Sudan visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Sudan

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Sudanese Visa.

  • South African passport which has a validity of 6 months from period of departure from the country. It must have two blank spaces for visa stamps.
  • Duly completed visa application form which has been signed and stamped where necessary.
  • Two recent passport-size photographs which fits the Sudanese visa requirements.
  • Your bank statement not older than 3 months from the period of entry to the country is required to show steady and continuous flow of income.
  • Certificates of vaccination against Yellow fever.
  • People under 16 can accompany you on your visa but you'll be required to provide the original birth certificate of the minor.
  • A letter of consent signed by both parents of a minor is also needed.
  • Valid travel insurance which covers medical insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Sudan which could be an invitation letter or hotel reservation.
  • The letter of invitation should be accompanied with a valid means of identification of your host.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Alcohol is forbidden in Sudan, and attempting to import it might result in severe penalties.
  • Visitors should be aware that if their passport contains evidence of a visit to Israel, a visa for Sudan will be refused.
  • This visa costs R700 and is usually processed for about 4 to 6 weeks.
  • This visa is for a 30 day stay but it can be extended in the Ministry of Interior.
  • All travellers  must register with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interior within three days of arrival in Sudan. The hotel you're lodged in may do this automatically but it is worth checking.
  • Mandatory Police registration for all nationalities is required within 24 hours of arrival
  • There is a high risk of terrorist violence in Sudan. Travellers are advised against travelling to Darfur, southern Kurdufan, and all borders except that of Egypt as these areas are active war zones.

Sudan Visa for South Africans

Facts about Sudan

Sudan is a fantastic surprise for tourists with the abundance of exciting stuff to do in the country plus Sudanese are among the friendliest and most hospitable people on earth. Things to do in the country include visiting the Meroe pyramids, tagging along with the Sufi ritual of drumming and trance dancing, walking around the Tuti Island shady lines and irrigated fields and enjoying diving at the Red Sea Resort near the Port of Sudan.
 
Sudan welcomes more than 700,000 tourists each year. This number has been projected to increase in the years to come.
 
Crimes including fraud, bouncing cheques and the non-payment of bills can result in lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. Bail is generally not granted for those who are arrested for financial crimes. 

Sudan is a malarial region, so travellers are advised to be cautious during the rainy season. Venomous snakes, spiders and scorpions are common to the southern areas. Tap water might not be safe so it's advisable to drink bottled water or use purifying tablets. Also avoid any fruit drinks as they are obviously made with the local water.

Sudan is an Islamic nation and the government has imposed a form of Sharia law. Sudanese women tend to wear very conservative clothing and cover their heads, so travellers would be wise to do the same. Men are also advised to wear long trousers, not shorts. The Sudanese do not expect foreigners to adhere to Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, but it would be tactless to eat, drink or smoke in public

Sudan has very strict rules about taking pictures. First and foremost, you need a permit to take pictures (see "Get in" section above for details) which will tell you where you can and cannot take pictures. Photographing or filming military personnel or installations is a quick way to get into trouble. People have been arrested for taking pictures at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles in Khartoum.

LGBTQ is frowned upon in Sudan, they are usually discriminated against, attacked, arrested, refused and can be executed by the government.

Types of Sudan Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 4 - 6 weeks 30 days
Business visa 4 - 6 weeks 30 days
Transit visa 4 - 6 weeks 7 days

General Requirements for Sudan Visa

  • South African passport which has a validity of 6 months from period of departure from the country. It must have two blank spaces for visa stamps.
  • Duly completed visa application form which has been signed and stamped where necessary.
  • Two recent passport-size photographs which fits the Sudanese visa requirements.
  • Your bank statement not older than 3 months from the period of entry to the country is required to show steady and continuous flow of income.
  • Certificates of vaccination against Yellow fever.
  • People under 16 can accompany you on your visa but you'll be required to provide the original birth certificate of the minor.
  • A letter of consent signed by both parents of a minor is also needed.
  • Valid travel insurance which covers medical insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Sudan which could be an invitation letter or hotel reservation.
  • The letter of invitation should be accompanied with a valid means of identification of your host.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Alcohol is forbidden in Sudan, and attempting to import it might result in severe penalties.
  • Visitors should be aware that if their passport contains evidence of a visit to Israel, a visa for Sudan will be refused.
  • This visa costs R700 and is usually processed for about 4 to 6 weeks.
  • This visa is for a 30 day stay but it can be extended in the Ministry of Interior.
  • All travellers  must register with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interior within three days of arrival in Sudan. The hotel you're lodged in may do this automatically but it is worth checking.
  • Mandatory Police registration for all nationalities is required within 24 hours of arrival
  • There is a high risk of terrorist violence in Sudan. Travellers are advised against travelling to Darfur, southern Kurdufan, and all borders except that of Egypt as these areas are active war zones.
Sudan Tourist visa Sudan Business visa Sudan Transit visa

Sudan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Tourist visa is for people who visa visit Sudan for relaxation, recreation and sightseeing purposes.
  • Applicants hoping to visit family and relatives in Sudan may also apply for this visa.
  • If you are visiting someone in the country, an invitation letter from your host is required. This letter should show your host's home address and telephone number.
  • Non-South Africans are to submit a copy of their South African stay permit.
  • Minors should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate. If minors are travelling alone, a consent letter signed by their parents is needed
  • Separate forms must be completed for travelling companions 16 years. Travelling companions above 16 years are required to have their own passport..
  • A yellow fever vaccination is required for the application.
  • Foreigners cannot study while they are in the country.
  • You are also not allowed to take part in business activities while in the country.
  • All visitors are expected to obey all the rules guiding their visa.
  • You are not allowed to participate in any religious vocations.
  • You will need a permit to take photographs and travel to certain areas outside Khartoum.
  • Due to the high terrorist violence rate in Sudan, travellers are advised against travelling to Darfur, southern Kurdufan and all borders. It's prohibited to drive through the southern border of Sudan as it's extremely dangerous.
  • The visa is valid for 30 days.

Sudan Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for applicants who intend to build up and foster relationships with business partners in Sudan.
  • The business visa allows its holders to attend conferences, summits and trade fairs while in the country.
  • You may negotiate and sign business contracts while in the country.
  • An invitation letter from the host company detailing the company’s address, purpose and duration of your visit in Sudan is needed.
  • The certificate of business registration of your host company in Sudan is required.
  • If you have had prior business dealings with the company you are meeting with, proof of this is required.
  • A letter from your employer in South Africa affirming awareness, purpose and duration of your stay is important.
  • You need to obtain a business permit before you can carry out any of your business in the country.
  • A letter from the host company affirming that your expenses for the duration of stay in Sudan will be covered is needed.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the original copy of your birth certificate is required.
  • Proof of paid visa application fees is required.
  • With this visa, you cannot seek public funds.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory.

Sudan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows applicants make short stay of 1-7 days in Sudan.
  • With this visa, travellers can transit through Sudan to their destination.
  • You are required to be in possession of the flight ticket and visa of your destination country.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the original copy of your birth certificate is required.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required before you can travel to Sudan.
  • For non-South Africans, a copy of your South African stay permit should be provided.
  • Proof of paid visa application fees is required.
  • You are expected to leave the country before the expiry of the visa.
  • You can neither study or work with this visa while you are in Sudan.

Sudan Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

700.00 (SDG)

Business visa

700.00 (SDG)

Transit visa

700.00 (SDG)

Sudan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

1203 Pretorius Street, Hartfield, Monument Park, 0150, Pretoria, South Africa.

http://www.sudanembassy.co.za

ambassadorsudan@webmail.co.za

+27 12 342 4538

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a visa to Sudan?

To get a Sudanese visa, you'll have to visit the embassy in South Africa.

Is it safe in Sudan?
Due to the unstable security situation throughout Sudan, most parts of the country is declared as unsafe. Travellers must avoid Darfur, Abyei administrative region, Southern Kordofan State, Blue Nile State, Area bordering Eritrea within the Red Sea State, The portions of Northern Kordofan & White Nile states located south of the Kosti–El Obeid–En Nahud road and Area bordering Libya.
Is alcohol illegal in Sudan?
Yes, alcohol is illegal in Sudan because Sudan is an Islamic country.
Is Sudan poor?
Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Has the Sudanese civil war ended?
The civil war in Sudan ended in 2005 but some tension still exist in the area.
I need to travel to Sudan in April or May to meet with two companies regarding business relations in the agriculture market. Can I apply online for a visa or must I visit the embassy??