Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520 |
This information is current as of today, Sudan June 30, 2004 This Travel Warning is being re-issued to remind Americans of continued terrorist threats aimed at Western and U.S. interests, and update them on concerns regarding the security situation in Sudan. This supersedes the Travel Warning of November 14, 2003. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan. Although the two parties to the long-running civil war are negotiating a peace accord to end the war, travel in the south is still dangerous. In addition, there is serious fighting in Darfur and a humanitarian crisis brought on by fighting, drought and famine. As noted in previous Travel Warnings for Sudan, the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests in Sudan. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or western interests. As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds. Sporadic fighting has continued between Sudanese government forces, the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army (SPLA), and various militias in the southern part of the country. Threats have been made against foreigners working in the oil industry in Upper Nile province. The potential for violence remains in the areas around Kassala and southern Blue Nile province. The ceasefire in the Nuba Mountains generally has been respected. At least one American relief worker was beaten and falsely accused of espionage. Other Americans have been held hostage. Travel into opposition-held areas of Sudan requires a specific travel permit from the SPLA or other rebel movements controlling the territory. The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), which normally operates in northern Uganda and occasionally receives shelter in southern Sudan, has allegedly threatened to target Americans. There have been demonstrations in Khartoum against United States foreign policy. In some instances, demonstrators have thrown rocks at the U.S. Embassy and Westerners. Americans should avoid large crowds and demonstrations. There are no U.S. consular officers resident in Sudan. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services, including emergency assistance, is severely limited. Information describing the services available for American citizens can be found on the web site of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo: http://www.usembassy.egnet.net/sudan.htm. U.S. citizens who remain in or travel to Sudan despite this Warning are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Sudan. The Embassy in Sudan is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum. The mailing address is P.O. Box 699, Khartoum. The telephone number is (249) 183-774-701 (0183-774-701 inside Sudan); fax (249) 183-774-137 (0183-774-137 inside Sudan). The workweek in Khartoum is Sunday through Thursday. American travelers to southern Sudan are also encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. The Embassy in Kenya is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254)(20) 363-6000; facsimile (254)(20)363-6410. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254)(20) 363-6170. The Embassy's international mailing address is P.O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya. Mail using U.S. domestic postage may be addressed to Unit 64100, APO AE 09831, USA. Further information on Sudan may be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Sudan, and the East Africa Public Announcement, on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. Updates to security conditions may be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or 317-472-2328 from overseas. Return to Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings Page | 
