Sudan: Travel Alerts, Health, and Medical Insurance
Sudan has experienced active armed conflict since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with fighting that in 2026 remains concentrated in regions such as Kordofan and Darfur, and which has caused massive population displacement and documented famine conditions in several parts of the country. Most foreign ministries advise against all travel to Sudan, and numerous foreign embassies have suspended operations or relocated their staff outside the country. Before considering any trip, the most reliable source is the current official recommendation from your own government, not a generic internet article.
For those who must travel for humanitarian reasons, it is key to understand that standard travel insurance policies, including those from Assist-365, typically exclude damages resulting from acts of war or active armed conflict, so actual coverage must be confirmed case by case directly with the insurer. The currency is the Sudanese pound (SDG).
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Sudan has experienced active armed conflict since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces; numerous foreign ministries advise against all travel to the country and several embassies have suspended operations.
Health & travel insurance: The health system operates under severe strain due to the conflict; standard travel policies, including Assist-365, usually exclude active armed conflict zones, so exact coverage must be confirmed when quoting.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Practical entry conditions, operating border crossings, and the availability of commercial flights change constantly depending on the security situation. Any non-essential travel should be postponed until the current official alert from your home country allows it.
- Check your foreign ministry's current travel alert before any planning.
- Verify which border crossings and airports are operational, as availability changes as the conflict develops.
- If travel is essential, coordinate with specialized humanitarian or diplomatic organizations.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
The Sudanese health system operates under extreme strain due to the conflict, with hospitals damaged or closed in several regions and resources prioritized based on the situation in each area. For anyone who must travel, having an emergency and communication plan is as important as medical coverage.
As with any insurer in the market, Assist-365's standard policies exclude damages resulting from acts of war or active armed conflict; that is why, for a trip to Sudan, it is essential to confirm directly with the insurer exactly what coverage applies before purchasing, using the code MEDALLOADV2023 for a discount when quoting the plan.
Transportation and Currency
The currency is the Sudanese pound (SDG). Domestic transportation is severely affected by the conflict, with routes and schedules constantly changing depending on the security situation in each region.
When to Travel
Given the current situation, the general recommendation from most governments is to avoid all non-essential travel to Sudan. Any decision to travel should be based on the current official alert from your home country, not on seasonal or tourism considerations.
Travel checklist for Sudan
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Sudan.
- Check the visa requirement for Sudan based on your passport: Sudan has experienced active armed conflict since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces; numerous foreign ministries advise against all travel to the country and several embassies have suspended operations.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: The health system operates under severe strain due to the conflict; standard travel policies, including Assist-365, usually exclude active armed conflict zones, so exact coverage must be confirmed when quoting.
- Save Sudan's emergency number: There is no reliable emergency number due to service disruption caused by the conflict., along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Sudanese pound (SDG)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Sudan right now?
Most foreign ministries advise against all non-essential travel due to the active armed conflict since 2023; always check the current official alert from your home country before deciding.
What is the emergency number in Sudan?
There is no reliable number due to disruption of emergency services caused by the conflict.
Does travel insurance cover conflict-related emergencies in Sudan?
Standard policies, including those from Assist-365, usually exclude damages resulting from acts of war; you must confirm directly with the insurer exactly what coverage applies before traveling.
What currency should I use in Sudan?
The Sudanese pound (SDG); access to international banking networks is very limited in the current context.
