Sudan is currently not considered a safe travel destination. The security situation remains highly volatile because of the ongoing armed conflict, and conditions can change rapidly. Anyone considering travel to Sudan should check the latest official government travel advice before making plans.
As of August 2026, major international governments continue to advise against travel to Sudan because of serious risks including armed conflict, violent crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, unrest and health-related dangers.
The United States currently maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Sudan, citing unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines and health threats.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also advises against travel to Sudan because of the ongoing conflict and security situation.
Safety information reviewed: August 2026
Sudan has been affected by an ongoing armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. The conflict has affected different parts of the country to varying degrees.
Security conditions are not the same throughout Sudan. Some eastern and northern areas have experienced less fighting than parts of Darfur and Kordofan, but the overall situation remains volatile and can change without warning.
Official assessments indicate that the conflict continues across Sudan and that control of territory can change. Darfur, Kordofan and parts of Blue Nile remain particularly affected by serious violence.
Khartoum should not be treated as a normal tourist destination. Although the level of fighting in Khartoum has changed compared with earlier stages of the conflict, serious security risks remain.
There have been reports of violent crime, looting, burglaries, home invasions, muggings and theft in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan.
People travelling to or within Khartoum should also consider the possibility of checkpoints, armed groups, unexploded weapons, sudden fighting and interruptions to transportation and communications.
Port Sudan has generally been less affected by ground fighting than some western and central parts of Sudan and has become an important humanitarian, administrative and transportation centre during the conflict.
However, Port Sudan should not be described as completely safe. Security conditions can change and the city has also faced conflict-related risks, including attacks affecting infrastructure and aviation.
Current official travel advice should therefore be checked before travelling to Port Sudan or using Port Sudan International Airport.
| Region / Area | General Situation |
|---|---|
| Khartoum | Conflict-affected with significant security and crime risks. |
| Darfur | Very high security risk, with continuing armed conflict and serious threats to civilians. |
| Kordofan | High-risk conflict area with continuing fighting and restricted movement in some locations. |
| Blue Nile | Security conditions remain volatile and can deteriorate quickly. |
| Port Sudan / Red Sea State | Generally less affected by ground fighting than some other regions, but significant risks remain. |
| Kassala | Among the areas less affected by the main conflict, but conditions remain subject to change. |
| Northern State | Generally less affected by ground fighting, but travel risks and infrastructure issues remain. |
| River Nile State | Generally less affected than major conflict zones, but should not be considered risk-free. |
Crime has increased in several parts of Sudan during the conflict. Visitors and residents may face risks including:
Official security advice recommends keeping valuables out of sight, locking vehicle doors and windows and complying with demands if confronted rather than escalating a dangerous situation.
The most important difference between Sudan and an ordinary tourist destination is the continuing armed conflict.
Fighting can occur with little warning, and roads, airports, bridges, government buildings and other infrastructure can become dangerous or inaccessible.
For this reason, visitors should not rely on historical descriptions of a city's safety. Conditions in Sudan can change significantly within a short period.
Road travel can be dangerous because of armed conflict, checkpoints, criminal activity, poor road conditions and traffic accidents.
Telecommunications networks in Sudan can experience interruptions and communication blackouts. Mobile and internet services may become unavailable without warning.
If you are travelling or living in Sudan, it is sensible to have alternative ways of communicating and to keep important information available offline.
Photography can create serious problems in Sudan, particularly near sensitive locations.
Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, airports, bridges, security facilities or other sensitive infrastructure unless you have confirmed that photography is permitted.
During an armed conflict, even an apparently ordinary photograph can be misinterpreted by security personnel.
Healthcare services and infrastructure have been severely affected by the conflict. Access to medical treatment can vary significantly between locations.
Sudan can also experience seasonal flooding, particularly during the rainy season. Flash floods can make roads impassable and isolate communities.
Check local weather and road conditions before travelling during periods of heavy rain.
For ordinary tourism, Sudan should currently be regarded as a high-risk destination.
The combination of armed conflict, crime, kidnapping risks, damaged infrastructure, limited emergency services and unpredictable security conditions makes independent tourism particularly difficult.
Anyone considering travel should carefully review the latest official government travel advisory and obtain professional security and travel advice where appropriate.
Foreign nationals may face additional risks in Sudan, including restrictions on movement, security checks, detention and difficulties accessing consular assistance.
Foreign workers and humanitarian personnel should follow their organization's security procedures and maintain a personal emergency plan.
Emergency numbers reported for Sudan include:
However, emergency services have been severely affected by the conflict and may not always respond or operate normally. Always consider the local situation and have an alternative emergency plan.
Sudan is currently considered a high-risk travel destination. Major government travel advisories continue to warn against travel because of armed conflict, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines and other serious risks.
Khartoum remains affected by the consequences of the conflict and significant security risks. It should not be treated as a conventional tourist destination.
Port Sudan has generally experienced less ground fighting than some conflict zones, but it is not risk-free. Security conditions can change and official travel advice should be checked before travelling.
Foreigners can face serious security risks in Sudan, including crime, kidnapping, detention and difficulties obtaining assistance. Anyone travelling should have appropriate security arrangements and contingency plans.
At present, Sudan is not an appropriate destination for ordinary tourism because of the ongoing conflict and associated security risks.
Business travel also carries significant risks. Companies should conduct a professional security assessment and establish evacuation, communication and medical contingency plans before sending personnel to Sudan.
The security situation in Sudan changes rapidly. Information that was accurate several months ago may no longer reflect conditions on the ground.
Before travelling, consult current official government travel advice, local authorities, your airline or travel provider and your insurance company.
For the latest security information, consult official government travel advisories before travelling to Sudan.