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Sudan

Republic of the Sudan

Northern Africa · SDN

US Advisory: Level 4(Do Not Travel)

Editorial Snapshot

Why Go To Sudan

Sudan is most compelling for travelers who want Nubian archaeology, Nile-desert landscapes, and sites that still feel well outside the usual circuit. It is best treated as a specialized heritage route around Khartoum and the northern archaeological corridor, not a broad exploratory trip while conditions remain unstable.

Popular For

Ancient sitesDesert sceneryArchaeologyHistoric travelRiver routes

Things To See

  • Khartoum
  • Meroe
  • Gebel Barkal
  • Suakin
  • Dungonab Bay

Best Months

NovDecJanFeb

Know Before You Go

  • November through February is the easiest window for archaeological travel before the heat rises.
  • Most viable itineraries stay on one Nile corridor.
  • Current conditions require extra caution and flexibility, so confirm what is realistically accessible before booking.

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Flights

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Hotels & Accommodations

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Guidebooks

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Tours & Activities

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Country Data

Stats At A Glance

Practical travel, safety, climate, and quality-of-life stats for Sudan.

Quick Facts

Capital
Khartoum
Population
51,662,000
Area
1,886,068 km²
Region
Northern Africa

Languages

  • Arabic
  • English

Currency

Sudanese pound (ج.س)

SDG

Exchange rate unavailable for USD.

Cost of Living (World Bank)

46.5

Price level index (US = 100)

Safety & Peace

Global Peace Index3.323

lower score = more peaceful · 1.0–3.5 scale

GPI Rank#161 of 163

Monthly Climate Averages

These weather averages are based on data for Khartoum (15.60°N, 32.53°E).

TempRainSun
Jan23.1°C0mm10.7h
Feb25.1°C0mm11.3h
Mar29.5°C0mm11.8h
Apr32.5°C0mm11.9h
May34.8°C3mm11.7h
Jun34.9°C2mm11.6h
Jul33.1°C12mm10.8h
Aug31.6°C24mm10.5h
Sep33.5°C5mm10.8h
Oct32.9°C3mm10.9h
Nov28.3°C0mm11.0h
Dec24.5°C0mm10.7h

LGBTQ+ Friendly

9/100

Traveler LGBTQ score

Legal protections
0/100
Lived safety
26/100

This score blends legal protections with lived-safety context so strong laws alone do not automatically push a country to the top of the ranking.

  • Homosexuality legal
  • Relationship recognitionNone
  • Adoption recognition
  • Anti-discrimination laws
  • Employment protections
  • Legal gender recognition
  • Conversion therapy ban

Human Development Index (UNDP)

0.511

Low human development

5-year change
-0.004
10-year change
+0.023
Trend
stable
Data year
2023
Gender Dev. Index (GDI)
0.813
Gender Inequality Index (GII)
0.588
Planetary-adjusted HDI (PHDI)
0.498

UNESCO World Heritage Sites (3)

  • 🌿

    Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park

    Inscribed 2016

  • 🏛️

    Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe

    Inscribed 2011

  • 🏛️

    Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region

    Inscribed 2003

Natural Beauty (World Bank)

Protected land area
2.3%
Forest cover
9.6%

Source: World Bank.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

Threatened mammal species (IUCN)
19
Threatened bird species (IUCN)
27

Source: World Bank / IUCN Red List. Higher counts indicate richer biodiversity, typically in tropical rainforest, island, and savannah ecosystems.

Food & Cuisine

26/100

Food and dining score

Built from two layers: dining-scene breadth and open prestige signals. We combine restaurant density, cuisine diversity, distinguished restaurants, and gastronomy-city recognitions from open data sources.

Luxury Infrastructure

83/100

Luxury & premium accommodation score

Based on OpenStreetMap luxury hotel density and World Bank international tourism receipts.

US Travel Advisory

There was no change to the advisory level. The “health” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated. 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 U.S. citizens in Sudan due to the current security situation. To report an emergency regarding a U.S. citizen in Sudan, contact U.S. Embassy Cairo at +20-2-2797-3300. Or contact the Department of State at +1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada or +1-202-501-4444 from elsewhere in the world. 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, particularly in the Kordofan and Darfur regions, as well as in the capital region, including Khartoum and Omdurman. Khartoum International Airport is currently closed to commercial traffic, while commercial service to the Port Sudan International Airport has been limited at times due to drone strikes. Electrical and communication disruptions can occur at any time. This includes internet and cell phone service interruptions. Crime Crime, including kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, looting, and carjacking, is a common threat throughout the country. Checkpoints might occur at any time, some of which may be legitimate security checkpoints, others may intend to loot, others may present a risk to particular populations. Terrorism Members of known terrorist groups and individuals sympathetic to these groups can attack with little or no warning. They may target foreign and local government facilities as well as areas frequented by travelers. Landmines Landmines are a threat, as much of Sudan is an active war zone. There are widespread reports of unexploded ordnance 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. 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Sudan. For U.S. citizens in Sudan: The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to leave Sudan. Travel within Sudan is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, 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. 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. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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.

Read full advisory →

Data current as of May 2026 and subject to change. Travel advisory information is sourced from the U.S. State Department and reflects conditions at the time of data collection, not real-time conditions. Do not rely solely on this information for travel decisions. Always check current government advisories for your nationality. Terms of Use · About our data

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