Visa for Sudanese to Egypt: Complete Guide

Sudanese nationals wait at the Argeen border crossing into Egypt, highlighting the urgent need for clear visa procedures during Sudan’s conflict. In mid-2023, Egypt announced that all Sudanese citizens now require a visa before entering its territory. This overturned earlier exemptions (for women, children, etc.) and was framed as a measure to regulate entry and prevent fraud. For Sudanese planning travel to Egypt, it is crucial to understand the current Egypt entry requirements for Sudanese citizens. This guide explains the visa types available, step-by-step application procedures, necessary documents, processing times, and practical tips for a successful Egypt visa application. It draws on official sources and news reports to provide up-to-date, reliable information tailored to Sudanese travelers.

Overview: Visa Required for Sudanese Citizens

Sudanese passport holders cannot enter Egypt without a visa. Unlike many nationalities that qualify for an online eVisa or visa-on-arrival, Sudanese nationals must obtain a pre-approved entry visa from an Egyptian diplomatic mission before travel. In fact, Egypt’s official e-Visa portal explicitly lists eligible countries (over 40) for eVisas – Sudan is not on the list. Similarly, Egypt’s consular guidance confirms that travelers from “countries requiring pre-approval” (which includes Sudan) cannot get a visa on arrival. In short: Egypt Visa for Sudanese Passport Holders means applying in advance. You must visit an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate (see below) to submit your visa request. Until official guidance changes, expect no on-the-spot visa at airports or borders for Sudanese.

The types of visas Sudanese can apply for are the same as for other foreign nationals. In practice, the most relevant is the Tourist (Entry) Visa, valid for short-term travel (typically up to 30 days single-entry). Other categories include Transit Visas (for connecting flights through Egypt), Business Visas, and Family/Private Visas (for visiting relatives). However, all require consular approval. Importantly, Egyptian authorities have stressed that the intent of these rules is not to turn refugees away – Egypt “has welcomed more than 200,000 Sudanese” since the crisis began – but to ensure orderly entry.

Egypt Visa Types and Eligibility

Tourist (Single-Entry) Visa: For tourism or family visits. Usually valid for 30–90 days. The official single-entry tourist visa fee is approximately $25 (USD) (as a reference rate; exact fee should be confirmed at the consulate). A 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa costs about $60.
Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Egypt on the way to another country. Typically valid for 7–15 days. You must hold confirmed onward tickets.
Business Visa: For commercial/business travel; requires letters of invitation or company sponsorship.
Family/Private Visa: For visiting family. May require an invitation letter from the Egyptian host.
Special Visas: (Student, Work, etc.) are issued under specific regulations and usually require sponsorship from an accredited institution or employer.

Note: Sudanese nationals are not eligible for the Egypt eVisa program, nor can they obtain a visa on arrival. All Sudanese applicants must go through the embassy/consulate channel.

How to Apply for an Egypt Visa from Sudan

Determine Your Visa Category: Decide if you need a Tourist, Transit, or other visa. For most travelers, a Tourist Visa (Entry Visa) is appropriate.
Obtain the Visa Application Form: Visit the nearest Egyptian consulate or download the form online from the Egyptian Embassy’s website (if available). The form must be filled out completely and signed. Typically, the form requires personal details, travel dates, and purpose of visit.
Gather Supporting Documents: (See next section for details.) At minimum, you will need your valid passport and passport photos.
Pay the Visa Fee: Fees vary by visa type. Many Egyptian missions accept USD cash, a bank draft, or local currency. Confirm the current fee with the consulate. For example, tourist visa fees are around $25 (USD) for 30 days.
Submit Your Application: In Sudan, submit your application in person or by email to the Egyptian diplomatic mission. (Because of the conflict, procedures may vary – see below.) The Embassy of Egypt in Khartoum or the Consulate General in Port Sudan are the primary offices handling visas. In some cases, the consulate may allow email submission. For example, the Egyptian Consulate in Washington (for Sudanese residents) instructs applicants to email all documents as one PDF. Contact the Egyptian mission in Sudan to confirm the exact submission process (email vs. in-person).
Attend an Interview (if required): Be prepared to answer questions about your trip. While many tourist visas are granted without an interview, consular officers may call applicants for clarification.
Wait for Processing: Standard processing is at least 10 business days for tourist visas. However, because Sudanese visas require pre-approval, plan for much longer (a minimum of 6–8 weeks). Do not make travel arrangements until your visa is confirmed.
Collect Your Visa: Once approved, the visa will be stamped or affixed in your passport. Check the dates and validity. Then you are free to travel to Egypt during the visa’s valid period.

Important: The Egyptian Embassy in Khartoum has been relocated for safety, and normal operations may be limited. Egyptian officials have indicated that the diplomatic mission is now centered in Port Sudan and Wadi Halfa. You can contact:

Embassy of Egypt, Khartoum: Al-Mugran, University Street, Khartoum. Tel: +(249) 183 777646 or 76618. Email: sphinx-egysud@yahoo.com. (Note: confirm current status before visiting.)
Consulate General of Egypt, Port Sudan: Mohamed Tahir Yehia St., Port Sudan. Tel: +(249) 311 823666. Email: egyptian_consulate_portsudan@yahoo.com.
Consulate of Egypt, Wadi Halfa: 12 Elias Odeh Street, Wadi Halfa. Tel: +(249) 311 842 992/996. (Wadi Halfa was designated to assist Sudanese and Egyptian citizens during the conflict.)

Always verify the latest contact details and office hours, as the security situation can affect operations.

Required Documents for the Application

When applying for an Egyptian visa, Sudanese citizens should prepare at least the following:

Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed. Attach one recent 2″×2″ passport photo (white background).
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date, with at least one blank visa page. Include photocopies of the passport’s data page.
Passport-Sized Photos: 2”×2”, color, white background, taken within the last 6 months (per consular specs).
Travel Itinerary: Copies of round-trip airline tickets or confirmed travel reservations. Showing booked flights in and out of Egypt strengthens the application.
Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations or an invitation/cover letter from the host (with address) if staying with family.
Evidence of Funds: Recent bank statements or proof of income demonstrating you can support yourself during the visit.
Letter of Invitation or Employment: If visiting relatives, include an invitation letter from them. For business travel, include a company sponsorship or invitation. For employed applicants, a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your position and vacation dates is helpful.
Additional Documentation: Depending on your situation, you may need some of the following: proof of residency in Sudan, student enrollment letters, marriage certificate (if spouse is Egyptian), or a police clearance certificate (if requested).
Application Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the visa fee.

According to Egypt’s official e-Visa portal, travelers should carry supporting documents such as their passport (≥6 months validity), a printout of the visa, travel itinerary, and hotel booking details. While Sudanese will apply offline, these guidelines illustrate what immigration officials expect to see at entry. In summary: a complete and accurate application form, passport with photos, proof of travel plans, and financial or host support documents are the core requirements. Tip: Present your documents in organized order (e.g. stapled or in a clear folder) to make the consular review smoother.

Fees and Processing Time

Visa fees vary by type and duration. As a reference, the U.S. State Department notes that a 30-day single-entry tourist visa is about $25 USD and a multiple-entry 30-day visa about $60. Sudanese applicants should confirm the exact fee with the Egyptian mission, and be prepared to pay in US dollars or local currency. Some consulates accept only cash or cashier’s check. Note that third-party agencies (like Sherpa or Atlys) may charge additional service fees on top of the visa cost; however, they cannot bypass the requirement that you obtain the visa from an official consulate.

Processing time: For most nationalities, Egypt recommends submitting visa applications at least 10 business days before travel. In practice, many tourist visas are issued within 1–2 weeks. However, Sudanese applications require an extra approval step. The consular guidance indicates that pre-approval visas (as required for Sudanese) have a minimum processing time of 6–8 weeks. In recent practice amid the crisis, expect it could take even longer due to high demand and extra security checks. Plan accordingly and apply well in advance of any planned departure.

Travel and Entry Procedures

Once you have the visa in your passport, you must enter Egypt through an official port of entry (airports or land border crossings). Egypt shares land borders with Sudan at Wadi Halfa (north Sudan) and Argeen/Hala’ib (east Sudan). Under the new rules, border officials will ask for your visa. Reports indicate that Sudanese lacking a visa have been turned back at the border. Ensure you cross at designated checkpoints (e.g. Wadi Halfa or Argeen) and carry your visa and passport. At the point of entry, immigration may ask to see your return ticket, accommodation details, and proof of funds, so keep copies handy. Immigration authorities have broad discretion and may question travelers extensively, given the recent security concerns.

At airports (e.g. Cairo), make sure you do not rely on visa-on-arrival. Although many foreigners can buy a visa at arrival, Sudanese cannot. Attempting to board a flight without a visa can lead to denial of boarding by airlines or refusal at immigration.

Challenges and Tips for Sudanese Applicants

Current political situation: The ongoing conflict in Sudan has disrupted normal travel and consular services. Evacuations and relocations mean that visa processing can be slow or unpredictable. Egyptian officials emphasize that the new visa requirement is meant to “ensure the orderly entry of Sudanese citizens” and to combat illegal visa trading, not to bar refugees. Nonetheless, many Sudanese refugees and migrants have found the process frustrating. Long waits at border crossings (with basic facilities) have been reported, and the need for a visa adds to the hurdles.

Practical advice:

Apply Early: Given the long processing time (6–8+ weeks), submit your visa application as soon as possible. Don’t finalize any travel plans until your visa is granted.
Be Thorough: Double-check that all form fields are correct (names matching your passport exactly) and photos meet the requirements (recent, clear, white background). Small errors or low-quality documents are a common cause of rejection.
Provide Evidence: Include strong documentation of your itinerary, purpose, and ties. For instance, attach hotel bookings or a letter of invitation, and bank statements covering the trip. A well-prepared application is more likely to be approved.
Follow Instructions: If the consulate asks for an email submission (as in the U.S. example), prepare a single PDF file of all documents at 300 DPI (to avoid compression issues). Label it clearly.
Stay Informed: Check official announcements. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs may update rules, especially if the situation changes. Also monitor Sudanese community groups and reputable news (like Al Jazeera) for field reports.
Use Official Channels: Only apply through the Embassy/Consulate or authorized visa centers. Beware of unofficial brokers promising guaranteed visas – they cannot override government policy. Sherpa and similar services provide assistance, but the visa issuance still comes from the embassy.
Prepare for Delays: In this crisis, even airport or sea travel can be halted. Have contingency plans (e.g. refund options) if flights are canceled or borders close.

Above all, maintain patience and clarity in your application. The tone of your cover letter or interview (if any) should be honest about visiting Egypt (tourism, family, medical, etc.).

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

While there is no exhaustive public list, common pitfalls include: incomplete forms, unreadable photos or documents, passport validity issues, lack of proof of onward travel, and insufficient funds. Technical mistakes (typos in your passport number or name) often lead to denials. Security concerns or ineligibility (e.g. failing to obtain the required pre-approval) are also grounds for refusal. If your application is denied, review the reasons given (if any), correct the issues, and consider reapplying.

Tip: Having an extra copy of every document and filling out everything legibly can help avoid simple rejections. Also, a polite attitude in any interview or inquiry can make a positive impression on consular staff.

Official Contacts and Resources

For the most reliable information, always refer to official sources. The Egyptian Embassy/Consulate in Sudan (or nearest location) is your primary point of contact. The listed addresses and contacts (above) are based on official communications. If you are outside Sudan, the Egyptian Embassy where you reside will handle Sudanese applications under similar rules (for example, the DC consulate requires emailed pre-approval). You may also visit the Egyptian e-Visa Portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) – it lists eligible countries (confirming Sudan is absent) and can answer general questions.

Keep copies of all submitted materials and any correspondence. In the unlikely event of entry denial at the border, you may need to show your visa and passport to Sudanese authorities or seek assistance from diplomatic representatives.

Obtaining an Egypt visa for Sudanese nationals can be complex in the current environment, but careful preparation helps. Review all requirements (visa form, passport, photos, itinerary, invitation/funds) and gather them before applying. Apply well in advance, follow official instructions (email or in-person), and monitor official statements. By staying organized and informed, you can improve the chances of a smooth approval. Safe travels and best wishes to all Sudanese citizens seeking entry into Egypt.

كود التفعيل

سودان بلس