Sudan Basic Guide For Business Travel

Time: Local time is GMT +3.

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. Round two- and three-pin plugs are in use.

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken by those with an education.

Health: Visitors should ensure they are vaccinated against yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, measles, hepatitis A and meningococcal meningitis. A yellow fever certificate is required by those arriving from an infected country. Malaria is rife, more so in the south of the country, and dengue fever occurs, so precautions against mosquito bites should be taken. Cholera outbreaks occur. Water and food-borne diseases are common and travellers should purify drinking water and carry anti-diarrhoeal drugs. AIDS is a growing problem, and bird flu has affected poultry, but no human infections have been reported. Medical facilities in Khartoum are adequate for routine problems, but the war has resulted in shortage of many medicines and hospital equipment; visitors should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance, which should include evacuation by air ambulance.

Tipping: Tips are accepted for good service and are usually 10-15% of the bill.

Safety: The Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in January 2005, which has effectively brought to an end the 40-year civil war between the Muslim-dominated north and the non-Muslim south, but some areas remain tense and travel to the south is not recommended for the time being. Travellers to Khartoum should be aware of a heightened threat of terrorism to Western interests. All unnecessary travel to Darfur should be avoided due to the current conflict and unstable security situation, and all travel to the Eritrean border should be avoided. Travel south of Juba is also not advisable. The crime rate is relatively low in Khartoum and other large northern cities, but banditry in Darfur is widespread.

Customs: Northern Sudan and Khartoum are predominantly Muslim, and local customs and sensitivities should be respected, particularly with regard to dress and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear loose fitting clothes that cover most of the body, although covering the head is unnecessary. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Sharia law applies to Northern Sudan, but not to the south. Travel anywhere outside of Khartoum requires a permit, as do any historical or archaeological sites, and visitors arriving in any town or city are required to register with the police. Photography permits are also required by anyone intending to take photographs while in the country; certain subjects are forbidden. Homosexuality is illegal. Visitors are advised to avoid political discussion.

Business: English is widely spoken in business, although a greeting in Arabic will be appreciated. Business cards should be printed in both English and Arabic. Punctuality is unimportant, and it is considered rude to be in a hurry. Sudanese prefer to do business with people they know and trust, so relationship building is essential. Businesswomen travelling to Sudan should let their contacts know in advance that they are female. Office hours are generally Saturday to Thursday 8am to 2.30pm.

Communications: The international dialling code for Sudan is +249. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City codes are in use e.g. (0)183 for Khartoum. GSM mobile coverage extends as far south as Malakal, and covers most cities and towns. Internet cafes are increasing in major cities, but can be hard to find outside of these areas.

Duty Free: Passengers over the age of 20 can bring 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, perfume for personal use, and a reasonable amount of gifts into the country without paying any costs. Alcohol is prohibited, as are goods from Israel or South Africa.