Key takeaways
Sudan has three national carriers, with Zain Sudan leading on subscriber numbers and 4G presence in Khartoum, Medani, Port Sudan and about 20 other towns. Coverage is concentrated in urban corridors and drops sharply in the vast desert and rural interior. The country has experienced significant disruption since the 2023 conflict, and travellers should check current travel advisories before any visit. Where connectivity exists, a Roamix Sudan eSIM connects you to the best available local network. Budget 3 to 5 GB for a typical visit and download offline maps for desert and archaeological routes.
- Zain Sudan is the largest carrier with the widest 4G footprint, initially launched in Khartoum and expanded to 21 towns across the country.
- Check your government's travel advisory for Sudan before booking, as the country has experienced significant instability since April 2023.
- 4G is available in Khartoum, Port Sudan, Kassala, El Obeid and a handful of other major towns. The Sahara Desert and rural Sudan have no coverage.
- Port Sudan has become the primary functioning entry point since 2023, with Khartoum Airport resuming some services from late 2025.
- Download offline maps for the Meroe pyramids, Nile Valley archaeological sites and desert routes before leaving any town with coverage.
Best way to get data in Sudan
For most visitors to Sudan, a Roamix eSIM provides the most convenient connectivity in covered urban areas, with a satellite messenger recommended for any travel into Sudan's vast uncovered interior.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Connects to Zain or Sudani where coverage exists. No airport SIM queue and no roaming bill. |
| Local physical SIM | Best for: Longer stays needing a local number | Zain SIM cards are available with passport registration. Very affordable data packages when networks are functioning. |
| Satellite communicator | Best for: Desert and remote archaeological trips | A Garmin inReach or similar satellite messenger is strongly recommended for any travel outside mobile coverage in Sudan. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Short Khartoum or Port Sudan stays | Most carriers charge high rates for Sudan roaming. A Roamix eSIM is significantly cheaper. |
Wifi is available in the better hotels in Khartoum and Port Sudan. Outside major hotels, wifi is unreliable. Mobile data on Zain is more consistent in urban areas.
How much data you need
Data needs in Sudan are relatively light given the limited coverage outside urban areas. The most important use case is offline map downloads for archaeological and desert routes before departing a city.
2 to 4 GB
City stay in Khartoum or Port Sudan
Hotel and restaurant communication over WhatsApp, navigation in the city, checking news and travel updates.
3 to 5 GB
Nile Valley archaeological tour
Offline map packages downloaded in Khartoum, GPS tracking at remote sites, guide communication and photography uploads when in coverage.
3 to 5 GB
Red Sea diving trip from Port Sudan
Dive operator communication, weather and sea conditions, offline dive site maps and daily uploads from port.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB per hour online, offline packages 100 to 300 MB
- Messaging and WhatsApp
- 5 to 10 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 80 to 120 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download all offline maps, GPS coordinates for archaeological sites and emergency contact numbers over Roamix data in Khartoum or Port Sudan before any excursion. There is no second chance once you leave coverage.
How to set up a Sudan eSIM
A Roamix Sudan eSIM is best installed over wifi before departure. It activates when you arrive and connect to an available local carrier.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Sudan eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and texts.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in Sudan and the eSIM connects to the best available local carrier.
Works on eSIM-capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode.
No data may mean coverage is genuinely limited in your area. Move to a town centre or try selecting Zain Sudan manually in network settings.
Visa and entry for Sudan
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Sudan, obtained through the Sudanese embassy in their home country. Entry points and visa procedures have been subject to change since the 2023 conflict. Port Sudan is currently the main functioning international entry point.
- eVisa or ETA
- Sudan has operated an eVisa system with varying availability. Check with the Sudanese embassy or consulate in your country for the current status of the eVisa system as procedures have changed due to the conflict situation.
- Passport validity
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended arrival.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds are typically required for entry.
Keep all travel documents, visa approvals and emergency contact numbers accessible on your phone. Register your presence in Sudan with your national embassy upon arrival.
Entry rules and security conditions change rapidly in Sudan. Check your government's travel advisory and the current embassy guidance before making any travel plans.
When you land in Sudan
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How people message here
WhatsApp is the primary communication tool across Sudan for both personal and business messaging. Voice calls over WhatsApp are common given the cost of international calls.
Do you need a local number?
A local number can be useful for arranging transport and guides but is not strictly essential for short visits with a hotel concierge.
Keep your home SIM active for emergency contact with your embassy or family. Use the Roamix line for WhatsApp and navigation data when local networks are available.
Airports in Sudan
KRT
Khartoum International Airport
Khartoum
Wifi availability at the airport has been affected by conflict. Check current operational status before travel.
Khartoum Airport resumed some domestic and international services from late 2025. Activate your Roamix eSIM on arrival and check your accommodation booking and transport arrangements immediately.
PZU
Port Sudan New International Airport
Port Sudan
Basic wifi facilities. Port Sudan has been the main functioning international gateway since 2023.
Port Sudan is the primary entry point for most international visitors. Use Roamix data to confirm your hotel and transport arrangements on arrival and check the Red Sea diving operator schedule.
UYL
Nyala Airport
Nyala
Limited facilities. Security conditions in Darfur require thorough assessment before using this airport.
Nyala serves South Darfur. Only use this airport with full security briefing from a reputable operator and current embassy guidance.
EBD
El Obeid Airport
El Obeid
Basic facilities at this regional airport serving North Kordofan.
El Obeid is the main town of North Kordofan. Download offline maps for the surrounding area over Roamix data before landing.
Apps and internet access in Sudan
Sudan has a generally open internet, though there have been periodic restrictions during periods of political unrest. All common apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM during stable periods.
Internet and social media access has been periodically restricted during political unrest and military actions. As of 2026, connections are functioning but the situation remains subject to change. No systematic long-term VPN is required but travellers should be aware of the political context.
WhatsApp, works
Works when internet is functioning. The primary messaging tool in Sudan.
Google Maps, works
Works when connected. Download offline Sudan maps before travel.
Facebook, works
Available when internet is open.
Signal, works
Works normally when internet is available.
Getting around Sudan
Getting around Sudan involves a combination of domestic flights between major cities, long-distance buses along the Nile Valley corridor and hired 4x4 vehicles with drivers for archaeological and desert routes.
Domestic flights
The most practical way to reach Port Sudan, Kassala and Nyala from Khartoum. Use Roamix data to check Badr Airlines and Sudan Airways schedules and book tickets online before departure.
Hired 4x4 with driver
Essential for the Meroe pyramids, Jebel Barkal, Naqa and all desert archaeological routes. Your driver navigates, but having Roamix data for GPS verification and offline maps is important for route safety.
Bus and minibus
Intercity buses run between Khartoum, Kassala, Port Sudan and northern towns. Schedules require local knowledge. Ask your hotel to assist with booking over Roamix data.
Taxis in Khartoum require fare negotiation before boarding. Ride-hailing apps are not widely available. Your hotel can arrange reliable drivers for city transport and archaeological excursions.
Money and payments in Sudan
Sudan uses the Sudanese pound (SDG). The economy is heavily cash-based and card payments are extremely limited outside major Khartoum and Port Sudan hotels. Bring US dollars or Euros to exchange.
- Cards and cash
- Cash is essential almost everywhere in Sudan. ATMs accepting foreign cards are rare and unreliable. Bring sufficient hard currency in US dollars or Euros to exchange at hotels or authorised money changers.
- ATMs
- International ATM withdrawals are very limited in Sudan. Exchange USD or EUR at your hotel or an authorised bureau. Never use street money changers.
- Payment apps
- Local mobile money services exist but are not relevant for international visitors. Hard currency exchange is the primary method for tourists.
- Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated but not formally structured. For drivers and guides, 5 to 10 USD equivalent per day is appropriate. Restaurant tips of around 10 percent are welcomed.
Daily budget
Costs for tourists vary greatly. Budget around 50 to 80 USD equivalent per day covering a mid-range hotel, meals and local transport. Archaeological tours with a 4x4 and guide cost considerably more.
Local tips for Sudan
- Language
- Arabic is the official language and lingua franca. English is spoken in educated and business circles in Khartoum and among the tourism industry. Learning a few Arabic phrases is highly appreciated.
- Food
- Sudanese cuisine centres on ful medames (stewed fava beans), kisra (fermented flatbread), goat and lamb stews, and dates. Tea with ginger or cinnamon is the dominant social drink. Khartoum has restaurants serving regional African and international food.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type C and D plugs
Apps worth having
Google Maps (offline)
navigation
Download offline packages for the Nile Valley and Khartoum before departure. Essential for navigating to archaeological sites without signal.
WhatsApp
communication
The primary communication platform in Sudan for hotels, drivers and guides. Keep Roamix data active for WhatsApp messaging.
XE Currency
finance
Track SDG exchange rates and calculate conversions when exchanging USD or EUR in Khartoum or Port Sudan.
Safety and health in Sudan
Sudan has experienced significant conflict since April 2023 and many governments advise against all or all non-essential travel to parts of the country. Conditions vary greatly by region. Port Sudan and the Red Sea coast are generally more stable than Khartoum and Darfur. Check your government's travel advisory before any travel and register with your embassy on arrival.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active for WhatsApp communication with your hotel, driver and embassy. Download offline maps for all routes before leaving urban areas. Carry a satellite communicator for any desert or remote travel.
- Health
- Vaccinations for Yellow Fever (required), Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningococcal meningitis and Malaria prophylaxis are recommended. Medical facilities are limited outside Khartoum and have been severely affected by the conflict. Carry a comprehensive medical kit.
- Tap water
- Tap water is not safe to drink in Sudan. Use sealed bottled water throughout your stay, including for teeth brushing.
Networks and coverage in Sudan
Sudan has three GSM carriers operating 2G, 3G and limited 4G LTE networks. Zain Sudan, the country's largest operator, launched 4G in Khartoum in 2016 and has expanded to approximately 21 towns including Medani, Port Sudan and El Obeid. Sudani (Sudatel) and MTN Sudan operate 4G in Khartoum and select cities. Coverage is heavily concentrated in urban areas along the Nile Valley corridor. A Roamix Sudan eSIM connects to the best available local network in functioning coverage areas.
Zain Sudan
Largest operator with over 11 million subscribers. First to launch 4G in 2016. Best coverage in Khartoum, Omdurman, Medani, Port Sudan and El Obeid. Strongest overall network for 4G in urban areas.
Sudani (Sudatel)
State-linked operator and the country's second network, with 4G available in Khartoum and expanding to major towns. Mobile arm of the Sudatel Group, which also provides internet infrastructure.
MTN Sudan
Smallest of the three operators by subscribers. 4G launched in 2018 in Khartoum. Primarily serves the capital and major eastern cities. Less reach than Zain or Sudani outside Khartoum.
- Typical speeds
- 4G delivers 5 to 25 Mbps in Khartoum and main urban centres. Rural areas are 2G or no signal.
- 5G
- 5G is not available in Sudan. 4G LTE is the maximum standard in urban centres.
In Khartoum and Port Sudan, Zain provides the most consistent 4G experience. For travel to archaeological sites in the Nile Valley north of Khartoum, coverage exists at Meroe and Karima town centres but disappears between sites on desert roads. Always download your route before leaving.
Coverage outside the main towns and the Nile Valley corridor is extremely limited. The Nubian Desert, the vast Saharan west and most of Sudan's rural interior have no mobile signal. Travel to the Meroe pyramids, Jebel Barkal and remote Nile Valley sites requires offline navigation. Sudanese networks use standard GSM 900 and 1800 MHz and LTE on Band 3 (1800 MHz). Most modern unlocked smartphones are compatible.
Where to go in Sudan
Sudan contains some of the most remarkable and least-visited ancient monuments in the world, including more pyramids than Egypt, the great Kushite temples at Jebel Barkal and the Meroitic archaeological sites of the Nile Valley. The country's tourism sector is slowly recovering and the Red Sea coast at Port Sudan offers world-class diving. Travellers should check current security conditions carefully before any visit.
Best time to visit
October to March for the cooler dry season and archaeological touring of the Nile Valley. October and November for diving at Port Sudan. April to September is extremely hot (above 40C in Khartoum).
Khartoum and the Capital Region
The capital city at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles includes Khartoum proper, Omdurman and Khartoum North (Bahri). The National Museum houses a remarkable collection of Kushite and Meroitic antiquities, and Omdurman's Sufi whirling dervish ceremony draws visitors every Friday.
- National Museum of Sudan
- Omdurman Dervish Ceremony
- Nile Confluence Point
- Omdurman Souq
- Khalifa House Museum
4G available from Zain, Sudani and MTN in central Khartoum, Omdurman and Khartoum North. Note that infrastructure has been affected by conflict since 2023; conditions vary by neighbourhood.
Northern Sudan and the Nile Valley
The ancient Nubian heartland stretching from Khartoum north to the Egyptian border, with the Meroe pyramids, Jebel Barkal temple complex, the Naqa lion temple and the remote Meroitic ruins that represent one of Africa's greatest ancient civilisations.
- Meroe Pyramids
- Jebel Barkal Temple
- Naqa Archaeological Site
- Naga Lion Temple
- El Kurru Royal Tombs
Some 4G coverage in Karima and Dongola towns. The Meroe pyramids site near Kabushiya has intermittent signal. Desert roads between sites have no coverage. Download offline maps and GPS coordinates for all archaeological sites before leaving Khartoum.
Port Sudan and the Red Sea Coast
Sudan's main Red Sea port and the de facto economic capital since the 2023 conflict, with a functioning international airport, the diving hub of Marsa Alam nearby and access to some of the most pristine and undiscovered coral reefs in the Red Sea.
- Port Sudan Diving Sites
- Suakin Historic Island
- Arous Resort Area
- Sha'ab Rumi Reef
- Red Sea Coral Gardens
Good 4G coverage from Zain in Port Sudan city. The Red Sea diving areas and offshore reefs have no signal. Download dive maps and boat schedules before departing the dock.
Kassala and the East
The eastern town of Kassala near the Eritrean border is famous for its dramatic Taka Mountains rising directly above the town, its vibrant market with goods from across the region and the Beja cultural traditions of the eastern nomadic peoples.
- Taka Mountains
- Kassala Market
- Khatmiyya Mosque
- Setit River Valley
- Beja Cultural Heritage
Zain and Sudani provide 4G in central Kassala. The Taka mountain trails above the town have no coverage. Download offline maps for the mountain approach routes before ascending.
Darfur and Western Sudan
The vast and historically complex western region of Darfur, bordered by Chad and the Central African Republic. Jebel Marra, the volcanic massif at the heart of Darfur, offers remarkable highland scenery and waterfalls. Note that security conditions in Darfur require careful monitoring before any visit.
- Jebel Marra Crater Lakes
- Wadi Howar
- Zalingei Town
- El Fasher Old Town
- Geneina Market
Very limited coverage. El Fasher and El Obeid have some Zain and Sudani coverage. Remote Darfur routes have no signal. This region requires thorough security assessment and should not be visited without current professional advice.
Off the beaten path
Over 200 Nubian pyramids, steeper and narrower than Egyptian counterparts, rising from the desert sand at the royal necropolis of the ancient Kushite city of Meroe, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Africa's most remarkable ancient monuments.
Signal: Intermittent signal near Kabushiya town a few kilometres from the site. The pyramid field itself has no reliable coverage. Download GPS coordinates and offline maps in Khartoum before driving north.
A towering sandstone mesa rising 98 m from the Nile bank, considered the dwelling place of the god Amen by ancient Egyptians and Kushites alike, with a temple cut directly into the cliff face and royal pyramids on the adjacent plain.
Signal: Basic 4G in Karima town. The Jebel Barkal mesa and temple complex has no signal. Download maps and site information in Karima before walking to the temples.
A haunting coral-built Ottoman port city on an island in the Red Sea, abandoned in the early 20th century and slowly crumbling back to the sea, once the greatest port in Sudan and a major hub for the Red Sea trade and Hajj pilgrimage routes.
Signal: Limited signal at the Suakin causeway and mainland side. The historic coral island itself has no reliable coverage. Download the island walking map before crossing.
Two of the most atmospheric Meroitic sites in Sudan, with the spectacular Naqa lion temple combining Egyptian and Roman architectural motifs and the Musawwarat Great Enclosure being the largest ancient structure in sub-Saharan Africa.
Signal: No mobile coverage at either site, located in the Butana steppe between the Nile and the Atbara River. Download GPS coordinates and offline maps in Khartoum and save your driver's contact before departing.
Some of the least-dived and most pristine coral reefs in the Red Sea, with the famous Sha'ab Rumi reef where Jacques Cousteau based his Conshelf II experiment in 1963, teeming with hammerhead sharks, manta rays and untouched hard coral structures.
Signal: Good 4G in Port Sudan city and the main harbour area. Offshore reefs and dive sites have no signal once you leave the dock.
Every Friday afternoon, Sufi dervishes in patchwork robes perform the zikr ceremony of spinning, chanting and prayer at the tomb of Sheikh Hamad el-Nil, one of the most vivid and accessible spiritual spectacles in Sudan.
Signal: Good 4G coverage at the Hamad el-Nil tomb area in Omdurman. The ceremony draws large crowds but signal holds well in this urban area.
The dramatic Taka Mountains rise in a series of granite inselbergs directly above Kassala town, providing a striking backdrop to the Khatmiyya mosque and a rewarding hike with panoramic views over the Sudanese plains toward Eritrea.
Signal: Zain 4G in central Kassala. The Taka mountain trails rising directly above the town have no signal. Download trail maps before ascending.
Dongola is the largest town in northern Sudan, set among date palm groves on a wide bend of the Nile, serving as the base for visits to the poorly-known Nubian Christian church ruins at Old Dongola and the medieval cathedral that is one of the largest in Africa.
Signal: Basic 4G on Zain in Dongola town. The Nile valley north of Dongola toward the Nubian Desert has no coverage. Download maps before any excursion.
The northernmost Sudanese town on the Egyptian border, from which a weekly ferry crosses Lake Nubia to Aswan, offers one of Africa's most adventurous border crossings and access to the submerged temples of Nubia beneath the lake.
Signal: Limited coverage in Wadi Halfa town. The ferry crossing to Aswan in Egypt and the Lake Nubia shore have no reliable signal. Download all navigation before arriving.
Sudan's largest national park and Biosphere Reserve, a vast savanna and woodland ecosystem with lions, leopards, buffalo, roan antelope and over 160 bird species, one of Africa's lesser-visited parks with authentic wilderness without tourist crowds.
Signal: No mobile coverage inside Dinder National Park. The nearest town with any signal is Singa. Download offline park maps and emergency contacts before entering.
Events and seasons in Sudan
January
Omdurman International Sacred Music Festival
Omdurman
A sacred music festival celebrating Sufi and religious musical traditions from across Sudan and the wider region, held in Omdurman near the Nile.
January 1
Sudanese Independence Day
Khartoum
Sudan's independence from British and Egyptian co-dominium in 1956 is commemorated on January 1 with official ceremonies in Khartoum, military parades and cultural celebrations.
February to March
Khartoum International Book Fair
Khartoum
One of Africa's largest book fairs, bringing together publishers and authors from Sudan and across the Arab world and Africa, with literary events, cultural discussions and a major showcase for Sudanese literature and publishing.
September to October
Date Harvest Festival
Dongola and Northern Nile Valley
The annual date palm harvest in Sudan's northern Nile Valley, where the famous Barakawi and Gondaila varieties are harvested by hand from towering palms, with local celebrations and markets selling the freshly picked dates.
October to November
Khartoum International Film Festival
Khartoum
An annual film festival in Khartoum screening Sudanese and international African cinema, with discussion panels and cultural events aimed at documenting Sudanese cultural identity through film.
October to March (cool season evenings)
Meroe Sound and Light Show
Meroe Pyramids, Northern Sudan
Evening sound and light shows at the Meroe pyramid field illuminate the ancient Kushite necropolis after dark, with narration covering the history of the Meroitic kingdom and its pharaohs.
October to November
Port Sudan Diving Season Opening
Port Sudan
The start of the prime Red Sea diving season in Port Sudan, when visibility peaks and water temperatures are comfortable for the spectacular reef and wreck diving that makes Sudan's Red Sea coast one of the world's premier dive destinations.
Year-round, most active in cooler months October to February
Kassala Camel Market
Kassala
One of Africa's largest camel markets, where Beja traders bring camels from the Red Sea Hills and the border regions for trade, a vivid and authentic livestock market that has been operating in Kassala for centuries.
Variable, lunar calendar (end of Ramadan)
Eid al-Fitr Celebrations
Nationwide
The end of Ramadan is the most important celebration in Sudan, with family gatherings, outdoor prayers in large open spaces, traditional music and the sharing of aseeda pudding and sweets across the country.
Variable, Ramadan month
Ramadan Nights in Omdurman
Omdurman
During the holy month of Ramadan, Omdurman's streets come alive after sunset with iftar meals, traditional Sufi music gatherings, storytellers and the most intense community social life of the Sudanese year.
Through the year
- Spring
- March to May sees temperatures rising rapidly. March remains pleasant for northern Sudan archaeological visits before the heat becomes prohibitive. April and May are the most challenging months for travel.
- Summer
- June to August is the hottest and most humid season, with temperatures exceeding 40C in Khartoum and severe sandstorms (haboob) sweeping the capital. Travel is strongly discouraged outside Port Sudan.
- Fall
- September to November is the best season for travel, with temperatures dropping and the Red Sea diving season opening. The Nile flood recedes and Dinder National Park becomes accessible. This is the primary window for most tourist visits.
- Winter
- December to February is the coolest and driest period, with pleasant temperatures in Khartoum (15 to 30C), ideal for archaeological touring of the Nile Valley and Meroe, and comfortable diving in Port Sudan.
Working remotely from Sudan
Sudan is not recommended as a remote work destination given current security conditions, limited and unreliable internet infrastructure and the overall operational challenges for travellers.
- Connection
- Where 4G is available in Khartoum and Port Sudan, speeds can support basic email and messaging. Video calls are unreliable given network instability.
If work connectivity is essential during a Sudan visit, stay in the best-rated hotels in Port Sudan which have the most reliable broadband infrastructure currently available.
