If you’ve been considering Sudan for your next adventure, you’re probably wondering, “Is travel to Sudan safe?” Well, I’ll be straight with you — the situation there is far from ideal right now. In fact, most government travel advisories around the world strongly warn against visiting Sudan due to its volatile conditions. As much as I love the idea of traveling to lesser-known destinations, Sudan is a place you should skip for now.

But hey, if you’re here to get the full rundown, I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll break down why Sudan isn’t the safest travel destination right now and what you absolutely need to know before even thinking about stepping foot there.

What’s the Current Situation in Sudan? Should You Be Worried?

First off, let’s talk about what’s happening in Sudan right now. The country is in the middle of an ongoing armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). To put it simply: it’s a mess. There’s fighting happening all over the place, including in the capital, Khartoum, and the regions of Darfur and Kordofan.

So, should you be worried? Absolutely. Airstrikes, artillery bombardment, and street fighting pose a direct threat to anyone on the ground.

Not to mention, the safety infrastructure, like hospitals and emergency services, has been severely impacted, leaving little to no way for travelers to get help if needed. When you think of Sudan right now, think high levels of unpredictability and constant danger.

What Are the Risks of Traveling to Sudan Right Now?

Here’s the hard truth — there are several reasons why traveling to Sudan is incredibly dangerous at the moment. While it might sound like a place rich with culture and history, the current environment makes it impossible to enjoy those elements safely.

Armed Conflict and Civil Unrest

As mentioned, Sudan is experiencing armed conflict that’s spread across large areas. Khartoum, the capital, is not immune, and much of the fighting involves airstrikes, ground attacks, and artillery.

These aren’t just isolated incidents — they’re widespread and ongoing. If you’re caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could easily be in harm’s way.

High Crime Rates and Kidnapping Threats

In addition to the active conflict, Sudan also has a dangerously high crime rate, especially when it comes to targeting foreigners. Armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnapping are real concerns for anyone traveling in the area.

Foreigners are often targeted, and the chances of getting caught up in a dangerous situation are just too high to ignore.

Breakdown of Infrastructure

And, let’s talk about infrastructure. Basic services like electricity, water, telecommunications (internet and cell service), and banking have all been heavily disrupted in many parts of Sudan. Over half of the health facilities are out of service, and emergency medical care is either non-existent or extremely limited.

If you’re looking for a country where you can count on the usual travel amenities like decent healthcare, communication, or smooth transportation — Sudan is not the place for you.

Is It Safe to Travel Overland in Sudan?

If you’re still thinking about how you can travel overland through Sudan, I’ve got to be honest — it’s one of the riskiest things you could do right now. Overland travel through Sudan is extremely dangerous for several reasons, and most governments advise against it.

First, the roads are poorly maintained, and many routes have landmines or unexploded ordnance (UXO) scattered around. To make matters worse, there are numerous illegitimate checkpoints where you might be stopped by armed groups. This is a situation you absolutely want to avoid.

How Can You Safely Travel Overland?

If you absolutely must travel overland in Sudan, there are a few tips I can share, but let me make this clear: there is no truly safe way to do it.

• Hire Trusted Drivers: Only use reputable providers who know the area and its current security landscape. Trust me, avoid public transport at all costs.
• Stick to Main Routes: Certain highways, like Khartoum-Kassala-Port Sudan, are better maintained, but still subject to attack.
• Only Travel by Day: Night travel is a huge risk due to poor visibility, and your chances of getting into an accident or worse increase drastically after dark.
• Use the Right Vehicle: A four-wheel-drive vehicle is pretty much a must if you’re planning to get anywhere outside of major towns.

But again, the safest option? Don’t do it. Stay away from Sudan unless absolutely necessary.

How Can You Protect Yourself While in Sudan?

Okay, so let’s assume you’ve got no choice but to be in Sudan — here’s how you can protect yourself. Honestly, even though Sudan is dangerous right now, there are a few precautions you can take to minimize risk.

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep a low profile. Stay vigilant and avoid any large crowds, protests, or demonstrations. Things can escalate quickly in these situations.
2. Always Have Backup Plans: Keep multiple copies of your important documents like your passport and ID, and make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to return.
3. Plan Your Exit Strategy: If the situation worsens, be ready to leave immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late to figure out how to get out of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Sudan safe to visit for tourism in 2025?

Sadly, no. The ongoing conflict and high crime rates make Sudan extremely dangerous for tourists. Even though the country has much to offer in terms of history and culture, safety is a major concern right now.

2. How can I leave Sudan if I’m already there?

If you’re in Sudan, you should leave as soon as it’s safe to do so. The best option is to get out through Port Sudan, which has limited commercial flight options, but they can be abruptly closed or attacked. Be prepared for a potentially complicated and expensive evacuation process.

3. Can I still travel overland in Sudan?

Overland travel is highly dangerous. There are constant risks, such as roadblocks, armed groups, landmines, and poor road conditions. If travel is unavoidable, consider hiring a trusted local driver, sticking to main routes, and traveling only during daylight hours.

Wrapping It Up: My Two Cents on Sudan

Listen, I know some places in the world call to you with the promise of adventure, mystery, and history. But Sudan right now is a no-go zone, and even if you’re a seasoned traveler, this one’s just not worth the risk.

If you’ve got any sense of adventure left, try looking into destinations that are less volatile. Trust me — there are plenty of places with rich culture, history, and natural beauty that are much safer than Sudan right now. Stay safe out there!