Sudan

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

In the northern desert and along the Rea Sea coast, dry heat exceeding 38°C (100°F) prevails for most of the year; in the central and southern belts, dry and west seasons are separated by transitional periods. There is tropical jungle in the south, fading into grassland in the centre. Rainfall decreases from south to north, the average varying from 47.2 inches in the south to less than 4 inches in the north. Climatic hazards include strong winds in the northern desert and flooding rains in the central belt. The most temperate climate occurs in the Red Sea Hills.

Climate Chart for Khartoum

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all visitors to Sudan. Passport must be valid for at least six months and not contain any Israeli stamps or visas. Israelis are not permitted to enter the country.

Listing of Sudan'sTourist offices and/or embassies location around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    Sudanese Dinar=100 piastres
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

American Express is widely accepted but other credit cards have a limited use. Travellers cheques and cash is best taken in US Dollars. Outside Khartoum you will find it difficult to exchange travellers cheques.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Saturday to Thursday : 0800-1200
Shops:     Saturday: to Thursday: 0800-1330 and 1730-2000

LOCAL TIME

The Sudan is two hours ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

International flights to Sudan

Click for flights from Europe with BA.com


Domestic Flights
Sudan Airways operates a service to the major towns . Planes are sometimes grounded and in need of repair. There is an air-taxi services available from Khartoum to Nyala which operates twice a week. A small departure tax is charged on domestic flights.

Rail:
Although Sudan has an extensive rail network, war, famine and lack of maintenance has meant many routes have been closed. Services that exist are slow and uncomfortable.

Public Transport:
Most major towns are connected by bus, lorries or Toyota Hiluxes ("boxes")


Self Drive / Hire Cars:

Map & Atlases for Sale

Very few roads are sealed, outside towns road conditions are very poor and some roads in the north are closed during the rains. Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is recommended. Temporary driving licences are available from local authorities on the presentation of a valid national licence. Car hire is limited to the main towns and many companies operate from major hotels.

The Africa Guide's recommended Map
		Sudan Map by ITMB (Travel Reference Map) (amazon.com) - USA  (amazon.co.uk) - Europe Distinguishes roads ranging from primary roads to other roads/tracks. Legend includes international/provincial boundaries, railroads, ferry lines, water/wells, dunes, international/national airports, airfields (small crafts), ports, gas stations, border crossings, points of interest, museums, archeological sites, wildlife reserves, nature reserves, missions/churches, mosques, campsites/huts, hotels, rest houses, hostels, oasis, diving sites, passes, coral reefs, National Parks. Includes inset of Khartoum.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Sudan, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

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