GoSudan Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Before the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan in mid April 2023, visas to Sudan were divided into work visas and visit visas. Applicants for work visas should first apply for a "work permit" from the Ministry of Labor of the Soviet Union; Apply for a visa from the Embassy of the Soviet Union in China with a work permit and invitation letter; Within 3 days after entering the country, one needs to go to the immigration office to complete registration procedures, then apply for a labor card, participate in a physical examination, apply for a residence visa, and also handle tax payment procedures and exit visas when leaving the country. The procedures for applying for a visitor visa (including temporary tourist and business visas) are similar, but there is no need to apply for a work permit. Leaving the country within the validity period of stay does not require a departure visa. In addition to applying for an entry visa at the Sudanese Embassy in China as mentioned above, an entry visa on arrival can also be applied for in emergency situations: the Sudanese guarantor (guarantee company or inviting unit) will issue an invitation letter based on the applicant's passport photocopy information, and submit it together with the company or unit's business license to the Sudanese Immigration Bureau or Investment Department for application. After approval by the Immigration Bureau or Investment Department, an entry permit letter will be issued (if my citizen's visit to Sudan departs from China, the original entry permit mentioned above needs to be sent back to me. If it departs from a third country, a scanned copy can be sent to me). The applicant will bring the "entry permit" to the Sudan airport entry office and pay a certain amount of visa fee to apply for a landing visa upon entry. After entering the country, the procedures are the same as above.

At present, the Sudanese government strictly restricts the entry of foreigners on the grounds of armed conflict. The Sudanese visa and entry procedures are complicated and are likely to be refused entry; If the entry exceeds the prescribed stay period of the visa without obtaining a residence visa, a fine must be paid upon departure.

For specific information, please consult the Embassy of Sudan in China.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

The main responsibilities of the Sudan Customs Administration include collecting export and import commodity taxes, tax exemptions, and implementing import and export policies, mainly playing a role in finance, economy, society, politics, and other functions. The main law of the customs department is the Sudan Customs Act (2010 Amendment).

Sudan imposes higher tax rates on imported goods to protect its domestic industrial development and increase tax revenue. Except for specific goods, most imported goods are subject to consumption tax, and some are subject to additional taxes. Customs implements an ad valorem tax rate for exports, and Port Sudan also charges terminal taxes. For imported goods from major projects and agricultural investments, tax exemption policies can be implemented.

Entry control of goods: Due to Sudan being an Islamic country, strict management of imported goods is implemented. The following items are prohibited from entering the country: pork and its related products, alcohol, prescription drugs, drugs, unethical items, gambling supplies, weapons, arms, and a large amount of cultural propaganda materials.

Financial regulation: The government controls foreign exchange, and the maximum limit for individuals to carry foreign exchange abroad is 3000 US dollars or its equivalent in euros.

Epidemic prevention: Sudan is a country with a high incidence of yellow fever. It is necessary to receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days in advance and carry a valid international certificate of vaccination or preventive measures (commonly known as the "yellow book") with you to avoid being refused entry. The Sudan Immigration Department prohibits carriers of infectious disease viruses from entering Sudan for work. Once confirmed, they will be required to leave the country within a specified period of time. Temporary entry restrictions will be implemented for individuals affected by special epidemics and epidemic areas.

Special Reminder: Sudan airport staff have implemented strict luggage checks and punishments for Chinese citizens who carry prohibited items. They hope that those who come to Sudan will comply with local laws and regulations, avoid carrying prohibited items, and maintain a good image as citizens.

Residency and Naturalization

Nationality and immigration policies: (1) Foreign citizens who have been married to Sudanese citizens for two years can apply to become Sudanese citizens; （2） Foreign nationals who have lived and worked continuously in Sudan for at least 5 years are eligible to apply for Sudanese citizenship.

Alien residence policy: (1) "Alien registration" shall be handled in the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior; （2） Apply for a labor card at the Ministry of Labor; （3） Conduct HIV testing at the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior; （4） Apply for a one-year residence permit at the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior.

Sudan currently has 13 red (extremely high-risk) areas, while the rest of the areas are orange (high-risk). Specifically, as follows:

1、 Red areas: Khartoum state, Darfur region (including 5 states: North Darfur, South Darfur, East Darfur, West Darfur, and Central Darfur), West Darfur state, North Darfur state, South Darfur state, White Nile state, Jezira state, Sennar state, and Gadarif state. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens not to travel to the above-mentioned areas in Sudan in the near future. Personnel and institutions in the area should evacuate or transfer to safe areas as soon as possible. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.

2、 Orange Region: Other regions, namely Red Sea State, Kassala State, Northern State, Nile State, and Blue Nile State. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens to be cautious when traveling to other areas of Sudan in the near future. Local personnel and institutions are closely monitoring the situation, maintaining high vigilance, strengthening security precautions and emergency preparedness, and ensuring personal and property safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will continue to closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

In 2019, there were significant political changes in Sudan, which seriously affected social stability. Ethnic factional conflicts, large-scale protests, and other incidents occurred from time to time. On April 15, 2023, intense armed conflicts erupted in multiple locations including Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The current conflict is still ongoing and expanding, and the security situation is extremely severe. Chinese citizens are advised not to travel to Sudan in the near future. Chinese citizens and Chinese funded institutions still in Sudan should closely monitor the development of the situation, avoid going to high-risk areas and areas of conflict, strengthen security precautions and emergency preparedness, and report personal information to the embassy as soon as possible.

natural disaster

Long term high temperature and heat, frequent sandstorms, and frequent floods during the rainy season.

FDA

The dietary customs of Arabs differ significantly from those of China, mostly involving frying and grilling, and they are accustomed to grabbing rice by hand. Street vendors and ordinary restaurants have poor hygiene conditions.

Urgent Help

Fire alarm: 998.

Bandit police: 999.  

Medical: 333.  

Traffic accident: 777.

air traffic

After the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan in mid April 2023, flights at Khartoum International Airport, the largest airport in the country, were interrupted. At present, only the airspace in the eastern region is open, and only Sudan Port Airport has international flights operating. Sudan's domestic airlines include Badr Airlines, Tarco Airlines, Sudan Airlines, etc., which operate flights from Sudan Port to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopia and other countries. Foreign airlines only operate flights from Port Sudan to Cairo, Egypt with EgyptAir.

land transport

Highways: As of now, Sudan has built a relatively complete national road network, covering all 18 states in the country, forming a road pattern centered on Khartoum and connecting the capitals of each state. There are 27 main roads, and the total length of national roads is about 31000 kilometers. Buses are one of the main modes of transportation for domestic passenger transport in Sudan. Affected by armed conflicts, cross state passenger transportation in Sudan is either interrupted or strictly regulated, with checkpoints set up at every level for inspection, and is highly vulnerable to exploitation and looting by armed personnel. Foreigners who travel across states in Sudan need to apply for permission from the Sudanese internal affairs department in advance. Sudan has a hot climate, narrow roads, poor road conditions, and a lack of supporting facilities. Chinese citizens are reminded to pay attention to traffic safety during long-distance driving.

Railway: The total length of the Su Railway is 7300 kilometers, making it the second longest railway country in Africa. The specifications consist of narrow gauge single track railways with a length of 1.067 meters, mostly built during the colonial period. The system has long aged, and about 25% of the railways are no longer operational. There have been almost no new railways built in the past 40 years.

water communication

Sudan has two main ports: Port Sudan and Savagin Port, both located in the eastern Red Sea state of Sudan. Among them, Port Sudan is the largest port, founded in 1905, with 32 berths and 1 100000 ton oil terminal, with an annual throughput of 8.5 million tons, undertaking 95% of import and export transportation tasks. The current container handling capacity of Port Sudan is 80 containers per hour, and the country has 10 ocean going merchant ships with a total tonnage of 122000 tons.

The total length of the Su River waterway is 4068 kilometers, with 1723 kilometers currently navigable and over 300 ships. The role of river transportation in the national economy is relatively weak.

Urban transportation

Foreigners often drive or take taxis in Sudan. Taxis are mostly old vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s. A kind of moped is popular, but its price is high. It usually stops when waving, which is suitable for Sudanese who are familiar with local conditions.

major city

Khartoum: The capital of Sudan, with a population of over 7 million, is the political, economic, and cultural center of Sudan. Khartoum means "the trunk of an elephant", and the Blue and White Nile rivers converge in Khartoum and flow northward, resembling the trunk of an elephant, hence the name. Khartoum consists of three towns: Khartoum, North Khartoum, and Entuman. Khartoum is known as the 'furnace of the world', with May being the hottest month and temperatures reaching over 50 degrees Celsius. Since the armed conflict in mid April 2023, Khartoum has suffered severe damage, with over 3.5 million people fleeing the city.

Port Sudan: Located in the western part of the Red Sea, approximately 1000 kilometers from the Suez Canal in the north and 700 kilometers from the Mandeb Strait in the south, it holds significant strategic importance. Port Sudan is the capital of the Red Sea state. Since the armed conflict in mid April 2023, a large number of displaced persons and refugees have flooded into Port Sudan, far exceeding the city's carrying capacity.

Commodity prices

Main products: Sudan has a vast territory and abundant resources, producing minerals, cattle, sheep, cotton, sesame, arabic gum, roselle, leather, etc.

Currency and exchange rate: The local currency in Sudan is the Sudanese pound. Since the armed conflict in mid April 2023, the Sudanese pound has continued to depreciate significantly, with a significant difference between the official exchange rate and the parallel market exchange rate. The parallel market exchange rate is approximately 2550 Sudanese pounds per US dollar (as of July 2024).

Tax burden: Currently, the main tax categories for enterprises in Jiangsu include value-added tax of 17% and corporate profit tax ranging from 0-35%. If foreign employees are employed during the implementation of the project, they are also required to pay personal income tax (calculated on a progressive basis based on their income and wages) upon departure, with a tax rate generally of 15%. If the investor is a Muslim country or individual, they also need to pay a daily tax (a religious tax according to Islamic doctrine that is only valid for Muslims).

Banking and Financial Services: The National Bank of Sudan is the central bank of Sudan, primarily responsible for currency issuance and monitoring. The main commercial banks include Khartoum Bank, Entuman National Bank, Sufa Bank, Sousa Bank, Agricultural Bank, etc. Foreign banks in Sudan include Qatar National Bank, Abu Dhabi National Bank, Faisal Islamic Bank, etc. Since the armed conflict in mid April 2023, the vast majority of commercial bank branches have been closed.

ATM machines in Sudan began to appear in 2007, with banks issuing debit cards. Major stores have started using POS machines, and shopping can be done using domestic bank cards or digital currency payments. Currently unable to use foreign credit cards, UnionPay, mobile payments, and other payment methods.

Insurance Medical

Medical conditions: Sudan's medical and health level is very backward. According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, there are more than 80000 medical staff in Sudan, with an average of 8 beds per 10000 people. The adult AIDS infection rate is about 1.1%. The pharmaceutical industry in Sudan is relatively backward, and drugs are quite scarce. The medical treatment and drug costs are relatively expensive for foreigners.

Medical insurance: Sudan requires companies to pay medical insurance and social security contributions for their employees. The government sets up a medical emergency center, and public hospitals provide free treatment for emergency patients (including foreigners).

Common diseases and treatments: Sudan is vast and sparsely populated, with significant differences between the north and south. The climate in the north is dry and hot, and common diseases include typhoid fever, malaria, and yellow fever. The common diseases in the south mainly include cerebrospinal meningitis, measles, infectious hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc. AIDS infection is increasing.

Major medical institutions and pharmacies: Since the armed conflict in mid April 2023, more than 70% of medical institutions in conflict affected areas have stopped providing services, and the shortage of medical supplies and medicines has become increasingly prominent throughout the country. The Chinese government has assisted in the construction of three hospitals in Khartoum's Omdurman, Abu Oushe town in Jezira state, and Damazin in Blue Nile state, greatly improving the local medical and health standards. These hospitals have ceased services due to the impact of armed conflict.

Medical and health cooperation: The Chinese government has dispatched medical teams to Sudan, and as of now, 37 batches of medical personnel have been dispatched, mainly distributed in Entuman Friendship Hospital and Abu Oushe Friendship Hospital. From May 28 to June 11, 2020, the Chinese government's anti epidemic medical expert group went to Sudan to support the country's fight against the epidemic. Affected by armed conflict, the 37th batch of medical aid teams to Sudan have withdrawn and returned to their home country.

Customs taboos

Holidays: There are many folk and religious holidays in Sudan, and the main national holidays include Eid al Fitr, which falls on October 1st in the Islamic calendar. It is set up to celebrate the successful end of fasting after the end of Ramadan and generally lasts for 4 days. It is one of the important holidays in Islam. Eid al Adha, on December 10th in the Islamic calendar, lasts for 5 days. During this festival, every household must slaughter sheep, cows, and camels as a commemoration. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, there is a day off to celebrate. Mohammed's birthday, also known as the "Holy Calendar", falls on March 12th in the Islamic calendar and is a one-day holiday. Dengxiao Festival, July 27th in the Gregorian calendar, is a one-day holiday. Christmas, December 25th, Christians have 3 days off and Muslims have 1 day off.

Common etiquette: Sudanese people greet each other warmly and greet unfamiliar people with the greeting "Peace be upon you", which means "hello". If it's an old friend, give a pat on the shoulder or hug as a face gesture, and send out a string of greetings like a barrage of bullets. People of the opposite sex generally do not shake hands, only relatives perform face to face gestures.

Customs: Arabs have the custom of tattooing, which is not only to facilitate the identification of enemies and allies in tribal conflicts, but also to reflect tribal unity, preserve their genealogy, and honor their ancestors. Men generally get married at the age of 15 or above, and women at the age of 10 or above. The man pays 2/3 of the dowry before marriage, and the remaining 1/3 after marriage.

Clothing: Sudanese men prefer to wear Arab style collarless cylindrical long robes with spacious chest circumference and sleeves. Wear a small round cloth hat and wrap a four and a half yard long white cloth around it. Women usually wear long robes and headscarves, and only wear relatively open evening gowns in important event venues such as parties and weddings.

Main taboos: Sudanese society implements Islamic law, which is relatively conservative. It is not advisable to wear overly revealing clothing when going out. Men should not wear vests and shorts, and women should not wear camisoles and skirts shorter than the knee. Strict prohibition of alcohol is enforced in the local area, and heavy penalties will be imposed for selling alcohol or drinking in public places.

Communications Power

Sudan area code: 00249.

Method for dialing Sudanese numbers domestically: 00249+Remove the first 0 from the local number.

Sudan calls domestic numbers: 0086+domestic area code+phone number.

Power interface: British standard.

Standard voltage: 220V, 50HZ.

The charging standards of various telecommunications companies in Sudan are different, and domestic calls and data are generally purchased according to the package. The overall network situation in Sudan is average, with multiple telecommunications companies providing wired and wireless network services, but the prices are expensive, the bandwidth is narrow, and the network speed is slow. Since the outbreak of armed conflict in mid April 2023, the power supply in major cities has been extremely tight, and the communication network signals of various telecommunications companies have been extremely unstable, resulting in frequent long-term power outages and network disconnections. Since February 2024, communication networks in most parts of Sudan have been continuously interrupted.

contact information

Fire alarm: 998.

Bandit police: 999.

Medical: 333.

Traffic accident: 777.