Khartoum Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Entering Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, involves navigating specific entry requirements that travelers must prepare for in advance. All visitors must possess a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and a Sudanese visa, unless they are from one of the few visa-exempt countries. The immigration process upon arrival at Khartoum International Airport (KRT) or land borders can be slow and bureaucratic, with officers often conducting detailed questioning about the purpose of the visit and accommodation plans. Travelers should be prepared for thorough checks and should ensure all documents are in perfect order. entry requirements can change with little notice, and the political and security situation in Sudan is highly volatile. Travelers are strongly advised to consult their government's travel advisories and the latest information from Sudanese authorities before planning any trip. Registration with local police may be required within a short period after arrival, depending on the visa type and length of stay. Before traveling, visitors should ensure they have sufficient funds for their stay, confirmed accommodation, and a clear itinerary. Many nationalities must obtain a visa in advance from a Sudanese embassy or consulate, as visa-on-arrival options are limited and not guaranteed. Travelers with any evidence of travel to Israel in their passport will be denied entry.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Sudan generally requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Visa-free access is very limited, and e-Visa options were previously available but are currently suspended due to the security situation.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically up to 3 months

Nationalities that can enter without a visa for short stays.

Includes

Egypt Qatar United Arab Emirates Malaysia

Conditions and allowed stay duration can vary. Citizens of Egypt and Qatar may enter with only a national ID card. This policy is subject to change and may be suspended.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Typically 30-90 days, single entry

The Sudanese eVisa system was operational for many nationalities but is currently suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing conflict and closure of most diplomatic missions.

Includes

Was previously available for many countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia

How to Apply: Application was online through the official Sudan eVisa portal. Currently not available.
Cost: Was approximately $150 USD

The eVisa system is suspended. Do not attempt to apply online; assume a traditional visa from an embassy is required, though most are closed.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type; tourist visas often 30 days, extendable

The vast majority of nationalities require a visa obtained from a Sudanese embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Must apply in person at a Sudanese diplomatic mission. Requires application form, passport photos, invitation letter or hotel booking, proof of funds, and sometimes a yellow fever certificate. Processing can take several weeks.

Due to the ongoing war, most Sudanese embassies abroad have limited operations, and visa issuance is extremely difficult or impossible. A letter of invitation or sponsorship from a Sudanese entity is often mandatory. Entry is effectively closed to tourists at this time.

Arrival Process

The entry process in Khartoum, when operational, is known for being meticulous and time-consuming. Officials may ask detailed questions. Due to the current conflict, entry for non-essential travel is not advised, and processes are unpredictable.

1. Arrival and Initial Screening

Passport and visa are checked immediately upon disembarkation or at the border post. Travelers may be asked for proof of onward travel and accommodation.

2. Immigration Counter

Primary passport control. Officer stamps entry into passport, may ask questions about purpose of visit, duration, and contacts in Sudan.

3. Baggage Claim and Customs

Proceed to collect luggage. All bags are subject to X-ray screening and may be physically inspected by customs officials.

4. Final Exit Check

A final officer may check your passport stamp and customs declaration form before allowing you to exit the arrivals hall.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Must have at least one blank visa page.

Sudanese Visa

Must be obtained in advance from an embassy for most travelers. Must match passport details exactly.

Entry/Exit Form

A white form distributed on the plane or at the border, to be filled out with personal, visa, and flight details. One part is kept by immigration on entry, the other must be retained for exit.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host in Sudan may be requested.

Proof of Funds

Evidence of sufficient financial means for the stay (cash, credit cards) may be requested.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible. Carry multiple copies of your passport, visa, and invitation letter.

Answer questions politely, clearly, and consistently. Do not volunteer unnecessary information.

Be patient. The process can be slow. Allow ample time for connections if transiting.

Ensure your visa and passport are in pristine condition. Any damage or discrepancies can lead to denial of entry.

Under current circumstances, defer all non-essential travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, secure all permissions and visas from a functioning Sudanese embassy well in advance.

Customs & Duty-Free

Sudanese customs regulations are strict. All luggage is screened. Declare all valuable items, electronics, and large amounts of currency. Prohibited items are confiscated, and penalties for smuggling can be severe.

Alcohol

0 liters

Importation of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Sudan.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 25 cigars OR 250g of tobacco

Must be for personal use. Must be declared.

Currency

USD 5,000 (or equivalent)

Any amount over USD 5,000 must be declared upon entry and exit. Failure to declare can result in confiscation.

Gifts/Goods

Reasonable personal effects

Commercial goods or items for resale require a commercial import license. New electronics (e.g., laptops, cameras) for personal use should be declared.

Prohibited Items

Alcohol and alcoholic beverages - illegal
Narcotics and illegal drugs - severe penalties including imprisonment
Pork and pork products - prohibited for religious reasons
Pornographic material - illegal
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without special permit
Publications or materials critical of the government or Islam

Restricted Items

Prescription medication - must be in original packaging with a doctor's prescription
Electronic communication equipment (e.g., satellite phones, GPS devices) - require prior approval from telecommunications authority
Professional film/photography equipment - may require a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Information
Large quantities of pharmaceuticals - require import license from Ministry of Health
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products - require phytosanitary certificate

Health Requirements

Health requirements for entry focus on preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Medical facilities in Khartoum are limited, and complete travel insurance is essential.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (if arriving from a country with risk of transmission)

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Meningitis (ACWY) - if traveling during dry season (Dec-June)
Rabies (for long stays or outdoor activities)
Cholera (areas with active transmission)

Health Insurance

Not officially required for a visa, but is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Insurance should cover medical evacuation, as serious conditions require transfer out of the country. Ensure policy covers travel to Sudan, as many standard policies exclude it.

Current Health Requirements: Due to the ongoing conflict, public health systems are collapsed. Check the latest WHO and CDC advisories for any outbreak-related requirements (e.g., COVID-19, cholera, dengue). COVID-19 vaccination or testing is not currently mandated for entry, but this can change. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas, including Khartoum.

🛡️

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

complete coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads

Read our complete Khartoum Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Most foreign embassies in Khartoum have suspended operations and evacuated staff. Contact your home country's Foreign Ministry for emergency assistance.

Check your government's travel advisory website for the nearest functioning diplomatic mission (often located in a neighboring country like Egypt or Ethiopia).

Immigration Authority

Sudan Immigration and Passport Department. Official information is scarce and offices may be non-operational.

For visa applications and official information, contact a Sudanese embassy abroad. Online information may be outdated.

Emergency

Police: 999, Ambulance: 333, Fire: 999

Emergency services are extremely unreliable, under current conflict conditions. Have a private security plan if travel is essential.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport. If traveling with one parent or without parents, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) is strongly recommended, though not always formally requested. The letter should authorize travel to Sudan and include contact details.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an import permit from the Sudanese Ministry of Agriculture. Requirements include a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days prior to entry), a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and possibly a microchip. Quarantine may be imposed. This process is currently impossible due to the conflict.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas can typically be extended at the Alien Registration Office in Khartoum for a fee, before the original visa expires. This requires a valid reason, sponsor support, and patience with bureaucracy. For longer stays (work, study), the appropriate visa (e.g., business, residence) must be obtained from an embassy prior to travel, sponsored by a Sudanese entity. All processes are currently suspended or extremely high-risk.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

View Khartoum Packing List →