Moving to Sudan

Country Guide

Country Guide: Sudan

Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.

Updated: August 31, 2016

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Sudanese National ID number (for Sudanese nationals)
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
  • Detailed inventory in English or Arabic, dated, valued, and signed by the owner of the goods
  • Letter of employment
  • Diplomatic exemption form (the diplomatic organization will apply with Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA))
  • Yellow copy of MFA form has to be sent by the Ministry to Sudan Customs (diplomatic organization will chase that)

Specific Information

  • Agent should receive documents 4 days prior to arrival of the shipment.
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 1 week for sea and 48 hours for air shipments.
  • CDs, DVDs, scanners, and printers included in the shipment can delay Customs clearance, as Customs must screen all items and may require permits for printers / scanners.
  • Customs taxes and duties will be levied by Sudanese Customs, determined through evaluation of the value of items.
  • All non-diplomatic shipments are inspected and are subject to inspection fees.
  • Import taxes must be paid for all non-diplomats and returning Sudanese.
Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Original registration card / registration certificate
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
  • Original purchase invoice (new vehicles) / commercial invoice
  • Certificate of origin
  • Diplomatic exemption MFA form (the diplomatic organization will apply with Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Yellow copy of MFA form has to be sent by the Ministry to Sudan Customs (diplomatic organization will chase that)

Specific Information

  • Diplomats need an approved permit before a motor vehicle can be shipped, afterward the owner of the goods can start processing MFA Form No.1 duty free exemption via the MFA.
  • Chassis and engine number must be identified on the OBL or AWB.
  • All vehicles must be brand new and current year models – also applies to diplomatic owners of the goods.
  • Second-hand vehicles are prohibited.
Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary certificate
  • AWB

Specific Information

  • Pre-clearance has to be done before the pet arrives to Sudan.
  • Duties may be charged on all incoming pets.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
  • Firearms and ammunition (permit issued by the Ministry of Interior is required)
  • Satellite dish (special authorization from Ministry of Communications is required for returning residents)
  • Plants
  • Food items, including seeds (permission from the Ministry of Interior is required)
  • Photocopiers and printers (permission is required)
  • Foreign currency (must be declared)
  • Alcohol
  • Narcotics / pharmaceuticals / medicines
Prohibited Items
  • Unlawful drugs
  • Alcohol
  • Pornographic materials
  • Potassium bromides
  • Counterfeit items
  • Weapons (firearms, swords, knives, etc.) this includes real, ornamental, toy, and antique
  • Weapon parts
  • Ammunition
Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook Entry for Sudan

Wikipedia Entry for Sudan