Armed conflict is occurring across the country. Heavy fighting, gunfire and explosions are ongoing. The security situation remains volatile, and violence could escalate with short notice.
There are reports of assaults, home invasions and looting, including on road departure routes. Foreigners and staff of international organisations have been the target of attacks and assaults, including sexual assault. Further violence could occur, including in places frequented by foreigners. Remain vigilant at all times, including around large crowds.
There are disruptions to critical infrastructure and essential services, including road and bridge closures, electricity and telecommunications outages, restrictions to healthcare services and shortages of medical supplies.
We continue to advise do not travel to Sudan.
If you choose to remain in Sudan or are not confident in the safety and reliability of any departure option, you should:
- adopt appropriate personal security measures
- keep adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, cash and medication
- keep your phone and batteries charged
- take a photo of, and keep your passport and other travel documents with you and up to date
- monitor the media to stay informed on the evolving situation and continue to follow our advice on Smartraveller.
Leaving Sudan
Australians should strongly consider leaving Sudan as soon as possible. There are commercial departure options from Port Sudan. You must have valid travel documentation and visas to exit Sudan and enter Saudi Arabia or Egypt. You should confirm the exact requirements with your transport provider. Khartoum International Airport is not operating.
Overland travel is becoming more dangerous, including to border areas. You should consider the risks for any departure route, including during ceasefires. Any travel options, including convoys, are taken at your own risk. Make sure you have up-to-date travel documents and visas.
Contact your friends and family as soon as possible to let them know you’re safe. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 62613305 outside Australia.
There are reports of visa scams impersonating the Department of Home Affairs. A fake visa won’t be recognised in Australia. To protect yourself from visa scams, you should only deal with official Australian Government channels such as the departmental website, reputable travel agents, Australian Visa Application Centres, or the Australian High Commission or Embassy.
Entry into Saudi Arabia
If you’re travelling from Sudan to Saudi Arabia, you must have valid travel documentation. Provisional travel documents (PTDs) or IMMICards will not be accepted. You are unable to enter Saudi Arabia on an Emergency Passport but may be allowed entry for transit only in some locations (not including Jeddah). You will need to show proof of onward travel on a Saudi airline with a transit of less than 10 hours.
You need a visa for Saudi Arabia. You can obtain a visa online (e-visa) or on arrival.
Read the Saudi Arabia travel advice for information on entry requirements.
If you’ve arrived in Saudi Arabia from Sudan and need consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy on +966 11 2500990 or email consular.riyadh@dfat.gov.au
Sudanese passport holders have different visa and entry requirements for Saudi Arabia. If you’re a Sudanese passport holder check the visa and entry requirements with the Sudanese and Saudi Arabian Consulate or Embassy or directly with your travel provider. Entry and visa requirements can change without notice.
Entry into Egypt
Egyptair is currently operating flights between Cairo and Port Sudan. Check with your travel agent. You can enter Egypt by the land border accessed through Wadi Halfa. Transit through the Egyptian border can take several days, with almost no infrastructure and very limited access to food and water. Carefully consider the risks.
If you’re travelling from Sudan to Egypt, you must have valid travel documentation. Emergency Passports are accepted in Egypt.
You need a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain a visa online (e-visa) or on arrival.
Read the Egypt travel advice for information on entry requirements.
Sudanese passport holders have different visa and entry requirements for Egypt. If you’re a Sudanese passport holder check the visa and entry requirements with your travel provider or the relevant authority. Entry and visa requirements can change without notice.
Other land borders
You may not be able to cross some land borders. Sudan’s border with Chad and Eritrea are closed. Do not travel to neighbouring Libya, Chad, Central African Republic and South Sudan. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. You should carefully review our travel advice for any neighbouring country.
Landmines and unexploded remnants of war are a danger, particularly in the Eastern States and Southern Kordofan. Use main roads and paths labelled as cleared by a competent de-mining authority.