Sudan entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
US passport holders need a visa to enter Sudan in 2026. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for American citizens. Plan ahead, as the application process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Sudan. Apply through the Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal or at the nearest Sudanese embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip. The visa is typically a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Sudan. Airlines and immigration at Khartoum Airport enforce this strictly. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Khartoum Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also check this at check-in. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel will get you denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Sudan. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour. A printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — Sudan has limited ATM access and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing sufficient funds can help if asked, but cash is king here. | Recommended |
Sudan is under a US travel advisory
The US State Department currently advises against travel to Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and crime. Check the latest advisory before booking. If you do travel, register with the US Embassy in Khartoum.
Visa application must be in person
You cannot apply online. You must submit your application in person at the Sudanese embassy in Washington D.C. or the consulate in New York. Mail-in applications are not accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Sudanese embassy
Submit your application at the Sudanese embassy in Washington D.C. or the consulate in New York. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. You'll need your passport, a completed form, passport photos, and a letter of invitation or hotel booking.
2
Wait for approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your visa. You may be asked for additional documents. Track the status by calling or emailing the embassy.
3
Collect your visa
When approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates — it's usually valid for 30 days from issue. You must enter within that window.
4
Arrive at Khartoum International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and hotel booking. They may ask for proof of funds. The process is straightforward if you have everything ready.
Download Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Standard option for short visits; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$250 USD (approx. $250 USD)
Ideal for multiple trips; each stay can be extended.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sudanese company.
work visa
Sudan Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Sudanese employer. Requires work permit approval and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Sudan Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized Sudanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Sudan Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Sudan's economy. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for US passport holders; payable at Sudanese embassy or online. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $250 USD (approx. $250 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed; maximum cap may apply. | SDG 1,000 per day (approx. $2 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sudan
Transit visa required
US passport holders transiting through Sudan generally need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Sudanese visa or residence permit may transit without a transit visa.
Transit hubsKhartoum International Airport (KRT)
Health & vaccines for Sudan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Sudan, especially in rural areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; outbreaks occur.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Khartoum
Sudan Passport and Immigration Authority
Al Qasr Street, Khartoum
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Port Sudan
Port Sudan Immigration Office
Port Sudan City Center
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the Red Sea area.
Practical information for US travellers
Country basics
CapitalKhartoum
LanguageArabic, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySudanese pound (SDG)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 454.23 SDG
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,DTypes C (Europlug) and D (old British) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. US passport holders must get a visa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival option.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks at the embassy in Washington D.C. or the consulate in New York. Apply well in advance of your trip.
Fees vary by visa type and are set by the embassy. Expect around $100–$150 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the embassy website for current fees.
Yes, for most visa types. A hotel booking confirmation with your name and dates usually works. If staying with friends, they need to provide a formal invitation letter.
Extensions are not available for US citizens. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may face a fine, detention, or a ban from re-entering. Leave on time.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical care is limited and expensive for foreigners. Insurance can cover evacuation if needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.