Khartoum Airport
Best way for tourists is through Khartoum airport. To enter/depart Sudan through the borders with the adjacent countries is possible but more complicated and time consuming.
From Egypt
There are two ways:
1- By ferry, leaves Aswan in Egypt or Wadi Halfa in Sudan the afternoon and arrives Wadi Halfa in Sudan or Aswan in Egypt the 2nd day around noon. It's about 24 hours counting the time to go through the passport control. There’s 2nd class and 1st class. 2nd class is wooden benches not comfortable. The 1st class is cabins with 2 beds, and are very basic. Toilets shared and filthy. Dinner is available onboard.
The ferry sails in Sun from Aswan and Tues from Halfa.
2- By bus, from Aswan or Abu Simbel. This is better than the ferry. It takes about 5 hours from Aswan to the border in Wadi Halfa or the other way around. The border town on the Egyptian side is called Argeen and is Better to be arranged through a local operator with an assistant in the port. If you are crossing in a public bus you have to wait for all the people boarding the bus to finish their paper which normally takes a long time. The process might take up to 5 hours. Friday and in some public holidays the border is closed. It is advised to be early in the port (around 9 am) if you are crossing from Egypt to Sudan or the other way around.
From Ethiopia
It's across the border town Galabat. In this case, Real Sudan has to send a private car from Khartoum to pick you up at the border.
Conclusions
Khartoum airport is the best and easiest way to access Sudan for tourists. If you are planning to tour South Egypt and Sudan together, this is the only reason to go across the border between Egypt and Sudan otherwise better to use Khartoum airport to get in and out. If you are planning to tour Ethiopia and Sudan together, consider to fly to Khartoum instead of going through Galabat, since the flight might be the same cost of the private transfer from the border to Khartoum and you save time this way.
Where to Obtain your Visa
Visa must be obtained at the Sudanese embassy, consular section in your country, prior to arrival and must be applied for four weeks before beginning of the tour. Most Sudanese embassies insist on an invitation from a Sudanese agency. If you send us your passport details. If you don’t have a Sudanese consulate in your country or want to save the hassle of applying to a visa, Real Sudan can arrange for a visa on arrival (Counter Visa/ pre-approved visa) for you for an extra charge. For Americans, normally visa is not issued through the Sudanese consulate unless it’s processed in the Sudanese foreign affairs ministry in Khartoum (Counter Visa/ pre-approved visa). Real Sudan can arrange that for you.
Visa Requirements
To apply through the Sudanese consulate, please contact them for their requirements. Please send us the exact consulate location you are going to apply to, to add to the invitation letter. To apply for a (Counter Visa/ pre-approved visa) This letter guarantees you a visa at the khartoum airport. you carry it with your passport
- A passport that is valid for at least another six months of arrival in Sudan.
- Arrival and departure dates.
Notes
Real Sudan gives visa support only for tourists touring Sudan during their whole stay with Real Sudan team. Confirming your tour booking with deposit is required to issue the invitation letter of the pre-approved visa. In case of visa not issued, Real Sudan will refund the deposit, and the tourists paying for the money transactions. The pre-approved visa process takes about 10 working days. Issued visas or pre-approved visa letters are expired in 2 months. Print the pre-approved visa letter (better in colour) to use when boarding your flight to Khartoum or taking any ride to the Sudanese borders. If you are planning to enter Sudan at any port apart from Khartoum airport, please consult with us if a counter visa is available in this port. For counter visas, the visa fees are paid cash in USD when you arrive in the port. $100 Europeans or $150 if you are American.
Sudan visa is valid for 1 month stay.
Registrations
Every foreigner arriving in Sudan have to register his arrival in the police department within 48 hours of arrival. Real Sudan will do that on your behalf.
Entry Fees
Entry fees are required to visit archaeological and/or historical sites. Real Sudan include entry fees in all tours.
Tipping
Drivers, guides and restaurant waitress expect tipping. Tipping can be given in USD and Euro.
Suggested Packing List
Backpack or soft bag (no hard luggage) not heavier than 12 kg. Loose comfortable clothes, preferably cotton, no shorts or beach dress outside of resorts or hotel compounds! It is recommended to bring several pieces of light clothing, to wear layers: one above the other instead of one thick item.
- Trekking shoes.
- Cap or sun hat.
- Flashlight (torch) and batteries.
- Pocket knife (Swiss army style)
- Water Flask (Camel bag is recommended)
- Wet wipes & toilet paper.
- Towel.
- Sleeping bag (we can provide blankets instead).
- 2-bed sheets per person.
- Sunscreen (high protection)
- Toothbrush, tooth paste & personal toiletries.
- Insect protection.
- Comfortable walking shoes (better not to wear sandals especially in summer)
- Also you should bring copies of your travel documents (passport, flight ticket, visa, insurance policy.)
- If you have a smartphone, better to bring adapters for recharging cameras using the cigarette lighter in the jeeps.
Cultural Considerations
Resort hotels and international 5 star hotels in Sudan usually do not object to revealing dress. Outside your hotel, women (and to a certain degree man) should dress conservatively (very modestly) to avoid attracting unwanted attention. To visit churches and mosques you should wear long-sleeved clothing and a head scarf for women: avoid shorts or short skirts. Kissing either between spouses or as a greeting between men and women is not practiced in public.
Photography
- For photographers we recommend to bring enough memory cards and also adapters for recharging cameras using the cigarette lighter in the jeeps.
- Regarding things you are not allowed to photograph, such as military areas, bridges and power stations – all common sense in a developing country with a large security apparatus. Photos of ‘slum areas, beggars and other defaming subjects’ are also strictly forbidden.
- In Khartoum people can be more sensitive about cameras, possibly because of the number of government offices in the city, but outside Khartoum, things are more relaxed. - Please check with your guide about whether to take photos or no. Better to ask local before taking their photo.
First-aid Kit & Medication
- Malaria prophylaxis.
- Diarrhea medication.
- Headache tablets.
- A digital thermometer.
- Sterile bandages.
- Micropur MT1 tab. (For drinking water purification). This is just for emergencies since it's our responsibility to provide you with bottled water.
- Oral rehydration solution.
- If you are dependent on special medications make sure that you bring a sufficient quantity.
Customs
All personal belongings are customs-free, with an allowance of 200 or less cigarettes or 1/4 ounce of tobacco. The duty-free shopping in Khartoum International Airport does not offer much choice.
Prohibited Items
It is forbidden to take alcohol into Sudan, even for personal use.
Drones are not allowed.
Required Vaccinations
- In preparation of your trip we recommend you get vaccinations against Cholera, Typhoid and Yellow Fever.
- Sometimes vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B, Meningitis A and C, Tetanus, and Polio are recommended as well. You should contact your local health authorities and ask about their guidelines.
- Please note that for combination tours Sudan - Egypt you must have a vaccination against yellow fever because Egyptian immigration insists on this. If you cannot produce a certificate of your yellow fever vaccination you might be vaccinated at the Sudanese - Egyptian border!
Prevention
- Travelers’ diarrhea and other gastrointestinal infections, as well as more serious conditions such as typhoid, paratyphoid, cholera, dysentery, and worms, typically come from getting bacteria in your mouth.
- To avoid them you should ensure that you observe good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, using bottled water (including for cleaning teeth or bottled water), and avoiding foods of doubtful provenance.
- Many travelers use the following maxim to remind them what is safe:
PEEL IT, BOIL IT, COOK IT OR FORGET IT!
Personal Considerations
- If you are planning a long trip, a dental check-up before traveling is a good idea.
- If you wear glasses, take a spare pair and a copy of your prescription.
- Contact-lens wearers should take a pair of glasses too, as Sudan’s dust can irritate the eyes.
Women Travelers
Sudan is generally considered safe for single women. The threat of crime and physical harassment are relatively low.
LGTBQ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Sudan and it is a capital offence. Gay and Lesbian travelers should be exceptionally cautious when discussing their sexuality and should refrain from public displays of affection.
Disabled Travelers
Sudan is not really equipped for disabled travelers. If you are disabled and considering a trip to Sudan, discuss with us your individual situation before booking.
Traveling with Children
Sudan is not an easy destination for travel with children. The heat, poor infrastructure, and typically basic accommodation make it better suited for older, hardier individuals, unless if your children are used to travel in 3rd world countries.
Protect your child from the sun and make sure they keep drinking – children become dehydrated very quickly, especially if they have had an upset stomach. Hygiene is an ongoing concern, so several packets of baby wipes and alcohol hand gel will be particularly useful.
Telephone
- You can phone out from all hotels, and small business centers even in small villages which offer international phones.
- Most mobile phone providers work over most of Sudan. Ask your local mobile phone provider about the possibility of using your phone in Sudan.
- Most hotels and cities now have internet cafes.
- It's handy to buy a local Sim card with an internet plan which is not expensive. You can do that in the airport when you arrive.
Electricity
The electric current has 220 V/50 Hz. You need to bring an adapter for your electrical appliances. European socket type is the most common here.
Timezone
GMT +3 hours.
Best Time to Visit
- Between the end of September to the end of March the climate in Sudan is very moderate ranging between 25°C and 40°C.
- Between April and October temperatures soar ferociously high, reaching well over 40°C even on the coast. Sandstorms are also common at this time and being caught up in one can be a terrifying experience.
- Khartoum is a little cooler but more humid, receiving rain in July and August. Rain will make some sites not accessible.
- Summer is very hot in Sudan and it is not recommended to tour in the summer unless you can tolerate heat.
- Temperatures pushing 50°C are not unknown in the summer.
- During the fasting month of Ramadan, if it matches the summer, Sudanese normally get relaxed, including guides, drivers, museum curators, etc since they can not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset which make it difficult to work when Ramadan in the summer hot days.
What to Buy
- Weaponry, such as daggers and swords in leather sheaths, can be unearthed in the markets of Sudanese towns. Some local men still wear these as part of everyday attire, but this is becoming an increasingly rare sight. As an exotic souvenir, however, these weapons are an interesting purchase.
- Ebony carvings are for sale in the souqs (markets) at Omdurman and Khartoum, as well as gold jewelry.
- In the western region, in and around the town of Mellit, shoppers can find attractive carpets and some beautiful pottery.
- Those interested in world wildlife and ecology will do best to avoid such purchases as ivory goods, stuffed crocodiles, and purses made from crocodile skin. Animals are being massacred in large numbers to provide these goods, and they are (unfortunately) on sale throughout Sudan and in other parts of Africa.
- Om Dorman local market is one of the best places for souvenirs shopping.
Public Holidays
Some of these holidays are according to Islamic calendar.
Visit the following link for an updated list: http://holidayyear.com/
Currency
- Local currency is Sudanese pound SDG.
- There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be admitted in Sudan.
- Declaring amounts exceeding US$ 5000 to the authorities at the port of entry is a must to ensure the right of the visitor to take out any amount of foreign currency not exceeding the declared amount.
ATM & Credit Cards
Your ATM and credit cards do not work in Sudan, so bring cash; USD or Euro.
Money Exchange
Better to pay in USD or Euro.
If you have to change to SDG let you guide to do it for you, he will help you use one of the many exchanges.
DISCLAIMER
It is important that all your activities as a tourist or traveler in Sudan are related to the purpose of your travel. It is not accepted in Sudan to come as a tourist and to arrange meetings with political figures or activists even in your free time unless you applied for a permit to do so. Please note that we provide this information for your convenience. It is still your responsibility to get updated info and check with the foreign affairs in your country and the Sudanese embassy to make sure that you meet all requirements to ensure entry to Sudan!