Business Customs
Business is Sudan follow contemporary Western customs. Business etiquette, dress, business cards, and gift giving are generally accepted international business standards. Sudan is a moderate, but religiously conservative Muslim majority country. Both male and female visitors are advised to dress professionally and modestly for business meetings and for going out in public.
Travel Advisory
Please visit the following link for information on State Department travel advisories to Sudan:
The Government of Sudan requires U.S. citizens to present a passport and an entry visa or entry permit upon arrival at any port of entry. Most U.S. citizen travelers must obtain an entry visa from a Sudanese embassy before arriving in Sudan – they are NOT available at the airport. There are two exceptions to this requirement: U.S. citizens possessing a Sudanese national identification document (such as a Sudanese passport or national identification card), and travelers with a sponsor (a business or organization) that has obtained an entry permit for them in advance from the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, may apply for an entry visa at Khartoum International Airport. .
Visa Requirements
U.S. business travelers to Sudan may apply for a visa at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, DC. Visa applicants should fill out the application form for a business visa, include a letter from their sponsoring company stating the purpose of their trip, duration of stay, financial responsibility, and any references in Sudan. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are not required but recommended. The normal processing time for a business visa is four to six weeks. For more information, visit: https://sudanembassy.org/entry-visa/.
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should go to the following link(s): State Department Visa Website.
Additional information on obtaining a Sudanese visa can be found here:
https://www.sudanembassy.org/service/entry-visa/
State Department Travel Advisory
The State Department has issued a travel advisory for Sudan, last updated on April 19, 2022, which advises against travel to Sudan due to civil unrest.
U.S. visitors to Sudan should also review the State Department consular information sheet for Sudan at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Sudan.html
Currency
The Sudanese Pound (SDG) is the official currency. Sudanese businesses are developing an electronic debit payment system, drawing upon cash deposits in local Sudanese banks. Most transactions are on a cash basis. Internationally issued credit cards are generally not accepted, although some large hotels are beginning to accept them. Travelers are advised to carry sufficient funds in U.S. dollars to cover all expenses for the duration of their stay. Bills must be printed after 2006 and be unblemished.
Sudan has no international ATMs. Local ATMs draw on local banks only. Western Union operates in Sudan, but in Khartoum only. Travelers are advised to only exchange currency at reputable banks; exchanging currency outside of official banking channels is illegal and is punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Telecommunications/Electronics
Sudan has cell service coverage serviced by two major providers, Zain and MTN. Any unlocked cell phone can be used in Sudan, but one must purchase a sim card from a local service provider. U.S. cell phone service does not reliably work in Sudan. Business traveler hotels have WiFi, but access to some websites are blocked. Sudan utilizes 220-volt, U.K plugs for electrical service.
Transportation
Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenyan Airways, Saudia Airlines, Turkish Airways, and several Emirati carriers (Etihad, Emirates, Fly Dubai, and Air Arabia) are among the major carriers that serve Khartoum. No American carrier currently flies directly to Sudan, but Khartoum can be connected through airports in Dubai, Istanbul, Doha, Addis Abba, and Cairo. Two private domestic airlines, Badr and Tarco, reliably service Khartoum, Port Sudan, and other sizable Sudanese cities.
Language
Arabic and English are the official working languages of the national government of Sudan, although Arabic is more broadly spoken among the population.
Health
Sudan’s water treatment and sanitation systems need significant investment. Caution should be taken when drinking local water and eating local produce.
Several diseases are prevalent in Sudan. A World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever/cholera vaccination when arriving from a yellow fever or cholera infected area is required. Please visit the following link for more information:
Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays
Sudan is located in the Central Africa Time (CAT) Zone (UTC+2). Sudan’s work week runs from Sunday to Thursday.
A list of local holidays can be found here:
https://www.officeholidays.com/countries/sudan/2022