Sudan 旅行ガイド
旅行に欠かせない情報 — 緊急連絡先、安全、通貨、ビザ、習慣、交通手段。
Sudan is engulfed in a large-scale armed conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), causing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Active fighting, shelling and airstrikes, widespread armed crime (kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, sexual violence), landmines and unexploded ordnance, collapsing health services, food and water shortages, and disease outbreaks affect much of the country, including the capital region. Most Western governments advise against ALL travel and have suspended embassy operations and consular assistance; evacuation capability is extremely limited. This is not a tourist destination at present.
Sudanese pound (SDG)
Types C and D, 230V, 50Hz
Tipping ('baksheesh') is customary for small services. Rounding up taxi fares and leaving roughly 10% in restaurants that don't add a service charge is appreciated; small tips to porters, guides and helpers are expected. The economy is overwhelmingly cash-based.
Main mobile operators are Zain, MTN and Sudani. SIM cards require your passport to register and are sold in city shops, but mobile and internet networks have been badly damaged and frequently cut during the conflict, so coverage is unreliable. Carry a backup means of communication and do not rely on data connectivity.
Nearly all visitors need a visa obtained in advance from a Sudanese embassy or consulate; visas on arrival are not reliably available. A Letter of Invitation or sponsor is often required, and passports showing an Israeli stamp may be refused entry. All foreigners have historically been required to register with the authorities (the Aliens Registration) within three days of arrival and to obtain travel/photography permits for areas outside the capital. NOTE: because of the ongoing armed conflict, normal consular and visa services are severely disrupted and most governments advise against all travel — check current status before making any plans.
Right
Cities rely on shared minibuses, 'amjad' minivans, boxy public buses, and three-wheeled tuk-tuk rickshaws for short hops; these are cheap and cash-only but crowded and have no fixed schedules. There is no metro or formal urban rail. Conflict has badly degraded urban transport in affected areas.
Tirhal, Lemon (where operational)
Intercity travel is dangerous and heavily disrupted by the conflict, with frequent military checkpoints, road closures and front lines. In normal times, long-distance 'luxury' coaches link major towns and a limited rail line runs from Khartoum toward Atbara and Wadi Halfa, while domestic flights serve cities such as Port Sudan; under current conditions air, road and rail routes are unreliable, frequently suspended, and movement between regions can be blocked entirely.
- • Greetings are warm, lengthy and essential. Begin with the Islamic greeting 'As-salaamu alaikum' and shake hands; close male friends may also touch shoulders or lightly tap the right shoulder. Never rush straight to business — ask after a person's health, family and well-being first.
- • Use the right hand for eating, giving and receiving anything, and for shaking hands. The left hand is considered unclean. Eating communal dishes is done with the right hand from a shared platter.
- • Hospitality is a point of deep pride. Expect to be offered tea, coffee (jabana) or food repeatedly; declining outright can cause offence, so accept at least a token amount. A guest is treated almost as sacred.
- • Sudan is a conservative Muslim society. Public displays of affection between couples are frowned upon, and unrelated men and women often socialise separately — at gatherings men and women may be seated in different areas.
- • Never point the soles of your feet or shoes at someone, and avoid pointing or beckoning with a single crooked finger; instead extend the hand palm-down and draw it toward you. Stepping over or on someone is rude.
- • Always ask permission before photographing people, and never photograph military sites, bridges, government buildings, airports or anything that could be deemed strategic — doing so can lead to arrest.
Dress modestly and conservatively. Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless shirts; many local men wear the white jellabiya robe and turban. Women should cover shoulders, arms and legs, wear loose-fitting clothing, and carry a scarf to cover the hair, especially near mosques or in rural and northern areas. Beachwear and tight or revealing clothing are unacceptable in public anywhere.
Sudan is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim and applies Islamic (sharia) norms. During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. Dress modestly near mosques; non-Muslims are generally not permitted to enter prayer halls. Friday is the main day of prayer and the start of the weekend. Respect the five daily prayer times, never interrupt someone praying, and avoid any disrespect toward the Quran or Islam. Alcohol is forbidden for Muslims and broader anti-alcohol laws apply.
Football (soccer) — Football is by far the most popular sport, with a passionate following for the two great Omdurman rival clubs, Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, whose derby is one of Africa's fiercest. The Sudan national team, the 'Falcons of Jediane', commands strong loyalty. Camel and horse racing are traditional pursuits in rural areas, and wrestling (especially Nuba wrestling) is a celebrated cultural sport. Conflict has suspended most organised competition.
1 January
Independence Day
Marks Sudan's independence from joint British-Egyptian rule in 1956, normally celebrated with parades, flag ceremonies and national pride.
Varies (end of Ramadan; around late March 2026)
Eid al-Fitr
The 'Festival of Breaking the Fast' ending Ramadan — a major holiday of communal prayers, family feasts, new clothes, sweets and visiting relatives. Dates shift yearly with the Islamic lunar calendar.
Varies (10th of Dhul Hijjah; around late May/early June 2026)
Eid al-Adha
The 'Festival of Sacrifice' commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, marked by the ritual slaughter of livestock, charity to the poor, prayers and large family gatherings.
12 Rabi al-Awwal (varies; around September 2026)
Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday)
Celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad with Sufi processions, recitations, lights and sweets; especially vibrant in Omdurman, a center of Sudanese Sufism.