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Sudan

Standard Coverage

North Africa • SDN

Last updated: June 4, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Sudan is a land of ancient history, boasting more pyramids than Egypt and the remnants of the powerful Kingdom of Kush. It offers intrepid travelers a unique opportunity to explore desert landscapes, vibrant local markets, and the warm hospitality of the Sudanese people.

Visa Requirements

Visa Required

Most foreign nationals require a visa obtained from a Sudanese embassy or consulate prior to arrival, as visa-on-arrival policies are extremely limited or suspended.

Typically Required Documents

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Completed visa application form
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Letter of invitation or proof of tour arrangement
  • Proof of yellow fever vaccination
  • Visa fee payment

Popular Attractions

1

Meroe Pyramids: This UNESCO World Heritage site features dozens of steep-sided pyramids rising from the desert dunes of the ancient Kushite capital.

2

Jebel Barkal: A sacred mountain overlooking the Nile, this site features ancient temples and a well-preserved pyramid complex dating back to the Napatan era.

3

National Museum of Sudan: Located in Khartoum, this institution houses an incredible collection of Nubian antiquities and rescued frescoes from temples submerged by the Aswan Dam.

4

Suakin: Once a major port on the Red Sea, these ruins offer a fascinating look at Ottoman-era architecture and coral-stone construction.

5

Sanganeb Marine National Park: A stunning coral reef ecosystem in the Red Sea offering world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities in pristine waters.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Dress conservatively: Men and women should ensure shoulders and knees are covered, with women often choosing to wear loose-fitting clothing and a headscarf in more traditional areas.

Hospitality is key: If invited for tea or coffee, it is considered polite to accept, as hospitality is a central pillar of Sudanese culture.

Right hand only: Always use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and passing items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Public displays of affection: Avoid public displays of affection, as Sudan follows conservative Islamic social norms regarding interactions between genders.

Photography restrictions: Always ask for permission before taking photographs of locals and avoid taking pictures of military installations, government buildings, or bridges.

Respect during prayer times: Be mindful of the five daily calls to prayer, during which business activity may temporarily slow down.

Safety Tips

Check travel advisories: Due to ongoing political instability and conflict, consult your government's travel warnings regularly before and during your trip.

Avoid border areas: Stay far away from border regions and areas with known active conflict, such as Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile states.

Carry identification: Keep a copy of your passport and visa with you at all times, as security checkpoints are common throughout the country.

Use reputable guides: When traveling outside major cities, hire a local guide or tour operator who understands the current security landscape and local infrastructure.

Avoid night travel: Limit travel to daylight hours, especially on inter-city roads, to minimize risks associated with poor road conditions and lack of visibility.

Stay connected: Ensure you have a reliable means of communication, such as a local SIM card, and keep your embassy's emergency contact information stored.

AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.

Entry Requirements

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

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Polio

Source: Canada_Travel

Recommended

Ensure your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended for adults.

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Yellow Fever

Source: Canada_Travel

Recommended

Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary. Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

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Yellow Fever

Source: UK_FCDO

Required

A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Sudan.

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Polio

Source: CDC

Required

Adults traveling to Sudan who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an accelerated vaccination schedule.

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Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip.

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Mosquito Bite Prevention

Source: Canada_Travel

All ages

Protect yourself from mosquito bites to prevent diseases like malaria and dengue.

Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under insecticide-treated nets.

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Malaria Chemoprophylaxis

Source: Canada_Travel

All ages

Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to prevent malaria infection.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options.

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Rabies Precautions

Source: Canada_Travel

All ages

Discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional if at high risk of exposure.

Rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife in Sudan. If bitten or scratched, immediately wash the wound and seek medical attention.

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Polio Vaccination

Source: Canada_Travel

All ages

Ensure polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling to prevent polio infection.

One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended for adults.

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Yellow Fever Vaccination

Source: Canada_Travel

All ages

Recommended depending on your itinerary to prevent yellow fever infection.

Consult a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

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Dengue fever prevention

Source: UK_FCDO

All ages

At least 8 weeks before travel

Recommended due to the risk of dengue fever in Sudan.

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Malaria prophylaxis

Source: UK_FCDO

All ages

At least 8 weeks before travel

Recommended due to the risk of malaria in Sudan.

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Cholera vaccination

Source: UK_FCDO

All ages

At least 8 weeks before travel

Recommended due to the risk of cholera in Sudan.

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Insect bite prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

All travelers should take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Chikungunya vaccination is generally not recommended. Travelers who wish to consider vaccination can visit “What to consider before traveling” on the chikungunya vaccines page to learn more.

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Rabies vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Sudan. If rabies exposures occur while in Sudan, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

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Meningococcal vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to areas of Sudan that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season (roughly December to June).

Meningococcal disease - CDC Yellow Book Map: meningitis belt.

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Cholera vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Active cholera transmission is widespread in Sudan. Cholera is rare in travelers.

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Typhoid vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.

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Hepatitis B vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Sudan. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Sudan.

Sex and Travel - CDC Yellow Book.

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Hepatitis A vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Sudan. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

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COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

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Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.

Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world.

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Hepatitis A and B vaccinations

Source: WHO

All ages

Vaccinations are recommended due to potential exposure through food, water, or medical procedures.

Consult with a healthcare provider for the most suitable prophylaxis.

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Routine vaccinations

Source: WHO

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common infectious diseases.

Consult with a healthcare provider to confirm necessary vaccinations.

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Hepatitis C Precautions

Source: ECDC

All ages

Recommended to reduce the risk of Hepatitis C transmission.

Hepatitis C is present in Sudan; travelers should practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles.

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For Most Travelers

Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To protect against diseases such as malaria and dengue, use insect repellent, bed nets, and wear protective clothing.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

You may need this vaccine if you plan to visit smaller cities or rural areas or if you are an adventurous eater.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Sudan, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

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Itinerary-Specific

Meningococcal Vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider vaccinating if you will be traveling during the dry season (December to June) when the risk of meningococcal disease increases.

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Cholera Vaccine

Source: CDC

adult

Recommended for travelers who may be exposed to cholera due to the outbreak risk in certain regions.

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Cholera

Source: CDC

adult

Recommended for those traveling to areas with cholera outbreaks.

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Malaria Information

Risk Area: Entire country except for the cities of Khartoum, Atbara, and Port Sudan

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

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Risk Area: All areas of Sudan

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine

Seasonality: All year

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Official Sources

Authoritative Resources:

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