Sudan – Level 4: Do Not Travel

There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Do not travel to Sudan due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, and health risks.

Advisory summary

The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations in April 2023 due to the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan. The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to Americans in Sudan due to the current security situation. Do not travel to Sudan for any reason.

To report an emergency regarding an American in Sudan, contact:

• U.S. Embassy Cairo: +20-2-2797-3300
• From the United States and Canada: Dial +1-888-407-4747 for the U.S. Department of State.
• From elsewhere in the world: Dial +1-202-501-4444 for the U.S. Department of State.

Unrest – Armed Conflict

Armed conflict continues in Sudan. This includes heavy fighting among the Sudanese Armed Forces, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and various armed militias.

• The situation is violent, volatile, and extremely unpredictable. This is especially true in the Kordofan and Darfur regions, as well as in the capital region, including Khartoum and Omdurman.
• Khartoum International Airport is currently only operating for limited commercial traffic. Commercial service to the Port Sudan International Airport has been limited at times due to drone strikes.[JP1]
• Electrical and communication disruptions can occur at any time. This includes internet and cell phone service interruptions.

Crime

• Crime, including kidnapping, assault, rape, armed robbery, home invasion, looting, and carjacking, is a common threat throughout the country.
• Checkpoints can appear at any time. Some may be real security checkpoints, but others may be set up so people can steal from travelers. Some checkpoints may be especially dangerous for certain groups of people.

Terrorism

• Members of known terrorist groups and people sympathetic to these groups can attack with little or no warning. They may target foreign and local government facilities, as well as tourist areas.

Landmines

• Landmines are a threat. Much of Sudan is an active war zone. There are widespread reports of unexploded ordnance and landmines posing a threat in Khartoum and elsewhere in the country, even after fighting has ended in those areas.

Health

Medical services in Sudan are extremely limited. Adequate medical treatment for routine and emergency procedures is often not available.Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense.

• Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense.
• Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on travel insurance.
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Sudan. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest travel health information for Sudan.

For Americans in Sudan:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government. Enrolling helps the U.S. government contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Sudan.
• The Department of State strongly urges Americans to leave Sudan.
• The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports or borders or during any onward travel. You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Sudan. Only attempt to depart Sudan or travel within Sudan if you believe it is safe for you to do so.
  
• Exercise extreme caution in all parts of the country, including Khartoum.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on crisis and evacuations.
• Review our information on crime, including for victims of crime.
• There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in Sudan. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.
• Review our information on terrorism and travel to high-risk areas.
• Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Sudan. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not known, marked, or easy to recognize.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Draft a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney.
• Develop a communication plan with your family, your employer, or your host organization. List how and when you will confirm you are safe (text or call). Specify how often you will do this.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm you are being held captive and alive.
• Make sure your insurance includes specific coverage for medical evacuation from Sudan.
• Visit the CDC website for the latest travel health information for Sudan.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.