Sudan
North Africa • SDN
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Sudan is a land of profound history and vast, untouched desert landscapes that offer an authentic experience for adventurous travelers. Visitors can explore ancient Nubian pyramids and the intersection of the White and Blue Nile rivers in a region rich with cultural heritage.
Visa Requirements
All visitors are generally required to obtain a visa from a Sudanese embassy or consulate prior to arrival.
Typically Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of travel insurance
- Letter of invitation or confirmed hotel booking
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination if coming from an endemic area
Popular Attractions
Meroe Pyramids: These ancient structures showcase the legacy of the Kushite Kingdom and are located in a stunning desert setting.
Jebel Barkal: This sacred mountain and its surrounding temple ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site of immense historical importance.
National Museum of Sudan: Located in Khartoum, this museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including preserved Nubian temples relocated from the Aswan Dam area.
The Confluence of the Niles: Visit the point in Khartoum where the Blue Nile and the White Nile rivers meet to form the main Nile river.
Suakin Archipelago: These historic ruins of a coral port on the Red Sea provide a unique glimpse into ancient maritime trade routes.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Dress modestly at all times, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered to respect local Islamic traditions.
Always use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, or passing items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Avoid public displays of affection, as they are considered inappropriate and disrespectful in public spaces.
Accept tea or coffee if offered by locals, as declining a gesture of hospitality can be viewed as impolite.
Seek permission before taking photographs of people, particularly women, and avoid photographing government or military buildings.
Observe fasting rituals during Ramadan, refraining from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
Safety Tips
Check official government travel advisories frequently, as the security situation can change rapidly due to civil unrest.
Register with your home country's embassy upon arrival to ensure you receive updates and emergency support.
Carry copies of your passport and visa at all times, as security checkpoints are common throughout the country.
Avoid traveling alone at night and stay within well-lit, populated areas when moving through cities.
Consult with local guides or tour operators who have up-to-date knowledge of safe travel routes and current conditions.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation in case of unforeseen circumstances.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourcePolio
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended for adults.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: Canada_Travel
Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary. Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: UK_FCDO
A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Sudan.
View sourcePolio
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip.
View sourceMosquito Bite Prevention
Source: Canada_Travel
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.
View sourceMalaria Chemoprophylaxis
Source: Canada_Travel
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.
View sourceRabies Precautions
Source: Canada_Travel
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.
View sourcePolio Vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling to prevent polio infection.
One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended for adults.
View sourceYellow Fever Vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
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.
View sourceDengue fever prevention
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before travel
Recommended due to the risk of dengue fever in Sudan.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before travel
Recommended due to the risk of malaria in Sudan.
View sourceCholera vaccination
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before travel
Recommended due to the risk of cholera in Sudan.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceRabies vaccine
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceMeningococcal vaccine
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceCholera vaccine
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceTyphoid vaccine
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccine
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccine
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceHepatitis A and B vaccinations
Source: WHO
Vaccinations are recommended due to potential exposure through food, water, or medical procedures.
Consult with a healthcare provider for the most suitable prophylaxis.
View sourceRoutine vaccinations
Source: WHO
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common infectious diseases.
Consult with a healthcare provider to confirm necessary vaccinations.
View sourceHepatitis C Precautions
Source: ECDC
Recommended to reduce the risk of Hepatitis C transmission.
Hepatitis C is present in Sudan; travelers should practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To protect against diseases such as malaria and dengue, use insect repellent, bed nets, and wear protective clothing.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
You may need this vaccine if you plan to visit smaller cities or rural areas or if you are an adventurous eater.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Sudan, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Meningococcal Vaccine
Source: CDC
Consider vaccinating if you will be traveling during the dry season (December to June) when the risk of meningococcal disease increases.
View sourceCholera Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may be exposed to cholera due to the outbreak risk in certain regions.
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country except for the cities of Khartoum, Atbara, and Port Sudan
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: All areas of Sudan
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine
Seasonality: All year
View source