CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Sudan

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Sections 2 (information on referendum added; information on elections removed) and 4 (travel permits) have been updated.

BACK TO TOP

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Sudan

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Sudan.

Canadians should be aware that the situation throughout Sudan has been tense since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against President Al Bashir on March 4, 2009. Following the ICC announcement, the Sudanese Government expelled numerous aid agencies. Reports indicate that humanitarian aid workers and employees of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) still operating in parts of the country have been harassed and intimidated. The threat to foreign nationals, including Canadians, from kidnappings has increased. Foreign humanitarian workers have been abducted in Darfur on three separate occasions since April 2009.

The Southern Sudanese Independence Referendum is expected to take place on January 9, 2011. Canadians are strongly advised to remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, exercise caution, follow advice of local authorities, and monitor local media.

Terrorism threats directed at foreigners have increased. Statements made by terrorist organizations have specifically called for attacks against Western interests in Sudan. In January 2008, a diplomat and driver from the US Embassy were shot and killed. Canadians are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, to avoid all public places frequented by foreigners and maintain a heightened level of vigilance, including in their neighbourhoods and places of work. Heightened care and vigilance should be taken while this situation prevails. Canadians currently in Sudan should restrict their movements, avoid all large crowds and demonstrations, monitor the situation on a regular basis, and comply with directions provided by local authorities.

Canadians are reminded that Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Sudan. Canadians considering travel to Sudan despite this warning are advised to keep abreast of the latest situation, ensure that appropriate security precautions have been taken and contingency plans are in place. Canadians should also register and remain in regular contact with the Embassy of Canada in Khartoum (see Section 5 below).

Khartoum and Omdurman

A number of large anti-Western demonstrations took place in Khartoum in early January 2009. Events in the Gaza Strip and the ICC’s arrest warrant for the president fuelled these protests. Harassment of Canadian citizens, acts of vandalism, and threats of attacks on locations usually popular with foreigners were reported.

Western Sudan and Darfur

The conflict in Darfur has created a dangerous situation in Western Sudan, particularly outside the major towns. It also affects other areas of Sudan and Eastern Chad. Despite the signing of peace and ceasefire agreements between the Government of Sudan and some rebel factions, the security situation in Darfur remains extremely volatile. Since January 2010, the region has seen an increase in fighting between the Government and the rebels, and carjacking and kidnapping remain a genuine threat to foreigners. Curfews are sometimes put in effect by the government. The recent violence has resulted in deaths, displacement of people, and general instability and insecurity. Further clashes and regional violence cannot be ruled out.

We strongly recommend that all Canadians leave West Darfur and avoid this region until further notice. Following recent attacks between various rebel groups and Chadian and Sudanese forces in West Darfur, tensions remain very high and retaliatory attacks may occur. If you are currently in West Darfur, you should take additional precautionary measures consisting of curtailed movements and avoidance of the Chad-Sudan border areas, where rebel groups are active and create an extremely insecure situation. The border between Sudan and Chad is closed.

Central Sudan

Canadians in the oil development region (including Unity State, southern parts of Western Kordofan and Southern Kordofan States, Northern Bahr-al-Ghazal State, Northern Warab State, and Northwestern Jonglei State) should be aware of security threats. Militias and disenfranchised groups have stated on several occasions that they regard oil installations as legitimate targets.

Canadians are also advised against all travel to Abyei, Western Kordofan. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) has ceased, but the situation remains unpredictable. There is a heightened risk of attacks and kidnappings in the region. Armed groups have carried out successful attacks on foreign workers, including oil field workers, in the past.

Southern and eastern Sudan

The area south of Juba (inclusively) and the area along the Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) borders are highly unstable and should be avoided. 

Despite the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that brought an end to the civil war, the presence of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and armed militia groups still causes significant tension in this region. In December 2008, troops from Uganda, the DRC and Sudan launched a joint military offensive against bases of the LRA in northern DRC. Since the launch of the campaign, the LRA has retaliated with great violence against the civilian population in villages located in border areas with southern Sudan and Uganda. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands more have fled the region.

Furthermore, since January 2009, there has been an escalation of inter-ethnic violence, particularly in the state of Jonglei. Tribal confrontations over land ownership and cattle rustling have led to child abductions and reprisal attacks against women and children. Hundreds of deaths and injuries have been reported and thousands of people have been displaced.

Travel to the region bordering Eritrea (including Kassala) should also be avoided as cross-border militant activity is creating a volatile situation. Foreigners working for aid organisations in this area have been the target of attacks.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

For national security reasons, individuals from diplomatic missions or international organizations could be subject to random body searches and searches of personal effects by Sudanese authorities. 

Over the past year, a number of anti-Western and anti-UN demonstrations took place in Khartoum and other major cities. Canadians should contact the Embassy of Canada in Khartoum for updates on safety or security risks.

Tourist facilities are limited. The locations frequented by tourists are the archaeological sites of Meroe and Jebel Barkal, the mountains of Jebel Marra (there has been serious violence in these areas in the past), and dive sites on the Red Sea. Note that there are no medical facilities to treat diving related injuries in Port Sudan. Travellers interested in visiting archaeological sites need to obtain authorization from the Department of Antiquities prior to travel outside Khartoum. Authorization is usually granted without significant delay.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations often occur in Khartoum, particularly on Fridays. Curfews could be imposed in the event of unrest. Anyone who is outside without authorization during curfews may be arrested. Police roadblocks involving vehicle searches and document verification are increasingly common in Karthoum. Visitors should remain vigilant, respect curfews and stop at roadblocks.

Crime

While the incidence of crime in Khartoum is low, incidents of petty crime are increasing.

Banditry is increasing throughout western Sudan, especially in the Darfur region (particularly the Jebel Marra mountain range and the Chad-Sudan border region), where several incidents have resulted in deaths.

Border crossings

The land borders with many surrounding countries are closed. Border closures may occur without notice. Travellers should check with local authorities for up-to-date information. Attempting to cross land borders is dangerous and not recommended.

Commercial overland expeditions occasionally cross Sudan's land borders with Libya, the Central African Republic, and Chad, but these routes are dangerous. There are landmines in many areas outside the main cities, including border areas.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained with the Sudanese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan for up-to-date information.

All Canadians travelling to Sudan, including southern Sudan (which is not advised), must be in possession of a visa and a valid canadian passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the expected date of return. Allow at least one month between visa application and the intended date of travel. Visas are not granted automatically to prospective travellers.

All foreign citizens must register with the Aliens' Registration Office, Ministry of the Interior (located west of the Presidential Palace) within three days of arrival in Khartoum; two passport-style photos are required. Foreign citizens holding diplomatic, official and special passports are exempt from this procedure. Foreigners must obtain a permit before travelling outside of Khartoum and must also register with the police at their new destination within 24 hours of arrival. Travel permits can be obtained in Khartoum from the Ministry of Interior for regular passport holders or from the Foreign Ministry for diplomatic passport holders. Passport-style photos are required. For destinations north of Khartoum, permits are normally granted, with some delay. For travel to destinations within South and West Sudan, travel permits should be obtained from the Ministry of Interior or the Foreign Ministry. Procedures should be started at least a week prior to the trip dates. Except in the case of persons working for registered humanitarian organizations and diplomatic missions, it is extremely difficult to obtain permits for destinations within South or West Sudan. The carrying of permits is rigorously enforced.

Travellers to Sudan with a stamp from Israel in their passport will automatically be denied entry.

Canadian citizens of Sudanese origin are strongly advised to only use their Canadian passport when travelling in and out of Sudan. Use of Sudanese documents could result in problems in departing the country.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

Travellers should arrive at Khartoum's international airport at least two hours, but preferably three hours, before departure. Departure formalities are complicated and there is no board to indicate departure and arrival times. There is an International Airport tax of SDG 35. Currency exchange facilities cannot be relied upon to be open.

Children and custody

The country's customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. According to the Sudanese court, women and their children may encounter difficulties relating to mobility. This may include being prohibited from departing from Sudan, if the father's consent is not provided, regardless of custodial rights accorded to the mother by any Sudanese, Canadian, or other courts.

---

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Sudan - KHARTOUM, Embassy of Canada
Address: 29 Africa Road, Block 56, Khartoum 1, Sudan
Postal Address: P.O. Box 10503, Khartoum, 1, Sudan
Tel.: 249 156 550 500
Fax: 249 156 550 501
E-Mail: khrtm@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/sudan-soudan/

For emergency assistance after hours, you may call the Embassy of Canada in Khartoum and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

This country is in the area referred to as the African meningitis belt (which extends from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east). Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale in this region. Outbreaks most often occur during the dry season (December to June). To obtain information and health recommendations concerning meningitis, please refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada's Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are well below Western standards (e.g. it is not advisable to have surgery). Emergency medical evacuation can also be difficult; air ambulances are usually not available on short notice. You should ensure your health plan coverage includes Sudan; many policies do not.

Certain water-borne diseases are common in Sudan, including cholera and malaria. For more information, see the Public Health Agency of Canada's Web site.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Custody laws may differ in Sudan. Please refer to section 4 for more information on children and custody issues.

By Western standards, Sudan is a traditional, conservative society. Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Women should dress conservatively (i.e. no short skirts, bare arms, or low necklines); neither men nor women should wear shorts in public and they should be extremely discreet when swimming.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when eating and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11, 2010. 

Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are frowned upon; overtly homosexual behaviour will render an individual liable to immediate arrest, possibly imprisonment, even the death penalty. Religious proselytization is also frowned upon and may lead to arrest.

Islamic Sharia Law is applied in the states of Northern Sudan and in Khartoum. It is prohibited to import or consume alcohol (even in private) in these areas and to import magazines or books of a sexually explicit nature. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Bags are routinely searched upon arrival and departure at the Khartoum airport.

A permit for photography is required. Even with a permit, it is strictly prohibited to photograph airports, military areas, bridges, drainage stations, broadcast stations, public utilities, slum areas, or beggars.

It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.

The work week is from Saturday to Thursday, however Government Offices are closed on Saturdays. Working hours are typically 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dual nationality is legally recognized. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road conditions are poor. Many roads are sand tracks. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for overland travel except on the Khartoum-Kassala-Port Sudan, Khartoum-Atbara, and Khartoum-Obeid highways. Only experienced and fully equipped travellers should undertake desert travel; basic equipment should include a shovel, metal ramps for heavy sand, a Global Positioning System (GPS), spare fuel and water supplies. Roadblocks are common. Travellers should have their identity and vehicle documents readily available. Unpredictable local driving habits, pedestrians, and roaming animals pose risks. Taxis are available in urban centres but are generally old and uncomfortable.

Public transportation is limited outside of major urban areas. A weekly train service operates between Wadi Halfa and Khartoum. Trains are dilapidated, but service is punctual. Only top-of-the-line buses should be used; most other buses are irregularly scheduled, poorly maintained and very badly driven. Fatal accidents involving buses are routine.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

The only regular surface access from Egypt is by ferry from Aswan (Egypt) to Wadi Halfa (Sudan). There are ferries to and from the Red Sea port of Suakin.

Sudan Airways runs air services between most cities, however, aircraft may not meet international standards and there are serious maintenance concerns even on the more modern aircraft. There have been several crashes involving Sudan Airways and other carriers operating within Sudan, resulting in significant loss of life. A number of air transport options are now available for internal travel, but their safety records vary. Canadians should be extremely cautious and carefully evaluate implications for their security and safety before deciding to undertake internal air travel.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

---

The currency is the Sudanese Pound (SDG). The Sudanese Pound is non-convertible outside the country and its export is prohibited. Visitors should carry sufficient funds in U.S. dollars, euros or pounds sterling to cover their expenses for the duration of their stay and should assume that they will have to pay for all international flights booked in Sudan in U.S. dollars, euros, or pounds sterling cash. Transferring U.S. or Canadian dollars to Sudan is impossible. U.S. currency dated prior to 2001 is not accepted by most currency exchange units and merchants.

Credit cards are no longer accepted in Sudan. Hotel bills must be paid in cash. Traveller's cheques are not accepted. There are no ABMs.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Drought

Due to below-average rainfall over the last four years, many regions of eastern Africa are currently afflicted by severe drought, including Sudan. Sandstorms may occur. Travellers should expect difficulties travelling overland. Local services and the availability of water and basic food may be affected. Travellers should take preventive measures and exercise extreme caution.

Rainy Season

The rainy season reaches its peak in July and August. Some roads may become impassable during this period due to flooding. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP