Destinations / Sudan
Driving in Sudan as a visitor
Usually yes. Sudan expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Sudan expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Sudan expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Sudan accept?
Sudan recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Sudan ask for one?
Self-drive is limited; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.