All nationals need a visa to enter Sudan and this is a time-consuming process with no certain results. All applications are referred to Khartoum, and the entire process can take up to two months. Further, the visa is expensive – around US$85 for one month’s entry. Apart from passport-size photographs, applicants will probably need to furnish proof of Travelers’ cheques worth US$300 for every two weeks’ stay, plus an onward air ticket. It is also a good idea to get proof of yellow fever and cholera vaccination, even if you are not arriving from an infected area. Visa extensions can be obtained from the Aliens Office in the Ministry of Interior in Khartoum. Please note that Israeli nationals may not enter Sudan.

Within four days of arrival in Khartoum or any provincial town, foreigners also need to register with the ‘Aliens Registration Office’ – you will need a passport-size photo and a few dollars. This is also the place to collect travel permits required to visit almost any city/town outside Khartoum. You need four passport-sized photographs for each destination, so carry many.