Sudan travel advice

Latest Sudan travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:

"We are aware of reports of a potential threat to aviation security on the route between Juba, Sudan and Kampala, Uganda. We urge all travellers to remain vigilant at all times and to report anything suspicious to the authorities."

"We advise against all travel to the following parts of Sudan: the Red Sea State border with Eritrea, within 40km inside of Southern Sudan’s borders, and all of Darfur."

"We advise against all but essential travel to the following parts of Sudan: the Abyei region, El Geneina, Nyala and El Fasher in Darfur, all parts of southern Sudan (including Juba), areas west of the towns of an-Nahud and al-Fula in North Kordofan up to the Darfur border.

"There have been anti-government demonstrations in and near Khartoum and other major cities across Sudan in December 2009. Some have turned violent; further demonstrations may take place.

"The security situation in Darfur remains unstable. Banditry is widespread. There have been several incidents involving NGO and UN staff and some African Union peace monitoring troops have been killed. There have been a number of kidnappings between March and November involving NGO workers and peace-keepers in Darfur. You should exercise a high level of vigilance and extreme caution at all times.

"The International Criminal Court announced on 4 March 2009 its decision to issue an arrest warrant for President Bashir for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. There have been a number of rallies and demonstrations around Khartoum and other towns since the announcement.

"The Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in January 2005 brought to an end the north-south civil war. However, some areas remain tense. You should remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations or similar large gatherings in public places.

"Southern Sudan remains volatile with regular outbreaks of violence and lawlessness. Since the beginning of 2009 there have been major incidents involving loss of life, including Malakal / Upper Nile State and Jonglei. Hundreds of people were killed in fighting in Jonglei State in August 2009 and tensions remain high.

"There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel