Sudan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Sudan's duty-free allowance for non-resident adults in 2026 is personal effects up to SDG 3,000 (approx. USD 5) — negligible. The critical rule: cash over USD 10,000 must be declared, and alcohol is strictly prohibited for import by non-Muslims without a permit; for Muslims, it is banned entirely.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
Alcohol import is prohibited for Muslim travellers. Non-Muslims may import up to 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer only with a special permit from the Sudanese Ministry of Interior; otherwise, it is confiscated. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount exceeding USD 10,000 or equivalent in any currency must be declared on the customs arrival form. Failure to declare risks confiscation and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$5
Duty-free allowance for personal goods is SDG 3,000 (approx. USD 5). Items above this value are subject to duty at rates up to 40%.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including khat)
  • Alcoholic beverages (for Muslim travellers; non-Muslims require a permit)
  • Pork and pork products
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with police permit)
  • Pornographic materials
  • Goods originating from Israel or bearing Israeli labels

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines: prescription drugs require a doctor's prescription and a permit from the Federal Ministry of Health
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products: require phytosanitary certificate and permit
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters: require prior approval from the National Telecommunications Corporation
  • Drones: require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority
  • Cultural artifacts and antiquities: require an export permit from the Sudanese Antiquities Authority

Rules worth knowing

Currency Import Limits

Import of Sudanese pounds (SDG) is limited to SDG 3,000 per person. Foreign currency must be declared if over USD 10,000; amounts above this can be taken out only if declared on entry.

Strict Prohibition on Alcohol and Pork

Sudan applies Islamic law. Alcohol and pork are banned for Muslims. Non-Muslims may import limited quantities only with a permit from the Ministry of Interior; otherwise, items are seized and fines imposed.

No Duty-Free Shop Allowance

Sudan has no duty-free shops at ports of entry. All goods are subject to customs inspection and duty if exceeding the minimal personal allowance.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only with a permit from the Ministry of Interior. Without it, alcohol is confiscated. The allowance is 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer. Muslims are prohibited from importing alcohol.
You can bring up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent) without declaring. Any amount above that must be declared on the customs form. Sudanese pounds are limited to SDG 3,000.
Personal goods up to SDG 3,000 (about USD 5) are duty-free. Anything above that is subject to customs duty, typically 20-40% of the value.
Yes. Prescription medicines require a doctor's prescription and a permit from the Federal Ministry of Health. Over-the-counter medicines for personal use are generally allowed in small quantities.
Satellite phones require prior approval from the National Telecommunications Corporation. Drones need a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority. Without permits, they will be confiscated.
Undeclared cash over USD 10,000 can be confiscated, and you may face fines or legal action. Always declare on the arrival form.