Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 12 November 2008
Still current at:
10 February 2010
There is extreme risk to your security in Sudan due to military activity, high levels of violent crime (including kidnapping) and terrorist activity. We advise against all travel there.
The security situation in Sudan is highly unstable. There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Sudan. Statements by terrorist groups have called for a “jihad” and have specifically mentioned western targets.
There have been a number of anti-western and anti-UN demonstrations in Khartoum and other cities in Sudan in 2008. New Zealanders who decide to remain in Sudan are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, keep a low profile, and avoid large gatherings.
There is a risk from landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural areas throughout Sudan.
There is a high risk of armed conflict affecting Khartoum and nearby areas. In May 2008, rebel forces attacked Omdurman, a city close to Khartoum. The threat of terrorist activity is high in Khartoum, including in places frequented by westerners. In January 2008, a US diplomat and driver were shot and killed in the al-Riadh area of Khartoum. Extreme caution is required if travelling around the city. A number of anti-Western and anti-UN demonstrations have taken place in Khartoum and other cities in Sudan in 2008. On 14 July 2008, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) made an application to the ICC for an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Bashir on charges of crimes against humanity and genocide. There were a number of demonstrations in Khartoum following this announcement which passed without incident. Demonstrations can turn violent, and in the past participants and bystanders have been killed. We advise New Zealanders to avoid large gatherings.
Despite the Darfur Peace Agreement being signed in May 2006, there is still widespread unrest and violence, as well as a high number of displaced persons. Civilians continue to be targeted and attacked, and there have been several incidents where NGO and UN staff and African Union peace keeping personnel have been killed. The border between Chad and Sudan is closed, and there is a high risk of violent crime in this area. In September 2008, the Sudanese government engaged in heavy military battles with rebel groups in North Darfur. High numbers of civilians were displaced.
There have been tensions in the past in the border area with Eritrea. The situation is currently calm but could deteriorate rapidly.
Rebel attacks have spread outside Darfur in the past and this risk remains. In September 2008 several tourists were kidnapped on the Egypt/Sudan border. They have since been released, but the risk of kidnapping remains.
The armed rebel group The Lord’s Resistance Army is active in southern Sudan in the West, Central and East Equatoria States and attacks against civilians still occur.
There is widespread violent crime throughout all of Southern Sudan, including kidnapping.
Due to heavy fighting in the Abyei region in South Kordofan in May 2008, the UN and other international organisations evacuated their civilian staff from the area. Tensions remain high.
The oil and gas industry is a target for violent crime and terrorist activity. There have been three instances of oil workers being kidnapped since October 2007, most recently in October 2008.
Piracy is an ongoing problem in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. See the weekly piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau for current information.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Sudan should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air, and are urged to register online with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Africa
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
(External links open in new window)
Britain - United States - Canada - Australia
