The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Sudan, and recommends that U.S. citizens defer all travel to Sudan because of uncertain security conditions and the possibility of violence and harassment targeting westerners.  This Travel Warning for Sudan replaces the Travel Warning issued on December 31, 2009, to update security concerns.

U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Sudan despite the Travel Warning should maintain contingency plans to depart on short notice in the event of an emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is committed to assisting U.S. citizens to the extent possible, but the Embassy’s ability to assist is limited, and dependent on the permissiveness of the security environment in Sudan.  The ability of the Embassy to provide assistance to U.S. citizens is particularly limited in Southern Sudan, and in Darfur.

On January 1, 2008, two U.S. Embassy employees were assassinated while traveling in their vehicle in Khartoum.  In May 2008, the city of Omdurman, adjacent to Khartoum, was attacked by armed militias.  As a result, the U.S. Embassy has implemented enhanced security measures to protect U.S. government personnel assigned to Sudan.  These measures include obtaining advance permission for travel outside of Khartoum, and requiring transportation in Embassy vehicles at all times.

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens that travel anywhere in Sudan is potentially dangerous.  U.S. citizens and citizens of European countries have been victims of kidnappings, carjackings, and armed robberies while travelling in Sudan.  Armed militias have instigated sporadic violence and attacked locations in Southern Sudan.  Threats have been made against foreigners working in the oil industry in Upper Nile state.  Land travel at night should be avoided. 

Travel in the Darfur region is particularly dangerous, as clashes between Sudanese government forces and various armed militias continue.  The risk of kidnapping is high. In recent months, a U.S. citizen was kidnapped while working for an NGO in Darfur, and German government employees were abducted from a government compound in Darfur.

Travelers are reminded that the U.S. government has received information on terrorist threats against U.S. and European interests in Sudan.  Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, and kidnappings.  U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites and locations where expatriates are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or European interests.  Anti-U.S. and European demonstrations occur periodically, mostly in the capital city of Khartoum.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas, to review emergency procedures and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.  U.S. citizens in Sudan should ensure they have sufficient water, food, and supplies on hand in the event of an emergency.  The turbulent political environment in Sudan may require the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum or the U.S. Consulate General in Juba to close for safety and security reasons, without advance notice.  The Embassy will seek to notify U.S. citizens of such closures via warden message.

U.S. citizens should note that the Embassy may vary its operating hours without advance notice due to changes in the political and security situation.  Services for U.S. citizens are available by appointment only.  Requests for an appointment may be made by e-mailing ACSKhartoum@state.gov, or by accessing the embassy appointment page.  U.S. citizens may request emergency services at any time by calling the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum, but the ability of the U.S. Embassy or the Consulate General in Juba to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency is limited.

The U.S. Embassy is now located at U.S. Embassy Road, Kilo 10, Soba, Khartoum; tel. (249)1-870-22000.  U.S. citizens may contact the consular section by phone or by email at ACSKhartoum@state.gov.  Additional information and U.S. Embassy warden messages are available on the Embassy website.  For after-hours emergencies in Sudan, please call 0187-022-000 (from inside Sudan) or (+249)187-022-000 (from outside Sudan) and ask to be connected to the Embassy duty officer.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Sudan and the Worldwide Caution, both located on the Department’s Internet website.  The latest safety and security information is available toll-free at 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada, or at regular toll rates at 1-202-501-4444 for callers outside the United States and Canada, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sudan are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s secure travel registration website.