Sudan

Specific Information

Import taxes are payable on all personal effects for non-diplomats and returning Sudanese nationals. Customs duties are levied based on the assessed value of items as determined by Sudanese Customs.

All non-diplomatic shipments are subject to physical Customs inspection and inspection fees. Documents should reach the destination agent at least 4 days before the shipment arrives. Customs clearance takes approximately 1 week for sea shipments and 48 hours for air shipments under normal operating conditions — though current conflict conditions may substantially affect these timelines.

CDs, DVDs, scanners, and printers in a shipment can delay Customs clearance, as all such items must be screened and permits may be required for printers and scanners.

Diplomats with "A Facility" status are exempt from inspection and duties, but the MFA yellow form must be provided to Sudan Customs by the diplomatic mission.

Current operational context: Port Sudan (Red Sea State) is the primary functioning entry point as of 2026. Khartoum and many inland areas have been severely affected by the conflict. Confirm routing, access conditions, and agent availability before shipping.

ISPM 15 compliance is required for all wood packaging material.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Copy of passport
• Original registration card/registration certificate
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL), express release, or Airway Bill (AWB)
• Original purchase invoice (new vehicles) or commercial invoice
• Certificate of origin
• Chassis and engine numbers must be identified on the OBL or AWB
• Diplomatic exemption MFA Form No. 1 (obtained by the diplomatic organization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — approved permit required before the vehicle is shipped) **For Diplomats:**
• Yellow copy of MFA form forwarded to Sudan Customs by the diplomatic mission **For Diplomats:**

Specific Information

All vehicles must be brand new and current-year models. This applies to diplomatic owners of goods as well. Second-hand (used) vehicles are prohibited for import by non-diplomatic personnel.

Diplomats must obtain an approved permit before the motor vehicle is shipped; the MFA Form No. 1 duty-free exemption process begins after the permit is in place.

Chassis and engine numbers must match those recorded on the OBL or AWB. Contact the destination agent to confirm current applicable procedures, as regulations may have been modified during the conflict period.

Pets

• Copy of passport
• Airway Bill
• ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip certificate (recommended, not strictly mandatory — but strongly advised; if not implanted, pet must wear tags with owner contact information)
• Rabies vaccination record (administered between 30 days and 12 months before entry)
• Additional vaccinations: dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus; cats must be vaccinated against viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and leukemia
• Parasite treatment record (internal and external — recommended, not strictly required)
• Official health certificate, completed within 10 days of entry by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin

Note: An import permit is not required for dogs and cats entering with their owner.

No quarantine is imposed if all requirements are met. Pets not meeting import requirements will be quarantined, returned to the country of origin, or euthanized; all costs are the owner's responsibility.

Sudan does not formally require a rabies titer test. However, Sudan is classified by the World Organisation for Animal Health as a high-rabies-risk country. If the pet will eventually return to its country of origin, a titer test may be required by that country and is recommended regardless.

A government veterinarian will carry out further examination if a pet appears unwell on entry. All associated costs are borne by the importer.

Birds, reptiles, rodents, and other non-standard pets are not subject to rabies vaccination requirements but should have a health certificate and may require additional documentation. CITES-protected species require advance permits from the relevant wildlife authority.

Pre-clearance with authorities before the pet arrives is strongly recommended. Given current conditions in Sudan, importers should confirm that veterinary inspection services are operational at the intended entry point.