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🇸🇩 Sudan

Curated by Vinod Kumar Jain & Amit Jain · All Frontier Global · free, no login · reviewed 2026-07-05

More pyramids than Egypt, on the Nubian Nile

Capital
Khartoum
Currency
Sudanese pound (SDG)
Population
48,100,000
Languages
Arabic, English
Region
Africa
Drives on
right
Plugs
C, D, G
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Emergency
112

Trade & FTA

Trade agreements (3): Sudan participates in AfCFTA, the Arab League trade framework, and COMESA; there is no India–Sudan FTA, and current conflict conditions have significantly disrupted normal trade flows.

Passport strength: visa-free/VOA to ~40 destinations. Weak; heavy restrictions.

India × Sudan hub ↗ All countries factsheet

Visas & entry

Indian passport holders require a visa arranged in advance through the Sudanese embassy, but given the active conflict, tourism is not currently viable and travel should not be undertaken regardless of visa status.

e-Visa: yes · Visa on arrival: Varies by nationality

Getting around

Long-distance buses and shared taxis historically connected Khartoum, Port Sudan, and other cities, but transport infrastructure and safety have been severely affected by the current conflict; app-based ride-hailing is not functioning reliably nationwide.

Car vs taxi: Self-driving or any independent travel is not advisable under current conditions; this is not a country for tourism planning at present.

Money, SIM & tipping

Money: Cash (Sudanese pound) is essential as card infrastructure is minimal and banking systems have been disrupted by conflict; carrying US dollars in cash as backup is a common practical approach when travel is unavoidable.

SIM & data: Zain Sudan, MTN Sudan, and Sudani (Sudatel) are the main operators, though network reliability has been badly disrupted by the ongoing conflict in many areas; connectivity should not be assumed outside stable zones.

Tipping: Modest tipping of small amounts for porters, guides, and restaurant staff in Khartoum is appreciated, though it's not a strict obligation.

Culture & language

Etiquette: Hospitality and generous greetings are deeply valued in Sudanese culture, and conservative dress is expected given the country's Islamic traditions.

Food: Ful medames (stewed fava beans) and kisra (fermented sorghum flatbread) are Sudanese staples; bottled or properly treated water is essential.

Say hello: Arabic — “As-salamu alaykum” · thanks “Shukran” · how much? “Bikam?”

Safety & emergency

Sudan is currently experiencing a severe, active armed conflict with major humanitarian consequences, and virtually all governments advise against any travel to the country at this time.

Emergency
112
Police
112
Ambulance
112
Fire
112

Living, nomad & costs

For nomads: Not currently a nomad destination — conflict and unstable internet mean travel is inadvisable; check advisories.

Education: Arabic-based system; instability affects education availability.

Healthcare: Healthcare system strained; private clinics in Khartoum preferred.

Good to know (legal)

Cities we cover (5)

KhartoumMeroëPort SudanKassalaKosti

Frequently asked

Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Sudan?

Indian passport holders require a visa arranged in advance through the Sudanese embassy, but given the active conflict, tourism is not currently viable and travel should not be undertaken regardless of visa status.

What currency does Sudan use?

Sudan uses the Sudanese pound (SDG). Capital: Khartoum.

What trade agreements does Sudan have?

Sudan participates in AfCFTA, the Arab League trade framework, and COMESA; there is no India–Sudan FTA, and current conflict conditions have significantly disrupted normal trade flows.

Is Sudan safe for travellers?

Sudan is currently experiencing a severe, active armed conflict with major humanitarian consequences, and virtually all governments advise against any travel to the country at this time.

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