Travel advisory · SudanGovernments advise against all travel to Sudan.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Darfur · avoid all travel · Spain, France, US
- Khartoum · avoid all travel · Spain, US
- Kordofan · avoid all travel · France, US
Also named by one government: Dinder National Park (Sennar State) (France), Djebel ‘Aouînât region (France), Ethiopia border zone (France), Omdurman (US), Bir Tawil Trapezoid (UK), Hala’ib Triangle (UK)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | Advises against all travel | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Do not travel to Sudan for any reason | May 15, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Avoid all travel | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Vor Reisen nach Sudan wird gewarnt; deutsche Staatsangehörige werden dringend aufgefordert, Sudan zu verlassen | Oct 13, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Do not travel | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Formellement déconseillé, ensemble du territoire | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Omdurman
Travelers come to Omdurman for Mahdist-era history, Sufi shrines and the old market on the Nile, a short trip across the river from Khartoum.
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Omdurman is a city in Sudan on the west bank of the White Nile, directly across the river from Khartoum, the national capital. The Blue Nile joins the White Nile at Khartoum, so Omdurman sits on the western side of the river. After Mahdist forces took Khartoum in 1885, Omdurman became the Mahdist capital, and that history is still visible in the Mahdi's domed tomb and the Khalifa House museum. The Battle of Omdurman in 1898, which ended the Mahdist state, was fought near the city.
Omdurman suits travelers who come for history, Sufi tradition and markets. Souq Omdurman is a good place to see daily life along the Nile. One or two days covers the main sites. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are lower; summer is very hot. Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has hit Khartoum and Omdurman since April 2023, so check current government travel advisories and your travel insurance before you plan.
Omdurman in five
- Check your government's Sudan advice firstFighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has affected Omdurman since April 2023. Read your country's current advice before you book flights or hotels.
- Carry Sudanese pounds in cashPlan to pay in Sudanese pounds (SDG) and do not count on cards or ATMs. Ask someone on the ground about current exchange options before you travel.Money and costs
- Get a local SIM for mobile dataSudani, Zain and MTN Sudan are the main networks, and mobile data drops during outages. Buy a SIM on arrival, and do not rely on a foreign eSIM.Phones and eSIM
- Go to the souq in the morningSouq Omdurman sells crafts, cloth and spices. Go before the heat builds, bargain politely and ask before you photograph any stallholder.
- Dress modestly and ask before photosCover shoulders and knees in the old town, and ask before you photograph people or the Mahdi's tomb. Military and government sites may not be photographed at all.
Need to know
- Currency
- Sudanese pound (SDG)
- Entry
- Visa needed for most passports; check the current e-visa or embassy process
- Emergency
- Not verified for this guide; ask your hotel or embassy for current numbers
- Tipping
- Not verified for this guide; ask your hotel
- Time
- UTC+2, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, dry
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchCool, dry
- AprilMild, dry
- MayHot, dusty
- JuneVery hot
- JulyRains begin
- AugustRainy season
- SeptemberRainy, humid
- OctoberHeat easing
- NovemberCooler, dry
- DecemberCool, dry
Right now in Omdurman
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
31
- Feels like
- 30°
- Humidity
- 30%
- Wind
- 12 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Khartoum
01:23 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today39°28°0%Tuesday: Clear. High 39°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed38°27°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 38°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu36°26°0%Thursday: Clear. High 36°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri37°26°0%Friday: Clear. High 37°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat36°26°0%Saturday: Clear. High 36°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun35°24°0%Sunday: Clear. High 35°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 12:44 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 458.9 SDG
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Meroë pyramidsSeveral hours by road; check the route firstThe royal pyramids of the Kingdom of Kush, a long half day out.
- Jebel Barkal and KarimaLong road trip north; check the route firstA sacred mountain and the temples of Napata, further north.
- National Museum in KhartoumShort taxi ride across the bridgeKushite and other ancient objects, a stop before or after the bridges.
Before you go to Omdurman
Rules for Omdurman, checked
- Sudan requires a visa for most visitors. Check the current entry process with the Sudanese embassy or consulate in your country before you travel.
- Photographing military sites, police and government buildings is restricted. Ask before you take pictures in the street.
- Alcohol is restricted under Sudanese law. Check the rules before you carry any into the country.
- Dress modestly in public and at religious sites, covering shoulders and knees.
Plan around Omdurman
Country overview, safety context and wider routes
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa rules for most passports and how to check them
Read the guideMoney and costsCash in Sudanese pounds, exchange and what to carry
Read the guidePhones and eSIMLocal SIMs and data when networks drop
Read the guideWhere to stayBases on both sides of the White Nile
Read the guideOmdurman FAQ
Is Omdurman safe to visit right now?
Check your government's advice first. Fighting has affected Omdurman since April 2023, so do not travel against that advice.
Is Omdurman the same as Khartoum?
No. Omdurman lies on the west bank of the White Nile, opposite Khartoum, where the Blue and White Niles join. It was the Mahdist capital from 1885 to 1898.
What is Omdurman known for?
The Mahdi's tomb, Khalifa House and Souq Omdurman are the main sights. The Battle of Omdurman in 1898 was fought at the city.
How many days do you need in Omdurman?
One day covers the Mahdi's tomb, Khalifa House and the souq, if conditions allow. Add the National Museum in Khartoum for a second day.
When is the best time to visit Omdurman?
The cooler months, roughly November to February, are the most comfortable for walking. Go only if your government's advice allows travel.