Destinations / Sudan
Driving in Sudan as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Sudan drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, and Saharan routes require careful planning.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Sudan expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h on the Khartoum–Port Sudan highway |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in SDG. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Sandy desert roads and checkpoints. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Alcohol is prohibited. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Sudan
At the pump
Fuel shortages are chronic and queues are severe; drivers should carry additional fuel, spare tyres and provisions when leaving Khartoum, and expect to pay cash as card acceptance is effectively nonexistent.
After a crash
Stop immediately and do not leave the scene; contact the police (emergency 999) and obtain a report, since third-party liability insurance claims require it. Note the US State Department advises against all travel to Sudan due to armed conflict.
Sources: travel.state.gov · adcidl.com · internationaldrivingpermit.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Sudan?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Sudan drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, and Saharan routes require careful planning.
Which translation format is used for Sudan?
Sudan uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Sudan ask for a translation?
Self-drive is limited; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Sudan?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.