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Region: North East Africa
Full Name: Republic of the Sudan
Capital City: Khartoum
Language Spoken: Arabic and English
Get travel insurance to Sudan from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Sudan and most of the world.
15 ? 38’N 032 ? 32’E
Highest Point: Jabal Marrah 3,071m
Lowest Point: Red Sea 0m
Sudan borders:
Central African Republic (175km)
Chad (1,360km)
Egypt (1,275km)
Eritrea (605km)
Ethiopia (769km)
Libya (383km)
South Sudan (2,184km)
Flash flooding and drought are natural hazards that Sudan currently suffer with. During the rainy season, flooding can be serious, making many areas unreachable by road transport.
Natural resources that can be found in Sudan include: Lead; natural gas; silver; tin; zinc; uranium; nickel, petroleum; copper; gold; granite; cobalt; asbestos; chromite; gypsum; iron; and kaolin.
Arable land: 6.76%
Permanent crops: 0.07%
Other: 93.17% (2011)
Sudan currently suffers with a range of environmental issues including: Inadequate supplies of potable water, excessive hunting, soil erosion, periodic droughts, desertification, and decreasing wildlife populations.
The Balearic Islands are also looking at banning Tourist’s cars this Summer (2016) to avoid major congestion and gridlocks over the busier periods.
As it is situated right near the equator, Sudan suffers from extremely hot weather. The more northern parts of the country sees little rainfall, however more central parts see occasional rainfall in the summer months of July and August The more southern regions of Sudan see more rainfall, with the wetter season usually running from May to October.
It is advised that you wear clothes suitable for tropical weather, however keep in mind that mornings, evenings, and winters are cooler, so it may be wise to take some warmer items too.
The annual mean temperature in Khartoum, is 29.9? c.
Sudan are 2 hours ahead of the UK
35,482,233 (July 2014 est.)
Spain
0-14 years: 40.8% (male 7,356,059/female 7,131,497)
15-24 years: 20.2% (male 3,704,700/female 3,476,847)
25-54 years: 31.8% (male 5,465,816/female 5,800,619)
55-64 years: 3.9% (male 737,831/female 652,428)
65 years and over: 3.3% (male 633,083/female 523,353) (2014 est.)
Total: 19.1 years
Male: 19.9 years
Female: 19.4 years (2014 est.)
1.78% (2014 est.)
30.01 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)
7.87 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)
-4.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.24 male(s)/female
Total Population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2014 est.)
Total Population: 63.32 years
Male: 61.27 years
Female: 65.46 years (2014 est.)
3.92 children born/woman (2014 est.)
As Sudan is an Islamic country, woman should make sure that they are considerate and wear clothing that covers most of their body. T-shirts and shirts should have sleeves and all dresses and skirts should sit below the knee. Shirts and trousers is advised for men when doing business in Sudan, however this smart casual look is what men would usually wear in the country whether they are in the country to do business or not.
When speaking, Sudanese people tend to stand close to each other, however a usual distance is kept when talking to people of the opposite sex.
It is advised that you do not look like you are in a hurry when meeting for business in Sudan. Try not to clock watch or check your watch too much. This is advised as it it can be considered rude that you want to leave. Complying with set times isn’t classed as overly important in Sudan.
Offering food and drink is very common in Sudanese business meetings. It is advised to accept these offerings as rejecting them is seen as being rude.
Although the crime levels are classified as low in Sudan, over the past 3 years that have increased. Sunan has a low rate of violent crimes, including assault and armed robbery. However, vandalism, theft, corruption, and bribery are said to be fairly high.
The safety of walking along in both daylight and nighttime is safe.
In Dafur, kidnappings have been known to take place against Westerners. Taking place on the borders of Chad and the Central African Republic, there have been a few kidnappings of peacekeepers and non-governmental organisation workers since 2009. The British Government have a policy where they do not believe in paying ransoms to the hostage takers as they believe it will result in further hostage taking.
British nationals are allowed to dive in Sudan for a maximum of three months, as long as they have a full UK driving licence. Local driving licences can be applied for from the traffic department of the police services. Women are free to drive in Sudan, with no restrictions. It is required for all drivers to have a driving licence and insurance, however many locals do not have them. When driving in Sudan, it is prohibited to use your phone.
The rules on taking photographs in Sudan are rather strict. In order to take photographs in Sudan, you will need to obtain a permit. The permit will inform you of where it is acceptable and unacceptable to take pictures. Being caught taking photographs of military workers can get you in trouble.
As Sudan is an Islamic country, alcohol is prohibited. Trying to smuggle alcohol into the country could result in some serious penalties.
Most accommodation in the Sudan capital, Khartoum, and Port Sudan is of a good standard. Cities and larger towns provide affordable hotels, where the quality is often equal with the cost.
Most basic hotels in Sudan provide rooms equipped with a bed and a fan. Shared washroom and toilet facilities can be expected.
More mid-range hotels can be found in Khartoum, the capital city. These mid-range hotel rooms are often equipped with en suite bathrooms, satellite television, and air conditioning.
The upper range of hotels are of a far higher quality. The rooms and facilities reflect those of what you’d expect in the West.
Five star hotels, including some world famous hotel chain names such as the Corinthia, can be located mostly in the capital.
The calling code in Sudan is +249.
In 2012, Sudan had 425,000 main line telephones in use, making in 101st place in the world.
In 2012, Sudan had 27.7 million mobile phones in use, making it 38th place in the world.
Sudan had 7.2 million internet users in 2012, making it 46th place in the world.
The electricity voltage used in Sudan is 230 volts along with 50Hz.
Plug types C and D are used in Sudan.
The cuisine in Sudan is a mixture of other cultures, including Turkish, Ethiopian, and Egyptian. Fresh fruit and vegetables can often be found in Sudanese cuisine. A common Sudanese dish includes Foul, which is made from fava beans.
As Sudan is an Islamic country, alcohol is prohibited. Trying to smuggle alcohol into the country could result in some serious penalties.
Within three days of arriving in Sudan, it is required for travellers to be registered with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interior. At the registration, you will be required to produce two passport sized photos. The cost of this procedure is £35. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in a fine. When checking in with larger hotels, many will often do this registration procedure for you, however, ensure they do at check in.
An additional exit visa is also required in order to depart Sudan. This visa can be obtained also at the Aliens Department.
If you have previously visited Israel, and you have a Israeli visa or stamp in your passport, then you will be declined entry into Sudan.
A visa is required by all British Nationals travelling to Sudan.
In order to enter and exit Sudan, all children travelling under that age of 18 require consent from their father, as well as a visa. A letter from the father is required if children are travelling without him. The Sudanese Embassy need to stamp the letter before travelling.
If the children’s father has passed away or is absent, a court order is required from the mothers/guardians in order to state that they obtain custody of the children. A death certificate is also required if the father is deceased.
Divorced documents are required if the children’s parents are divorced.
If you intend to travel outside of Khartoum to visit tourist attractions, you must obtain a permit. In order to obtain a permit, you can contact the Ministry of Tourism, your travel agent, or your hotel. Any other purpose of travel when going beyond Khartoum needs to be authorised with Aliens Department which can be found at the Ministry of Interior.
A period of at least 6 months validity from your date of entry is required when entering Sudan.
You can apply for a visa before you travel at the Sudanese Embassy which is located in London.
In order to enter and exit Sudan, all children travelling under that age of 18 require consent from their father, as well as a visa. A letter from the father is required if children are travelling without him. The Sudanese Embassy need to stamp the letter before travelling.
If the children’s father has passed away or is absent, a court order is required from the mothers/guardians in order to state that they obtain custody of the children. A death certificate is also required if the father is deceased.
Divorced documents are required if the children’s parents are divorced.
4-6 weeks
Sudan borders 7 different countries where HIV/AIDS is highly common. HIV/AIDS care and support service have been set up across Sudan. These costless services have dramatically helped people living with HIV/AIDS to better their lives.
As of 2014, the Sudanese HIV/AIDS estimates are:
HIV prevalence: 53,000 (41,000 - 69,000)
Ages 15 - 49 prevalence rates: 0.2% (0.2 - 0.3%)
Ages 15 and above living with HIV: 49,000 (38,000 - 63,000)
Women aged 15 and above living with HIV 23,000 (18,000 - 29,000)
Ages 0 - 14 living with HIV: 4,300 (3,600 - 5,200)
AIDS related deaths: 2,900 (2,200 - 4,200)
Sudan Embassy UK:
Website: http://www.sudan-embassy.co.uk/
Address: 3 Cleveland Row, St. James, London SW1A 1DD
Sudan Embassy US:
Website: http://www.sudanembassy.org/
Address: 2210 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States
Tel: +1 202-338-8565
Opening Times: Open everyday 9am-5pm
The British FCDO warn that there is a general threat from terrorism in Sudan.
They say that there is a ‘heightened threat of terrorist attacks globally against UK interests and British Nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.’ They warn that all travellers should be ‘vigilant at this time.’
Website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sudan
Due to terrorist groups being present in Sudan, the U.S. Department of State warn that U.S. citizens should ‘mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of terrorism or violent crime by being vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially at public gatherings and locations frequented by foreigners. Exercise caution at all times and monitor reliable news sources for information on the local security situations. Follow the advice of local authorities. All U.S. citizens should assess their personal security and have evacuation plans that can be carried out quickly.’
Sudanese pound
Currency import is allowed in Sudan in the form of banknotes, travellers cheques, and letters of credit in foreign currencies. However, you must declare if you are importing any money above or equivalent to EUR 10,000. The import of the Sudanese pound is prohibited.
When exporting currency out of Sudan, any money above EUR 10,000 is required to be accompanied with the import declaration. Similarly with importing, exporting the Sudanese pound is prohibited.
Banking hours in Sudan are Sat-Thurs 8:30am-12:00pm.
The pound sterling is also seldom exchanged in Sudan. The British FCDO recommend that you carry US dollars which are dated from 2006 and onwards. Money dated before 2006 will not be exchanged.
Sudanese banks will not allow you to take out cash with a credit/debit card. Credit cards are also not taken by hotels to clear any bills. Due to the use of credit card use being very limited, it is strongly advised that you carry enough money with you. The British FCDO recommend that you carry US dollars which are dated from 2006 and onwards. Money dated before 2006 will not be exchanged. Similarly, the pound sterling is also seldom exchanged.
It is recommended not to take travellers cheques with you when travelling to Sudan.
A survey was published about how infection control procedures were used by dentists in the capital of the country, Khartoum, in 2005. The survey came to the conclusion that ‘there is a clear need to improve the existing situation particularly with regard to immunisation of dentists against Hepatitis B, the safe disposal of clinical waste and instrument sterilisation in Khartoum. It is crucial that you have sufficient health and travel insurance or funds that are reachable, in order to cover the costs of any treatment or medical repatriation needed. Don’t forget, you can get your travel insurance from DirectTravel at either www.direct-travel.co.uk or ring our friendly team on 0330 880 3600.
Dr. Fadil Elamin Dental Centre - Khartoum Dentist:
Website:http://khartoumdentist.com/
Address: Khartoum Dentist, 4th and 5th floors - Islamic Bank Building, El-Qasr, Khartoum.
Email: info@khartoumdentist.com
Tel: (+249) 018374440, 0922806535, 0120667345
The availability of generic medicines in the public sector was 51.7%. The availability of generic medicines was 77% in the private sector.
As of 2010, Sudan had 19 licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers in the country.
GP surgery medical facilities in the capital, Khartoum, are satisfactory, however for more serious problems, the hospitals are inadequate. It is crucial that you have sufficient health and travel insurance or funds that are reachable, in order to cover the costs of any treatment or medical repatriation needed. Don’t forget, you can get your travel insurance from DirectTravel at either www.direct-travel.co.uk or ring our friendly team on 0330 880 3600.
If medical emergency assistance is required during your stay in Sudan, call:
0183 741 426 (press #236 for English) or 0912 314 621: Fedail Hospital (ambulance: 0122 222 555)
0183 279601 ext 222: Sahiroon Hospital
0183 745 444/999: Al Zaytouna Hospital
0183 481 764 ext 118: Doctor’s Clinic
0156 550 150/151: Royal Care Hospital
Other medical and hospital facilities in Sudan include:
Ad-Damazin Hospital - Ad-Damazin
Al Baraha Hospital - Khartoum - Opened in 2002
Al Jawda Hospital - Khartoum
Al Shaab Hospital - Khartoum
Al-Amal Hospital - Khartoum
Al-Faisal Specialised Hospital - Khartoum
Bahry Hospital - Khartoum
El-Ban Jadeed Hospital - Khartoum
Fedail Hospital - Khartoum - Opened 1992
Ibn Khaldoun Hospital - Khartoum
Jafar Ibn Auf Pediatric Hospital - Khartoum
Khartoum Hospitall - Khartoum
International Hospital - Khartoum - Opened 1993
Sahiroon Specialised Hospital - Khartoum
Soba University Hospital - Khartoum - Opened 1975
Yastabshiron Medical Center - Khartoum
Mother of Mercy Hospital - Nuba Mountains - Opened 2008
Altigany Almahy Hospital - Omdurman - Opened 1950
Omdurman Maternity Hospital - Omdurman - Opened 1957
Al Tuga Specialised Hospital - Omdurman
Wad Medani Teaching Hospital - Wad Medani
H5N1 avian influenza has been found in Sudan. It poses a minor risk to people, however uncommon cases can be possible to people who have a close contact with birds and poultry (2013)
The risk of Malaria is high in Sudan. In order to take precautions against the disease, you need to ensure that you attempt to not be bitten by mosquitoes. In order to do so, make sure you use mosquito repellant products (especially those containing deet), wear long baggy clothing, and use a mosquito net when sleeping. Before travel, ensure that you see your GP as they may be able to give you some advice and provide you with antimalarial tablets.
When travelling to Sudan, you should be up-to-date with your routine jabs including MMR, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria and your yearly flu jab. It is also advised to be vaccinated against Rabies, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, preferably 4-6 weeks before you are due to travel. It is always best to check with your GP to make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations, and to see whether or not they can recommend any other vaccinations to have that might be applicable to the country's present disease risk situation.
If you are travelling to Sudan from a country which has a yellow fever transmission risk, then you will be required to have the yellow fever vaccination.
The degree of major infectious diseases is very high in Sudan.
Food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, Hepatitis A and E, and Typhoid Fever.
Vectorborne diseases: Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Rift Valley Fever
Water contact diseases: Schistosomiasis
Respiratory disease: Meningococcal Meningitis
Animal contact disease: Rabies
H5N1 avian influenza has been found in Sudan. It poses a minor risk to people, however uncommon cases can be possible to people who have a close contact with birds and poultry (2013)
If you are travelling to Sudan from a country which has a yellow fever transmission risk, then you will be required to have the yellow fever vaccination. Proof of this vaccination will be required along with proof of a cholera vaccination.
Broadcasting for both radio and television in Sudan is controlled by the Sudanese Government.
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