Sudan entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Sudan. Apply in advance at a Sudanese embassy or consulate — there's no visa on arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. Processing can take a week or more, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Apply for a visa before travel
You need a visa to enter Sudan. Apply through the Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.sd. Processing times vary — start at least 2 weeks before your trip.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Sudan. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers at Khartoum Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sudan. Officers may ask for it at the border.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself. There is no fixed minimum, but around $500 USD for a short trip is a safe benchmark.Recommended
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Sudan does not offer visa on arrival or an e-visa system for Ethiopian passport holders. You must apply in advance at a Sudanese embassy. Plan ahead — processing can take over a week.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at the Sudanese embassy
Visit the nearest Sudanese embassy or consulate in Addis Ababa or another country. Submit your passport, a completed application form, passport photos, and any supporting documents (like a hotel booking or invitation letter). Processing typically takes 5–10 working days.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in your hand luggage — you'll need them at immigration in Khartoum International Airport.
3
Go through immigration at Khartoum Airport
At the airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. After stamping, you're in — usually no further checks.
Download Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD)

Apply at Sudanese embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to activate new stay.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (200 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Sudanese company. Longer stay possible.

work visa
Sudan Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (300 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Sudanese company. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Sudan Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD (150 USD) plus university acceptance
For enrolled students at recognized Sudanese institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Sudan Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (500 USD) plus investment proof
For investors with significant business or investment in Sudan. Requires proof of investment and business registration. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival.~$100 USD (100 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.~$150 USD (150 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed, with a maximum cap of $500 USD.~$10 USD per day (10 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Sudan

Transit visa required

Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Sudan generally need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Sudan or a third country may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
  • Diplomatic passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsKhartoum International Airport (KRT)

Health & vaccines for Sudan

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Ethiopia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread in Sudan, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in fresh water (Nile River). Avoid contact with untreated water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present throughout Sudan, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Khartoum
Sudan Passport and Immigration Authority
Al-Mogran, Khartoum, Sudan
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Port Sudan
Port Sudan Immigration Office
Port Sudan, Red Sea State
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles extensions for travellers in eastern Sudan.

Practical information for ET travellers

Country basics
CapitalKhartoum
LanguageArabic, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySudanese pound (SDG)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 579.38 SDG
updated May 30
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,DTypes C (Europlug) and D (old British) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police999
Medical333
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa on arrival for Ethiopian citizens. You must get a visa from a Sudanese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, but it can vary. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The Sudanese Embassy in Addis Ababa is your main option. Check their website or call ahead for current application hours and requirements.
You'll typically need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a completed application form, two passport-sized photos, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Some embassies may also ask for a letter of invitation or a bank statement.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD equivalent. Check with the embassy for exact amounts.
Extensions are not available for Ethiopian passport holders under standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires.
It's not officially required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers emergencies.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.