Sudan
North Africa · Africa · Physician brief
Armed conflict — travel strongly discouraged
Sudan has been affected by widespread armed conflict since April 2023, with severe disruption to infrastructure and healthcare. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) advises against travel. Anyone who must travel should arrange comprehensive security and medical-evacuation support in advance.
Swiss FDFA / EDA travel advice ↗ · Updated 2026
Cholera — widespread active transmission
Active cholera transmission is widespread in Sudan. Maintain strict food and water hygiene; the oral cholera vaccine may be considered for aid/health workers and those in higher-risk settings.
CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026
Yellow fever — recommended south of the Sahara
YF vaccine is recommended for travelers ≥9 months going to areas south of the Sahara Desert; it is not needed for Khartoum or the desert/northern areas. A YF certificate is NOT required for entry from Switzerland, but may be required if arriving from another YF-risk country.
CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026
Meningitis belt — seasonal meningococcal risk
Sudan lies in the African meningitis belt. Meningococcal vaccination is recommended for travelers visiting affected areas during the dry season (roughly December–June) and for close contact with the local population.
CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
HighMalaria risk is high in all areas of Sudan. P. falciparum strongly predominates (~90%) and is chloroquine-resistant. Chemoprophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine) is recommended for all travelers, together with aggressive bite prevention.
- Risk area
- All areas, high risk
- Species
- P. falciparum ~90%, P. vivax 5–10%
- Resistance
- Chloroquine-resistant
- Prevention
- Chemoprophylaxis for all travelers + bite protection
Yellow fever
HighYellow fever vaccine is recommended for travelers ≥9 months going to areas south of the Sahara Desert; it is not needed for Khartoum or the northern desert areas. Not required for entry from Switzerland, but a certificate may be required if arriving from another YF-risk country.
- CDC
- Recommended south of the Sahara
- No risk
- Khartoum / northern desert areas
- Entry rule
- Not required from Switzerland
Dengue
ModerateDengue is transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes and occurs in Sudan, including periodic outbreaks (notably in eastern areas around Port Sudan). Daytime mosquito-bite prevention is the main protection alongside malaria measures.
- Distribution
- Present; periodic outbreaks (e.g. east)
- Mosquito
- Aedes — bites during daytime
General prevention
Food & water
Strict food and water precautions are essential — active cholera transmission is widespread. Drink only bottled or treated water, avoid ice and unpeeled produce, and eat thoroughly cooked food. Healthcare access is severely limited; the country has been affected by ongoing armed conflict since 2023.
Mosquito protection
Aggressive mosquito-bite prevention (DEET or picaridin repellent, long sleeves, treated bed nets) is essential — malaria risk is high in most areas. Dengue and sand-fly-borne leishmaniasis also occur; avoid tick bites (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, African tick-bite fever). Meningococcal disease risk rises in the dry season.
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
Visiting more than one country?
Build a combined itinerary and get merged recommendations across all destinations.
This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.