Sudan customs rules & duty-free allowances
Sudan enforces a strict Islamic customs regime. The biggest risk for travellers is the absolute ban on alcohol and pork, with severe penalties including confiscation, fines, or deportation. Cash declarations are mandatory above USD 10,000, and import of Sudanese pounds is capped at SDG 5,000. All arrivals must complete a Customs Declaration Form.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Alcoholic beverages and all alcohol-containing products
- Pork and pork products
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and some prescription drugs like codeine)
- Pornography and obscene materials
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without a permit from the Ministry of Interior)
- Goods originating from Israel or bearing Israeli labels
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
- Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate)
- Drones and satellite phones (require a permit from the Sudanese Telecommunications Authority)
- Religious materials (may be inspected; large quantities require approval)
- Currency: import of Sudanese pounds limited to SDG 5,000; foreign currency over USD 10,000 must be declared
Arriving: red vs green channel
Upon arrival, all passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF). Proceed to the Red channel if you have goods to declare (including cash over USD 10,000 or restricted items). Use the Green channel if you have nothing to declare. Random inspections are common.
Bringing medication
Personal medications are allowed in quantities for up to 3 months. Carry a doctor's prescription (in English or Arabic). Narcotics, psychotropics, and codeine-based painkillers are strictly prohibited without prior approval from the Sudanese Ministry of Health.
Food, plants & animal products
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and plant products are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Dried and packaged foods for personal use may be allowed in small quantities (e.g., up to 2 kg). Declare all food items.
Rules worth knowing
Sudanese Pound Import Limit
You may not bring more than SDG 5,000 (approx. USD 830) into Sudan. Any excess will be confiscated. Export of Sudanese pounds is also restricted to SDG 5,000.
Strict Currency Declaration
All cash and monetary instruments (including traveler's cheques, money orders) exceeding USD 10,000 must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.
Religious and Cultural Sensitivity
Materials deemed offensive to Islam or Sudanese culture (e.g., certain books, films, or clothing) may be confiscated. It is advisable to avoid bringing any religious proselytizing materials.