Khartoum Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Khartoum.
Healthcare System
Sudan's healthcare system has been devastated by the ongoing conflict. Many hospitals in Khartoum have been damaged, looted, or forced to close. Medical supplies are critically short, and healthcare workers have fled or been killed. The few functioning facilities are overwhelmed with conflict-related casualties.
Hospitals
Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Soba University Hospital, and Royal Care Hospital have experienced damage and disruptions. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) supports some facilities, but capacity is minimal. Medical evacuation from Sudan is extremely difficult and may be impossible during active fighting.
Pharmacies
Most pharmacies are closed or have severely limited stock. Essential medications are scarce. Bring a comprehensive medical kit with all necessary medications, as resupply is unlikely. Counterfeit medications are a significant problem even when pharmacies are operating.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance is absolutely essential, though many insurers exclude coverage for Sudan due to the conflict. Verify your policy covers war zones and medical evacuation, which can cost over $100,000.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete medical kit including antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-malarials, water purification tablets, and wound care supplies
- Carry all prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions, plus extra supply
- Know your blood type and any allergies; carry a written medical history
- Identify the nearest functioning medical facility and have multiple routes planned
- Consider pre-positioning medical evacuation funds or arrangements
- Waterborne and vector-borne diseases are increasing due to sanitation breakdown
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Active fighting between military factions occurs throughout Khartoum with artillery, airstrikes, and ground combat. Civilians are regularly killed or injured in crossfire, shelling, and deliberate attacks.
Looting, armed robbery, carjacking, and home invasions have increased dramatically. Law enforcement is absent in many areas. Armed groups operate with impunity.
Foreigners are at risk of kidnapping for ransom or by armed groups. Criminal gangs and militant organizations operate in Sudan.
Multiple armed groups operate checkpoints throughout the city. Foreigners may be detained, questioned, extorted, or worse. Documentation may not be respected.
Protests, demonstrations, and civil disorder can occur and may turn violent quickly. Security forces may use excessive force.
Electricity, water, telecommunications, and internet are frequently unavailable. This impacts safety, communication, and access to information.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Armed individuals at checkpoints demand money, valuable items, or vehicles under threat of detention or violence. They may claim to be official security forces.
Individuals pose as aid workers or fixers offering assistance, then rob, extort, or lead victims into dangerous situations.
With hotels damaged or closed, scammers offer accommodation that doesn't exist or is unsafe, taking payment upfront.
Black market currency dealers offer favorable rates but provide counterfeit bills, short-change, or rob customers. Official banking is largely non-functional.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Conflict Awareness
- Monitor multiple news sources and security updates hourly; situation changes rapidly
- Identify safe rooms in your accommodation away from windows and exterior walls
- Know the sound of incoming fire versus outgoing fire
- If caught in crossfire, immediately drop to ground and seek hardest cover available
- Maintain a 'go-bag' with documents, cash, water, and essentials at all times
- Have multiple evacuation routes planned from every location
- Understand that both sides of the conflict pose risks to civilians
Communication
- Internet and phone service are unreliable; have satellite phone or device
- Establish check-in protocols with embassy and family
- Keep devices charged; have backup power sources
- Use encrypted communication apps when possible
- Have emergency contact numbers written down (not just stored digitally)
- Learn basic Arabic phrases for emergencies
Movement
- Minimize all movement; only travel when absolutely essential
- Never travel alone; use trusted local guides who understand current situation
- Avoid movement after dark completely
- Keep vehicle fueled above half tank at all times
- Vary routes and timing if repeated travel is necessary
- Inform others of your movements and expected return times
- Be prepared for long delays at checkpoints; remain calm and compliant
Accommodation
- Choose accommodation with multiple exits and secure perimeter
- Stay on middle floors (not ground level or top floor)
- Reinforce doors and windows if possible
- Stockpile water (at least 10 liters per person), non-perishable food, and medications
- Know your neighbors and establish mutual security awareness
- Have blast film or tape on windows to reduce shatter risk
Health
- Drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water
- Assume all food safety standards have collapsed
- Use mosquito nets and repellent religiously
- Maintain strict hand hygiene to prevent disease
- Monitor yourself for symptoms of common diseases (malaria, typhoid, cholera)
- Keep tetanus vaccination current
Documentation
- Keep passport and important documents in waterproof, fireproof container
- Have multiple copies of documents stored separately
- Carry identification at all times but keep originals secure
- Photograph all important documents and store in cloud storage
- Have emergency contact information for your embassy readily accessible
- Keep proof of insurance and evacuation coverage with you
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women face extreme risks in Khartoum's current conflict environment. Reports of sexual violence, assault, and gender-based violence have increased dramatically. Women traveling alone are at particular risk. The collapse of law and order has removed already limited protections. Foreign women are conspicuous and may be targeted.
- Do not travel to Khartoum; if already there, seek evacuation immediately
- Never travel alone under any circumstances; always have trusted male escort if movement is essential
- Dress in conservative, loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs; wear hijab to reduce visibility as foreigner
- Avoid all interaction with armed groups and checkpoints when possible
- Carry emergency whistle or alarm device
- Have secure accommodation with trusted female contacts if possible
- Be aware that reporting sexual assault is extremely difficult and police response is unlikely
- Maintain constant communication with embassy and trusted contacts
- Consider carrying self-defense items if legal and trained in their use
- Join female traveler networks for current safety information
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Sudan with severe penalties including flogging, imprisonment, and potentially death penalty. There is no legal protection for LGBTQ+ individuals, and discrimination is codified in law.
- Do not travel to Sudan as an openly LGBTQ+ person
- Maintain complete discretion about sexual orientation or gender identity
- Do not engage in any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Remove any LGBTQ+ related content from social media and devices
- Be aware that discovery of LGBTQ+ identity could result in arrest, violence, or worse
- Have emergency evacuation plans and embassy contacts
- Consider the extreme risks carefully before traveling regardless of how essential the travel seems
- Do not rely on any legal protections as they do not exist
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely critical for Sudan, but most standard policies explicitly exclude coverage for countries under 'Do Not Travel' advisories or active war zones. Medical evacuation from Khartoum can cost $100,000-$250,000 or more and may be impossible to arrange during active fighting. Without specialized insurance, you will bear full financial responsibility for evacuation and medical care.
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