Sudan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Sudan's customs service is cash-strapped and enforcement is unpredictable, so the real risk is not the published allowance but the on-the-spot valuation of your electronics and the demand for import duty in Sudanese pounds. If you are carrying more than a few thousand US dollars in cash, declare it on arrival — undeclared currency is routinely seized and penalties are harsh. These rules apply to non-resident adult travellers arriving at Khartoum International Airport or any land border crossing in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits or wine. Sudan is an Islamic republic — alcohol is banned for Sudanese nationals and import is strictly limited for non-Muslim foreigners. Must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount of foreign currency or Sudanese pounds exceeding the equivalent of 10,000 USD (approximately 6,000,000 SDG at the official rate) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (Form C1) upon arrival. There is no duty on declared cash, but undeclared amounts are subject to confiscation and fines.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal effects and gifts up to 800 USD (approximately 480,000 SDG) are duty-free. Above that, a flat 40% customs duty applies to the excess value, plus 15% VAT. Electronics are often valued at local market prices, which can be higher than what you paid.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including khat, cannabis, cocaine, heroin)
Alcohol (for Sudanese nationals; non-Muslim foreigners may bring the limited allowance)
Pork and pork products
Live animals and birds without a veterinary permit
Counterfeit goods and currency
Satellite phones and encrypted communication devices without prior approval

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (requires special permit from the Ministry of Interior)
Drone cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles (requires permit from the Civil Aviation Authority)
Religious materials that may be considered offensive to Islam
Medicines containing controlled substances (requires prescription and prior approval)
Currency above 10,000 USD equivalent (must be declared)

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Khartoum International Airport you fill out a Customs Declaration Form before reaching the baggage hall. After collecting your bags, choose the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are under all limits; choose the red channel if you are over any allowance or carrying restricted items. Random bag scans are common, and officers may ask you to open luggage even in the green channel.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a doctor's prescription. Sudan bans many common Western drugs, including codeine, tramadol, and any narcotic or psychotropic substance not approved by the Sudanese National Medicines and Poisons Board. Quantities are limited to a 30-day personal supply; anything more requires prior written approval from the Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

All meat, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, and soil are prohibited from import without a phytosanitary certificate. Processed foods in sealed packaging are generally allowed for personal use but must be declared. Any agricultural product may be confiscated and destroyed on arrival.

Rules worth knowing

Electronics are heavily scrutinised

Laptops, cameras, and mobile phones are checked against the duty-free allowance. If you are carrying more than one of each, expect to pay 40% duty on the excess value, which customs officers assess using local retail prices — often higher than what you paid abroad.

Alcohol is effectively banned for Sudanese

Sudanese nationals are not allowed to import any alcohol. Non-Muslim foreigners may bring the 1-litre allowance, but it must be declared and is subject to confiscation if the officer suspects it will be resold.

Currency controls are strict

Sudan has a chronic foreign-currency shortage. You must declare all foreign cash over 10,000 USD equivalent. Changing money on the black market is illegal and can lead to arrest. Use only licensed banks or exchange bureaux.

Gifts for family are not duty-free

The 800 USD allowance covers personal effects only. Gifts are subject to duty from the first Sudanese pound. If you are carrying multiple identical items (e.g., five phones), customs will treat them as commercial goods and apply higher penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only a 30-day personal supply with a valid prescription. Codeine, tramadol, and all narcotic or psychotropic drugs are banned unless you have prior written approval from Sudan's National Medicines and Poisons Board. Without it, your medication will be confiscated and you may be detained.

Up to the equivalent of 10,000 USD in any currency. Anything above that must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Undeclared excess cash is seized and you can face a fine of up to 50% of the amount.

Yes, there is a small duty-free shop in the arrivals hall, but it is often closed or poorly stocked. Do not rely on it for alcohol or tobacco — bring your allowance with you if needed.

The excess is confiscated and you may be fined. For Sudanese nationals, any alcohol is prohibited and can lead to prosecution. Non-Muslim foreigners are usually allowed the 1-litre limit but must declare it.

No, not without a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority. Drones are considered security-sensitive and are routinely confiscated at customs. Applying for a permit in advance is a lengthy process and rarely granted for tourist use.

If they are for personal use and you are carrying only one of each, no. But if you have multiple devices or high-value professional equipment, declare them. Customs may ask for proof that you will take them back out, or charge duty.

Sealed, processed foods like chocolate, biscuits, and tea are generally allowed for personal use. All fresh meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, and seeds are banned. Any food must be declared, and customs may confiscate items even if they are sealed.

Official source

Sudan Customs Authority