Sudan

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel to Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, terrorism and kidnapping (level 4 of 4).  

New Zealanders in Sudan should ensure they have appropriate security measures in place including a contingency plan for departure due to the deteriorating security situation. Khartoum International Airport is closed and options for leaving Sudan are extremely limited. There may be ongoing disruptions to critical infrastructure and essential services. 

New Zealanders in the capital Khartoum should exercise caution if travelling around the city and avoid travel at night. Travel outside Khartoum requires a permit from local authorities. If you intend travelling outside the capital, you should ensure appropriate personal security protection measures are in place and keep a low profile. 

Sudan

Terrorism
There is a general threat of terrorism in Sudan, including in Khartoum. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by westerners. Possible targets include commercial and public areas such as airports, oil and gas industry installations, hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, shopping centres, markets, tourist areas, places of worship and government buildings.  

Civil Unrest/Political Tension
Protests and demonstrations are common in Sudan and occur at short notice, particularly in Khartoum and other major cities. These are sometimes in response to international developments and may be directed against foreigners or foreign interests.   

New Zealanders in Sudan are advised to monitor local media for developments and avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent. Violent clashes resulting in deaths can occur between security forces and protestors. You should adhere to any curfews put in place by local authorities.

Crime
Violent crime, including armed robbery, home invasion and carjacking occur.There have been reports of armed attacks and assaults, including sexual assault, against foreigners.  Walking alone or travelling after dark is not recommended and if travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing, mobile phone and bag snatching, theft from vehicles occur in Sudan, including in Khartoum. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.

Kidnapping
There is a threat of kidnapping throughout Sudan, including in Khartoum. The threat is highest in the Darfur region and southern parts of the country. Foreigners, including humanitarian workers, have been targeted previously. 

Southern and Eastern Sudan
The security situation in southern Sudan remains fragile since the secession of South Sudan and has the potential to deteriorate with little warning. The border remains disputed in some places and border areas are dangerous.

The Abyei region is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan. Despite the presence of a peacekeeping force, the situation remains unpredictable and marked by occasional violent skirmishes. Since the outbreak of violence in South Sudan, there has been an increase in displaced persons entering Sudan.

There has been continued conflict in states bordering South Sudan, between the Sudanese military and rebel forces. This violence has resulted in deaths and mass displacement of people, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. There have been attacks on foreign workers and civilians in these areas risk being caught in the violence.

The security situation near the Eritrean border has been volatile in the past, and could still deteriorate rapidly.

Western Sudan and Darfur
The security situation in these areas remains volatile and unstable. Banditry and lawlessness are prevalent. There is ongoing widespread unrest and violence between armed groups and government forces. There are a large number of internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in Western Sudan and Darfur and tensions can be high in IDP camps.

The risk to foreigners posed by ongoing conflict and the environment of lawlessness is extremely high. A number of aid workers and peacekeepers have been killed or caught in crossfire. There is a high level of violent crime in Darfur and aid workers and expatriates are commonly targeted for kidnapping.

Border regions with Libya are known to be used as a transit point for extremists and for smuggling of people and goods.

Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance left over from past conflicts remain a serious risk in many areas outside main cities. The eastern and southern Kordofan states are particularly affected, as are border areas with Eritrea.

Piracy
Piracy is an ongoing problem in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Mariners are advised to take appropriate security precautions. For further information, see the weekly piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau.

Photography
Photography without a permit in Sudan is illegal. Taking photographs without a permit will immediately attract suspicion, and could lead to detention. Even with a permit, it is illegal to take photos of airports, military areas, bridges, drainage stations, broadcast stations, public utilities, slum areas or beggars.

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Sudan, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Sudan should consider.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Sudan to avoid offending local sensitivities. Sharia law operates throughout the country. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour. Photo identification should be carried at all times.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Sudan should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. 

New Zealanders in Sudan are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa