Planning a trip to Sudan? By reading this guide, you’ll understand each visa option, know which nationalities travel visa-free or enjoy on-arrival entry, and learn key tips—like passport requirements and entry restrictions—to ensure a smooth border crossing.
Types of Sudan Tourist Visas
Sudan offers two main tourist visa pathways: an online e-Visa and the traditional embassy/consulate visa.
e-Visa Details
You can apply online through iVisa’s Sudan e-Visa application portal, which issues a visa valid for 90 days after issuance, allows a single entry, and permits stays of up to 30 days per visit. You’ll need:
– A valid passport scan
– A recent passport-style photo
– A working email address
Applying at an Embassy or Consulate
If your nationality isn’t eligible for the e-Visa, you can submit your application in person. According to the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in London’s visa information page, you must provide:
– A completed visa application form
– A passport valid at least six months beyond your planned departure date
– Two recent passport-size photos
– Hotel booking confirmation
– Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary
– The applicable visa fee (which varies by nationality)
Processing times vary, and you may choose to apply directly or through an authorized agent.
Visa-Free Access and Bilateral Agreements
According to the World Travel Guide’s overview of Sudan entry requirements, key exemptions include:
– Nationals of Egypt (males aged 18–50 entering by land) can stay indefinitely without a visa
– Citizens of various African and Gulf Cooperation Council states also enjoy visa-free entry under bilateral pacts
Visa on Arrival Eligibility
Certain travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Khartoum International or other designated entry points. For instance, Turkish citizens receive up to 30 days if flying directly from Turkey, while GCC nationals are eligible for a 30-day stay. Full eligibility details are available on the Sudan e-visa and visa-on-arrival portal.
Special Provisions for Sudanese Descendants and Spouses
Travelers with a Sudanese father (verified by a birth certificate or the father’s passport) or those married to a Sudanese national (with a valid marriage certificate) qualify for on-arrival entry regardless of their current nationality, as outlined in the UK Government travel advice for Sudan.
Passport Validity and Blank Pages
Per the U.S. Department of State, your passport must:
– Remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date
– Contain at least two blank visa pages
Currency Tip: New U.S. Dollar Bills
When paying visa fees at entry points or government offices, only clean, unmarked U.S. dollar banknotes dated 2006 or later are accepted. It’s advisable to carry several bills to cover the charge, as noted by Way to Stay’s visa requirements for Sudan.
Entry Restrictions and Policy Updates
Sudan denies entry to travelers whose passports bear Israeli stamps or visas, a restriction highlighted in Lonely Planet’s Sudan entry requirements guide. Visa regulations can change at any time, so always confirm the latest rules with the nearest Sudanese diplomatic mission before booking your trip.
Ready for Khartoum?
You’ve now reviewed every visa route, exemption, and must-know tip. Gather your documents, confirm the most recent rules, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into Sudan’s rich history and landscapes.