Reconsider travel to Sudan due to COVID-19, natural disaster, crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Sudan due to COVID-19.   

Sudan has resumed most transportation options (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including private and international schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within Sudan. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Sudan.

Country Summary:

On September 5, the Sudanese government declared a national State of Emergency due to flooding which affected 17 out of 18 of Sudan’s states, including Khartoum. Roads and other infrastructure may be affected; check conditions before traveling.

Crime, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking can occur. This type of crime is more frequent outside of Khartoum.

Members of known terrorist groups and individuals sympathetic to these groups in Sudan could attack with little or no warning, targeting foreign and local government facilities and areas frequented by Westerners.  

Demonstrations can occur with no warning. The majority of recent demonstrations in Khartoum have been peaceful. However, police and other security forces may intervene to disperse demonstrators, including with the use of tear gas, when protests occur near key governmental locations and/or impair freedom of movement.

Violence continues along the border between Chad and Sudan and areas near the border with South Sudan (including the disputed Abyei area). Armed opposition groups are active in Central Darfur state. Intercommunal clashes can occur throughout the country and can result in the declaration of localized States of Emergency.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Khartoum, as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization from the Sudanese government to travel outside Khartoum. The U.S. Embassy requires U.S. government personnel in Sudan to use armored vehicles for official travel.

Read the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Sudan:

• See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19. 
• Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.    
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or a power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, and the like.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Find a suggested list of such documents here.
• Be sure to appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and Members of Congress, if you are taken hostage or detained.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones can know specific questions and answers to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive and to rule out a hoax.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
• Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups.
• Leave your expensive/sentimental belongings behind.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Sudan.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to information on terrorism, civil unrest, COVID-19, natural disaster, and armed conflict.