Sudan entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Sudan. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for tourism. Plan ahead as the process takes at least a couple of weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply 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. The visa is typically a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your South African passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Sudan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Khartoum Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Sudan help at immigration. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying — have the address and contact number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — bank statements or a credit card with a decent limit. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself, especially for longer visits. | Recommended |
Security situation
Sudan is currently experiencing armed conflict and civil unrest. Many governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, have a robust safety plan, register with your embassy, and monitor local news closely.
Visa processing time
Start your visa application at least 4 weeks before departure. The embassy in Pretoria can be slow, and you don't want to be stuck waiting.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Contact the Sudanese Embassy in Pretoria or use a visa service. Submit your passport, application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, flight tickets, hotel booking, and insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Khartoum International Airport
After landing, go to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker (or approval letter if visa on arrival is later introduced). Have your return ticket and hotel address ready. The officer may ask a few questions — answer clearly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped in, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. No special declarations needed for personal items.
Download Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
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)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
For travellers needing multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$120 USD (120 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sudanese company.
work visa
Sudan Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (200 USD)
For foreign nationals employed by a Sudanese company. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Sudan Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (100 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized Sudanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Sudan Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (500 USD)
For investors with significant business interests in Sudan. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Sudanese embassy or on arrival. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for up to 6 months. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply; maximum cap may vary. Check with immigration. | ~$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
South African passport holders generally require a transit visa to change planes in Sudan, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsKhartoum International Airport (KRT)
Health & vaccines for Sudan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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 Qasr Avenue, Khartoum
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Port Sudan
Port Sudan Immigration Office
Port Sudan City Center
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the Red Sea region.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 543.85 SDG
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
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for South African passport holders. You must get a visa before you travel, either from the Sudanese embassy in Pretoria or through a visa agency.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your trip to be safe. The embassy in Pretoria handles applications for South Africans.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months beyond your entry date, at least 1 blank page, a completed application form, 2 passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and sometimes a letter of invitation. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
Fees vary and change. Expect to pay around ZAR 1,000–2,000 (roughly USD 55–110) for a single-entry tourist visa. Confirm the current fee with the embassy.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate. South Africa is not a yellow fever country, but if you've recently travelled to one, carry the certificate. It's also recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Sudan has ongoing conflict and security risks. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Many countries advise against all travel. If you do go, have a solid plan and register with your embassy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.