🇸🇦Saudi Arabia

🇸🇩SudanSA-SD

Saudi Arabia to Sudan visa requirements

Q: Is there a visa on arrival in Sudan for Saudi passport holders?

No reliable tourist visa-on-arrival exists. You must obtain an entry permit through the Ministry of Interior and then a visa from a Sudanese embassy/consulate before travel.

Q: How long can I stay in Sudan on a visit visa?

A single-entry visit/tourist visa typically allows up to 30 days, though durations vary by issuing mission.

Q: How much does a Sudan visa cost?

Consular fees typically range from about USD 50 to USD 150 depending on the mission (the London mission charges GBP 100). Confirm directly with the Sudanese mission in Saudi Arabia.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Sudan now?

No. Sudan has been in active armed conflict since April 2023, and Saudi Arabia advises its citizens not to travel to Sudan for any reason.

Q: Do I need a sponsor to get a Sudan visa?

Yes. The standard process requires a sponsor or host in Sudan to obtain the entry permit number from the Ministry of Interior before the visa can be issued.

A Saudi Arabian ordinary passport holder needs a visa to enter Sudan for tourism. There is no visa-on-arrival or general visa-free entry for tourists; the only exemption is for business visits backed by a letter from the Sudanese Ministry of Investment. The standard process requires an entry permit from Sudan's Ministry of Interior (Aliens Department), followed by visa issuance at a Sudanese embassy or consulate. As of 2026, Sudan requires Saudi Arabian ordinary passport holders to obtain a visa before traveling for tourism or a short visit. Per the Wikipedia summary of visa requirements for Saudi citizens (sourced from IATA-aligned data), Saudi nationals are visa-free only for business visits to Sudan, while all other purposes including tourism require a visa. The standard procedure has two stages: first, a sponsor or the traveler obtains an entry permit number through Sudan's Ministry of Interior Aliens Department online portal (eservice.passport.gov.sd), then the traveler submits the application, entry permit copy, passport, and photo to a Sudanese diplomatic mission for the visa sticker. Passports must be valid at least six months, and travelers must show proof of sufficient funds at the port of entry. Important context: Sudan has been in an active armed conflict since April 2023, consular and immigration services are severely disrupted, and the Government of Saudi Arabia advises its citizens not to travel to Sudan for any reason. Tourist travel is effectively not viable. Because no reliable visa-free or visa-on-arrival tourist channel could be confirmed, and official guidance is to avoid travel, the conservative and accurate verdict is visa-required.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Entry visa (sponsor-based / embassy-issued); no tourist visa-on-arrival

Maximum stay

Typically up to 30 days per entry (single-entry tourist/visit visa)

per entry

Entries

Usually single entry

from issue date

Visa fee

Approx. USD 50-150 depending on mission (e.g. GBP 100 at the London mission); varies by consulate

consular fee only

Processing time

Around 5-15 working days after entry permit approval; entry permit itself can take longer

standard track

Validity

Visa generally valid for 1-3 months from issue to enter

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm travel is feasible and check advisories

Sudan is in active armed conflict and Saudi Arabia advises against all travel. Verify the current security and consular situation before applying; many missions have suspended tourist processing.

· Check advisory· Security risk

/02

Secure a sponsor and obtain an entry permit

A sponsor in Sudan (or the host) applies through the Ministry of Interior Aliens Department to obtain a unique entry permit number via the official portal eservice.passport.gov.sd/aliens/home.

· Sponsor required· Ministry of Interior

/03

Complete the visa application form

Fill out and print the visa application form once the entry permit number is issued, attaching the entry permit copy.

· Printed form

/04

Book and attend the embassy/consulate appointment

Submit the application, passport, photo, and entry permit copy in person or by post to a Sudanese embassy or consulate (e.g., in Riyadh/Jeddah).

· In person or by post

/05

Pay the fee and await processing

Pay the consular fee in the accepted form and wait for the visa to be issued, typically within a couple of weeks of permit approval.

· Consular fee

/06

Carry proof of funds and valid passport at entry

Ensure passport validity of at least 6 months and carry proof of sufficient funds (cash, card, or traveler's cheque) to show at the port of entry.

· 6-month validity· Proof of funds

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

Saudi Arabia -> Sudan · Entry visa (sponsor-based / embassy-issued); no tourist visa-on-arrival

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredSaudi ordinary passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredEntry permit number from Sudan Ministry of Interior (Aliens Department)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredSponsor or host invitation in Sudan

Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements

required

RequiredCompleted and printed visa application form

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

required

RequiredRecent passport-size photograph(s)

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredConsular visa fee in accepted payment form

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

required

RequiredProof of sufficient funds for the stay

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RecommendedConfirmed onward/return travel itinerary

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

recommended

RecommendedYellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from/transiting an endemic area)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RecommendedTravel insurance covering conflict zones (if obtainable)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesWikipedia - Visa requirements for Saudi citizens Republic of Sudan Embassy (London) - Visa Service Sudan Ministry of Interior - Aliens e-Service portal

Application link included: Wikipedia - Visa requirements for Saudi citizens

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Consular visa feeUSD 50-150 (e.g. GBP 100 at London mission)Varies by mission; confirm with the Sudanese embassy/consulate in Saudi Arabia

Entry permit processingUSD 0-50Handled via Ministry of Interior; sponsor may bear cost

Service/courier feeUSD 10-40If applying by post or via an agency

Total estimateUSD 50 — USD 230incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard embassy processing

5-15 working days after permit approval

Submit at a Sudanese mission after obtaining the entry permit; timelines vary widely due to conflict disruptions.

Entry permit approval

Variable, often 2-4 weeks

Ministry of Interior issues the unique entry permit number; a prerequisite before the visa can be issued.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

No tourist visa waiver for Saudi citizens

Saudi nationals are visa-free to Sudan only for business visits (with a Ministry of Investment letter); tourism requires a visa.

High

/02

No visa-on-arrival for tourism

Sudan does not offer a reliable tourist visa-on-arrival channel; an entry permit and pre-issued visa are needed.

High

/03

Active armed conflict

Sudan has been at war since April 2023, disrupting immigration and consular services.

High

/04

Saudi government travel advisory

Saudi Arabia advises its citizens not to travel to Sudan for any reason.

Medium

/05

Sponsor requirement

The standard visa process requires a sponsor to obtain an entry permit, complicating independent tourism.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Saudi Arabia to Sudan route verified

Confirmed via Wikipedia/IATA-aligned data and Sudanese embassy guidance that Saudi ordinary passport holders require a visa for tourism; visa-free only for business visits. Noted ongoing conflict and travel advisory.

/09 — The questions