Sudan entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 option for South African citizens. Plan ahead and apply at the Sudanese embassy or consulate in South Africa.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for SudanYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online; you need to go through the embassy process. Apply at an embassy/consulate | South African passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Sudan. Sudan does not offer an eVisa for South African citizens, so you must apply in person or through a representative at a Sudanese embassy or consulate. Submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sudan. Check your passport's expiry date before booking anything. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank page (not counting amendment pages) for the entry stamp. Ensure no visas or marks occupy the page where the Sudanese immigration officer will stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration wants to see that you plan to leave Sudan. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket out of Sudan. This is often checked at check-in and by immigration on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Sudan. This could be recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash in a major currency (USD, EUR). The exact amount is not fixed but should match your length of stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | Sudan does not require an arrival declaration form for South African passport holders. No online or paper declaration is needed before landing. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationOnly embassy visas are accepted for your nationality. Not available for South African citizens | Sudan's eVisa system is not available to South African passport holders. Do not attempt to apply online; you must use the embassy/consulate route. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — apply in advance
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Sudan. You must secure a visa from a Sudanese embassy or consulate before you fly. Arriving without one means you'll be refused entry and sent back.
Check the latest security situation
Sudan has experienced political instability and conflict. Before booking anything, read your government's travel advisory and consider whether the trip is essential. If you go, have a contingency plan.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Sudanese embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Sudanese diplomatic mission in South Africa (e.g., in Pretoria). Call or email to confirm current visa requirements, fees, and whether you need to apply in person or can submit by mail.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, photos, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application and documents to the embassy or consulate. Pay the fee and get a receipt. Some missions may require an interview — be prepared to answer questions about your trip.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take several days to a few weeks. Ask for a timeline when you apply. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before leaving the embassy.
6
Arrive in Sudan
At Khartoum International Airport (or other entry points), present your passport with the visa, yellow fever certificate, and any other documents to immigration. Have your accommodation details ready if asked.
Download Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Sudanese company and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$200 (approx.)
For frequent travelers; requires justification and embassy approval.
Residence permit (work/study)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$300 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution; processed in Sudan.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (single entry)Payable at Sudanese embassy/consulate; fees vary by nationality and visa type. | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa processing fee (if using a visa service)Optional; varies by agency. | $50–$150 |
| Visa extension fee (per month)Must be arranged at the Passport and Immigration Office in Khartoum before visa expiry. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)May be charged at airport; confirm at time of departure. | $20 (approx.) |
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 transiting through Sudan require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Sudanese embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty may be exempt with airline documentation.
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 = 511.6 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. South African passport holders are not eligible for a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Sudanese embassy or consulate before travelling.
Processing times vary. Typically it takes 5–10 working days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy and the time of year. Always apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Fees vary by visa type and the embassy's current schedule. Contact the Sudanese embassy in Pretoria for the exact fee. Expect to pay in the local currency or as directed by the mission.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. South Africa is not a yellow fever risk country, but if you transit through or have recently visited a risk country, you'll need the certificate. Even if not required, it's recommended to have it.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
The maximum stay is typically 30 days, but it depends on the visa type granted. Check the visa sticker for the exact validity and duration of stay.
Check your government's travel advisory for Sudan. The security situation can be volatile. If you do travel, register with your embassy and have a solid plan.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.