smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Sudan
| Sudan overall | This Advice is current for Thursday, 09 September 2010. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (recent kidnappings involving foreigners and continuing possibility of instability and violence in the lead-up to the referendum on the South’s independence scheduled for 9 January 2011). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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We strongly advise you not to travel to Sudan due to the high threat of terrorist attack. Statements by international terrorist groups have called for a jihad in Sudan against Western interests, including the UN peacekeeping forces, and the Sudanese Government.
In January 2008, an American diplomat and his Sudanese driver were attacked and shot in their vehicle in Khartoum. Both men died.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as key transport installations including air, railways and sea ports, buildings associated with foreign governments and companies, oil installations, hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, marketplaces, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas. As security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards easier targets, such as residential compounds.
We strongly advise you not to travel to Sudan due to the extremely dangerous security situation, the risk of armed conflict, high level of violent crime and the high threat of kidnapping. We judge these risks increase outside of Khartoum.
Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you're comfortable travelling in Sudan knowing you could be caught up in armed conflict, widespread lawlessness, violent crime and civil unrest. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Sudan, you should exercise extreme caution. If you are in Sudan and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing if it is safe to do so.
Australians who decide to stay should ensure they have personal security measures in place and contingency plans to depart Sudan.
Foreigners in Sudan could be targeted in reaction to national and international events. You should keep a low profile, avoid demonstrations and monitor the media and other local sources of information about the safety and security environment and possible new risks and threats.
In addition to registering your travel and contact details with the Australian Government, you should also register your presence with the British Embassy in Khartoum and keep in regular contact with the embassy through its warden network.
The environment following Sudan’s national elections in April 2010 and in the lead-up to a referendum on the South’s independence scheduled for 9 January 2011 creates the potential for political instability and protests throughout Sudan. You should remain vigilant and avoid large crowds and protests as violence could occur with little warning. Protests and demonstrations could affect your ability to move. As a precautionary measure, you should ensure you have adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, cash and medications and that your documentation remains up-to-date.
You should avoid all rallies and demonstrations as they may turn violent. In the past, both participants and bystanders have been killed. Politically-motivated demonstrations, including anti-Western rallies, are common.
Curfews can be imposed with little or no warning. All curfews should be strictly observed.
Armed conflict, tribal clashes and violence involving rebel and militia groups occur in rural areas of Sudan, particularly in Southern Sudan. Bystanders may be caught up in violence directed at others.
Lawlessness, banditry, carjacking, kidnapping, abduction, murder, sexual assault and looting are a danger in many parts of the country. Westerners, including employees of aid organisations, journalists and other foreign workers, have been targeted and some killed, assaulted, kidnapped or injured. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnap Threat in Africa travel bulletin.
Darfur: Conflicts can escalate and the security situation can deteriorate quickly, regardless of the existence of peace agreements. Darfur remains dangerous despite the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement in May 2006.
Civilians, including foreign workers, are at risk from the prevailing lawlessness and could be caught up in the violence between the various factions.
Two UN workers were kidnapped near Nayala on 22 June 2010. Four UN workers were kidnapped in the same area on 11 April 2010. A number of foreign aid workers were kidnapped in Darfur in March, April and July 2009. Kidnappings are not restricted to rural areas. They have also occurred in and around the state capitals. A number of kidnapped foreigners have since been released. International organisations have withdrawn staff from this region.
There are regular reports of attacks, looting of premises and detention of humanitarian convoys.
Southern Sudan: While the signing of a peace agreement and the formation of a devolved Government of Southern Sudan in 2005 effectively brought an end to the civil war in the south, the situation remains volatile.
There have been violent clashes between tribal groups in Southern Sudan. This violence may escalate in the lead up to a referendum on the South’s independence scheduled for 9 January 2011.
Weapons are widespread among the population and conflict can escalate quickly.
Lawlessness remains a serious problem and curfews are occasionally imposed.
There are high levels of crime, particularly outside Khartoum where the situation is particularly dangerous. See the Civil Unrest/Political Tension section above.
Due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance outside of Sudan.
The land borders between Sudan and many neighbouring countries are effectively closed. The Wadi Halfa crossing by ferry through Lake Nasser between Egypt and Sudan is open, although this is subject to change without notice. Australians who decide to enter Sudan by this route should check with the local authorities on the rules and regulations governing this crossing.
Permits are required for all travel outside Khartoum and can be obtained locally. Travellers without permits to areas outside Khartoum have been arrested and detained. Travellers must register with the police authorities within 24 hours of arrival anywhere outside the capital.
Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained in Sudan and public transportation is limited and basic. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Landmines: Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a danger throughout Sudan outside of Khartoum. According to the United Nations, at least 11,000 kilometres of road are suspected to be mined or blocked by landmines. Australians are urged to only use main roads and paths labelled as cleared by a competent de-mining authority.
Piracy: Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Sudan. Somali pirates have been using motherships to attack shipping further than 600 nautical miles (1110km) from the coast of Somalia. All forms of shipping are attractive targets for Somali pirates, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (yachts etc) and luxury cruise liners. We strongly advise Australians to maintain a high level of vigilance and to exercise extreme caution when anywhere near these waters. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.
In August 2008, a Sun Air plane travelling from Nyala in South Darfur to Khartoum, was hijacked and flown to Libya. All 95 passengers were released without harm. A Sudan Airways passenger jet carrying more than 200 people burst into flames after landing at Khartoum airport in June 2008.
In January 2007, a Sudanese Air West passenger plane was hijacked en route from Khartoum to Al Fasher in Sudan's Darfur region. The incident highlighted a severe security lapse with the airline and at Khartoum's international airport.
For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin.
Flooding can occur in Sudan, particularly during the rainy season (July to November). During these times, fresh drinking water and food could be in short supply and transport and communication infrastructure may also be affected. The risk of contracting a water-borne disease (particularly cholera and other water-borne diseases) could persist after the water recedes.
Sudan often experiences extremely high temperatures. During the hottest months of the year, the temperature can exceed 50˚C.
Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, you should follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for up-to-date information.
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Credit cards are not accepted in Sudan. Hotel bills must be paid in cash or travellers' cheques (American Express cheques are not accepted). ATMs are not available.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Sudan, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
The Interim National Constitution of Sudan has in effect created separate legal systems in the north and the south. Islamic Sharia Law is a source of legislation in the 15 states of the north, including Khartoum.
Some conduct and activities not considered criminal in Australia are illegal in Sudan and attract severe penalties, including death sentences, long jail terms and corporal punishment.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Serious crime, such as murder, may attract the death penalty.
Some offences may attract corporal punishment.
Homosexual practices and extra-marital relations are illegal and subject to severe penalties.
It is illegal to import or consume alcohol, even in private. People convicted of consuming alcohol may be sentenced to corporal punishment (lashes).
In the north, there are penalties for preaching to non-Muslim groups.
Permits are required for any photography in Sudan. Photography of military areas, bridges, broadcast stations, public utilities, slum areas and beggars is strictly prohibited.
Penalties for drug offences are severe in Sudan.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Sudan, particularly for women. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims during Ramadan. See our Ramadan 2010 Travel Bulletin for further information.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sudan for the most up to date information.
Travellers are required to register with the Aliens' Registration Office, Ministry of the Interior, within three days of arrival in Khartoum.
Visas are required for Australians entering Sudan. Airport departure taxes apply.
Travellers with passports bearing an Israeli visa or Israel entry/exit stamps will not be allowed to enter Sudan.
Sudan is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.
If you have visited Sudan in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The medical facilities are basic in Khartoum and inadequate elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals generally require up-front payment before commencing treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with the appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable.
Malaria is a risk throughout the year in all parts of Sudan. Other insect-borne diseases (including yellow fever, dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, river blindness and African sleeping sickness) also occur. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, tuberculosis, polio, HIV/AIDS, meningococcal disease, viral hemorrhagic fevers, Rift Valley fever and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Sudan. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Sudan. You can obtain consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, which is accredited to Sudan:
Australian Embassy
11th floor, North Tower, World Trade Centre
1191 Corniche El Nil
Boulac, Cairo EGYPT
Telephone: (20 2) 2575 0444
Facsimile: (20 2) 2578 1638
Email: cairo.austremb@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.egypt.embassy.gov.au
Australians in southern Sudan may also contact:
Australian High Commission
Riverside Drive (400 metres off Chiromo Road)
Nairobi, KENYA
Telephone: (254 20) 444 5034
Facsimile: (254 20) 444 4718
Website: www.kenya.highcommission.gov.au
Our ability to provide consular services, including emergency assistance, is limited due to extreme difficulties accessing areas outside Khartoum.
If you are travelling to Sudan, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In addition to registering your travel and contact details with the Australian Government, you should also register your presence with the British Embassy in Khartoum and keep in regular contact with the embassy through its warden network.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the embassy or high commission, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
