Washington Warns its Citizens against Traveling to Sudan due to Risk of Terrorism

Khartoum, 30 March 2017

The State Department warned it citizens against traveling to Sudan due to “terrorism risks” as it termed them, and specified three areas where tension is rising. “U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to the Darfur region, Blue Nile, and Southern Kordofan states and consider carefully before planning travel to other areas of Sudan due to the risks of terrorism, armed conflict and violent crime.”

The embassy requires its staff in Khartoum to use armored vehicles for all travel and prohibits travel outside Khartoum without prior permission and additional security precautions. The warning also called for vigilance and caution, particularly at public gatherings and in sites frequented by foreigners. The embassy also called on its citizens to follow news from trusted sources closely, to be aware of the local security situation and to follow the instructions of local authorities. It also warned that those who visit areas of high tension without permission from Sudanese authorities, might be subjected to detention by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).

The warning pointed out that “[t]errorist groups are active in Sudan and have stated their intent to harm Westerners and Western interests through suicide operations, bombings, shootings, and kidnappings. Violent crimes targeting Westerners, including kidnappings, armed robberies, home invasions, and carjacking occur everywhere in Sudan but are particularly prevalent in the Darfur region