Sudan Travel Tips

Social Conventions
In the north, Arab culture predominates, while the people in the more fertile south belong to many diverse tribes, each with their own lifestyle and beliefs. Because Sudan is largely Muslim and operates Sharia, women should not wear revealing clothing., although they are not expected to wear a veil or cover their heads. At official and social functions as well as in some restaurants, formal clothes are expected. The Sudanese have a great reputation for hospitality. A curfew operates in major cities from 0000-0400.

Photography: There are many restrictions on photography: a photography permit can be obtained from the External Information Office at the Ministry of Information in Khartoum.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
The national airline is Sudan Airways (SD).

Departure Tax
US$20 (Sudanese nationals may pay in local currency). Transit passengers (within 24 hours) are exempt.

Main Airports
Khartoum (KRT) (Civil) is 4km (2 miles) southeast of the city. To/from the airport: Taxi services are available. Facilities: Restaurants and duty-free shops.

Getting There by Water
Main ports: Port Sudan and Suakin on the Red Sea.

Piracy has been reported in the area.

There are car ferries from Aswan in Egypt to Wadi Halfa.

Getting There by Rail
Rail links run from Cairo (Egypt) to Aswan High Dam and then by riverboat to Wadi Halfa.

Getting There by Road
Entry to Sudan by road is at present only possible at Wadi Halfa on the Egypt/Sudan border.

Overview
The following items may be imported into Sudan by visitors over 20 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450g of tobacco.
• A reasonable amount of perfume and eau de toilette for personal use.
• A reasonable amount of gifts.

Prohibited Imports
The import of goods from Israel and South Africa is prohibited. Sudan also adheres to the list of prohibited goods drawn up by the Arab League and these include alcoholic beverages. Fresh fruit and vegetables and blank pro-forma invoices may not be imported. Firearms require a permit from the Ministry of Interior. Meat and fish products are prohibited without prior permission from the Ministry of Animal & Fish Resources.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Sudan Airways (SD) runs services to several airports, including Dongola, Juba, El Obeid and Port Sudan. The most reliable route is Port Sudan to Khartoum. There is also an air-taxi service operating to Nyala, available from Khartoum.

Getting Around by Water
River steamers serve all towns on the Nile but conditions are mostly unsuitable for tourist travel. Services depend on fluctuating water levels. It is wise to take food and water. Destinations include Dongola, Karima, Kosti and Juba. A 320km (200-mile) navigable canal, the Jonglei, is under construction in the south.

Getting Around by Rail
Sudan has an extensive rail network (5,500km/3,418 miles) but the service is in bad repair, extremely slow and uncomfortable. Traveling first class is advisable; second- and third-class compartments can get very crowded. Sleeping cars are available on main routes from Khartoum to Wau/Nyala, Khartoum to Kassala/Wadi Halfa and Port Sudan to Khartoum. There are a few air-conditioned carriages, for which a supplement is charged.

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Only major roads are asphalted; road conditions are poor outside towns, roads to the north are often closed during the rainy season (July to September) and street lights are non-existent. Owing to the bad conditions, a full set of spare parts should be carried for long journeys. Vehicles must be in good working condition.
 
Bus: Services run between the main towns and depart from the market places; however they are not entirely safe. Souk (market) lorries are a cheap but uncomfortable method of transport.

Taxi: Also often unsafe, taxis can be found at ranks or hailed in the street. Taxis are not metered; fares must be agreed in advance.

Car hire: Available in the main towns and at major hotels but charges are high.

Documentation: Carnet de Passage, adequate finance and roadworthiness certificate (from the embassy) are all needed. An International Driving Permit is recommended, although not legally required. A temporary driving license is available from local police on presentation of a valid UK driving license, for a maximum period of three months. Women are allowed to drive in Sudan.

Getting Around Towns and Cities
Publicly-operated bus services in Khartoum have of late become unreliable and irregular, which has led to the proliferation of private bakassi minibuses, nicknamed boks. They pick up and set down with no fixed stops. These operations are on the fringes of legality and should be used with care.


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