Sudanese were known for hospitality. Traditional music, poetry, and the Whirling Dervishes of Omdurman were cultural highlights.
Insider Tips
Arabic is the official language. The Sudanese Pound is the currency. Due to the ongoing conflict, normal tourism has ceased. If trapped in Sudan, contact your embassy immediately. The country has ancient archaeological sites but these are currently inaccessible.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Sudan: What You Need to Know
Sudan descended into open warfare in April 2023 when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum. The conflict has devastated the capital and spread across much of the country, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises: tens of millions displaced. Khartoum International Airport (KRT) was severely damaged and has been non-operational since the conflict began. Sudan Civil Aviation Authority Airport in Port Sudan (PZU) has become the main operational airport. The US Embassy suspended operations and evacuated staff in April 2023.
How to Get There
Before the 2023 conflict, Khartoum was connected to Cairo, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dubai, and European cities. Port Sudan now serves as the main operational airport with limited connections. All travel to Sudan is strongly discouraged given the ongoing civil war.
Money & Banking
Sudan uses the Sudanese Pound (SDG). The financial system has been severely disrupted by the civil war. USD cash is essential for any travel in conflict-affected areas. ATMs and banking are non-functional in most of the country.
Practical Tips
Travel to Sudan is strongly discouraged. The US Embassy is suspended and the US government has very limited ability to assist Americans in Sudan. Before the 2023 conflict, Sudan's Nubian archaeological sites, the pyramids of Meroe (UNESCO, over 200 pyramids of the ancient Kushite kingdoms), the Meroitic cities, and the ancient Kerma civilization, were extraordinary and increasingly visited. The conflict has caused unknown damage to these irreplaceable sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Sudan in April 2023?
On April 15, 2023, fighting broke out in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) -- a paramilitary group that had been integrated into Sudanese security. The conflict spread rapidly, devastating Khartoum and spreading to Darfur, Kordofan, and other regions. The US Embassy evacuated staff and the conflict created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with over 8 million people displaced.
What are the Pyramids of Meroe?
The Pyramids of Meroe (also Meroitic pyramids) are over 200 ancient pyramids in the Saharan desert of northern Sudan, built by the rulers of the Kushite kingdoms of Nubia between approximately 700 BCE and 350 CE. They are narrower and steeper than Egyptian pyramids and largely unknown to most tourists -- Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The conflict has raised serious concerns about looting and damage.
When was Sudan open to tourists?
Sudan was slowly opening to tourism in the years before the 2023 conflict. E-visas were introduced around 2019, and the country was attracting a small but growing number of adventure travelers for the Nubian pyramids, Nile landscapes, and ancient Kushite sites. The fall of Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and the transitional period raised hopes for further opening, but the 2023 civil war has set these hopes back indefinitely.