Sudan
SudanWhat this score means
- Extreme75 to 100
- Severe and systematic. Device search, interception and detention over online activity are documented rather than theoretical. Reconsider what you carry and what you say.
- High50 to 74
- Substantial and consistently evidenced measures. Device inspection, monitored networks or restricted services should be expected rather than treated as unlikely.
- Caution25 to 49
- Some risk, and manageable with precautions. Measures are evidenced but are narrow, inconsistently applied, or the picture is mixed.
- Low0 to 24
- Ordinary precautions. No systematic device search, network restriction or prosecution of visitors for online speech is evidenced.
Government travel advice is written for one citizenry, so the same country carries a different assessment depending on your passport. Change it in the header.
Showing the baseline, which weights every issuer equally. No government in our corpus publishes travel advice written for you, so this is not addressed to you specifically.
For United Kingdom nationals: 76 (extreme). This leans on advice written for British nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 14 percent for the relationship between United Kingdom and this destination.The United Kingdom maintains a sanctions regime in respect of Sudan under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. Source.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Europe nationals: 80 (extreme). This leans on advice written for German nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 14 percent for the relationship between Europe and this destination.The European Union maintains restrictive measures in this respect: Restrictive measures in view of the situation in Sudan Source.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 43 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For United States nationals: 73 (high). This leans on advice written for US nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between United States and this destination.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Canada nationals: 73 (high). This leans on advice written for Canadian nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Canada and this destination.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Latin America and the Caribbean nationals: 72 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Latin America and the Caribbean, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean and this destination.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 33 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Africa nationals: 72 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Africa, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Africa and this destination.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 53 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Middle East nationals: 72 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Middle East, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Middle East and this destination.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 18 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For South Asia nationals: 72 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for South Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between South Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For East and South East Asia nationals: 72 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for East and South East Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between East and South East Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 19 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Oceania nationals: 72 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Oceania, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Oceania and this destination.For most passports in this region, Sudan requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
Dimensions
Each dimension is scored independently, because the traveller who cares about legal exposure for what they have posted is often not the one carrying client data. Higher means more risk.
Speech and legal exposure
What legal risk attaches to what I have said online, or say while I am there?
good confidence11 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 70% of full strength.
Why this score (19 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored SDN 1 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Freedom House 2026 scored SDN 0 of 4 on free and independent media.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored SDN 2.16 of 4 on how routinely the government censors political content on social media, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored SDN 0.82 of 4 on how often people are arrested for political content they posted online, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Sudan - Level 4: Do Not Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-05-15 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Sudan: avoid_all_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-05-11 · written for GBR nationals
Sudan: Avoid all travel
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-13 · written for CAN nationals
Sudan: Reisewarnung: travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-08-25 · written for DEU nationals
On 17 July 2024, the SAF military intelligence arrested Omar Mohamed Omar, after he criticised the governor of North Kordofan in the state of South Sudan on his personal Facebook page for the lack of services and the worsening water crisis in the state due to the conflict.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-30 · extracted by language model
The past period has witnessed a significant escalation in violations against journalists, including killings, arrests, threats, and incitement campaigns in newspapers, websites and social media, in addition to displacement, arbitrary dismissal, confiscation of work tools, and restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information, in clear violation of international conventions that guarantee freedom of the press and the protection of journalists during conflicts.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-05-03 · extracted by language model
On May 18, 2026, authorities arrested Oshi, a program host for local private television channel AlBalad TV, in Port Sudan after a Sudanese court sentenced her that same day to one year in prison and fined her 10 million Sudanese pounds (USD $16,653), according to news reports .
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-05-22 · extracted by language model
A court in El Gedaref has sentenced Resistance Committees member Ayman Hariri to six months in prison and fined him 2,000,000 SDG over a Facebook post yesterday, triggering widespread condemnation from political figures, lawyers, and civil groups.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-01-12 · extracted by language model
Ibrahim was thought to have been detained by RSF fighters, a fact that was confirmed in a video released by the RSF on 3 November in which Ibrahim is accused of being biased , and himself states that the investigation against him is due to his description of the RSF as a militia.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-11-07 · extracted by language model
The journalist was reportedly held for 36 hours without charge, and was interrogated by a military investigator, who criticised his public statements calling for the end of the war.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-30 · extracted by language model
SLM–TC confirmed Yaqoub and Nazar’s detention to local news outlets after accusing the journalists of provocation and media incitement, according to the local journalist.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-08 · extracted by language model
“The detention and travel ban imposed on Emtithal Abdel Fadil by the Sudanese Armed Forces are clear acts of harassment meant to intimidate reporters covering the war,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-04-24 · extracted by language model
Activists explained to Radio Dabanga that Military Intelligence and the GIS collaborate to detain anyone who opposes the war or calls for its cessation.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-04-22 · extracted by language model
The 2020 amendments, criminalising the spread of ‘fake news’ online, introduced even harsher restrictions that severely impact journalists and their reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search · observed 2022-12-14 · extracted by language model
Authorities in Sudan’s eastern state of Kassala have detained a young tribal leader after a social media post criticising an official statement by Kassala’s security committee about a deadly explosion involving a tractor-trailer in the area of Abu Talha on Monday.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-05-21 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
3 excluded sources
- Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search, observed 2018-07-01: aged out after 8 years.
- Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-05-07: aged out after 2 years.
- Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-28: aged out after 3 years.
Surveillance and interception
How comprehensively are communications intercepted, retained, and monitored, and is commercial spyware in use?
good confidence4 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 54% of full strength.
Why this score (9 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored SDN 1 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored SDN 1.10 of 4 on how comprehensively the government monitors social media and private online communication, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored SDN 2.07 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer. This measures what privacy law permits rather than what monitoring is practised, so it is read here as a constraint on interception rather than a measurement of it.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2025 scored SDN 0.14 of 1 on whether freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed, a measure built from expert assessments of warrantless interception of communications.
World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6 · observed 2025-01-01
Behind the screens of mobile phones, emergency room volunteers run a large-scale activity to collect donations and coordinate among themselves to provide relief to civilians amid the war, but the cyberspace in which they move has become full of dangers, as they are tracked, monitored, and then arrested, and some social media applications such as WhatsApp have been restricted by the Sudanese government, led by the army, which has hindered the activity of volunteers.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-10-12 · extracted by language model
These tactics have since been adopted by SAF and RSF intelligence, who reportedly use advanced technology from Israel and Egypt and rely on security alliances in the UAE, according to Baba.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-11-11 · extracted by language model
In a post on his Facebook yesterday, his brother, Mutasim Saadok, said that the assailants, “without presenting any warrant, demanded he accompany them,” and that attempts to fabricate charges by monitoring his social media had failed.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-01-22 · extracted by language model
Even when foreign journalists and media personnel are granted access to the country, they remain under strict surveillance by both warring factions, preventing them from obtaining credible information.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-08-23 · extracted by language model
They pointed to systematic surveillance and inspection campaigns targeting political activists at the entrances and crossings of the state.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-04-22 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Border device risk
How likely is my device to be searched, imaged, or seized at the border, and can I be compelled to unlock it?
good confidence5 independent sources
Why this score (6 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored SDN 0 of 4 on due process in civil and criminal matters.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Sudan - Level 4: Do Not Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-05-15 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Sudan: avoid_all_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-05-11 · written for GBR nationals
Sudan: Avoid all travel
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-13 · written for CAN nationals
Sudan: Reisewarnung: travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-08-25 · written for DEU nationals
In diesem Zusammenhang können bei Einreise nach Sudan Überprüfungen von Mobiltelefonen und Laptops stattfinden, die gegebenenfalls beschlagnahmt werden.
Our translation: In this context, checks of mobile phones and laptops may take place upon entry into Sudan, and they may be confiscated if necessary.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Connectivity continuity
How likely am I to lose access to the internet, or to the specific tools I depend on?
good confidence10 independent sources
Why this score (18 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored SDN 0.50 of 4 on how often the government shuts down domestic access to the internet, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored SDN 0.70 of 4 on how routinely the government filters internet content in practice, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded 0 confirmed and 50 anomalous results across 1,072 web connectivity measurements in SDN over the 30 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 0.00 percent.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Sudan in the 7 days to 2026-10-16, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,873.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-16
Sudan - Level 4: Do Not Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-05-15 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Sudan: avoid_all_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-05-11 · written for GBR nationals
Sudan: Avoid all travel
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-13 · written for CAN nationals
Sudan: Reisewarnung: travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-08-25 · written for DEU nationals
On July 25, Sudan’s military-led government imposed a ban on voice calls via WhatsApp, as a result of what it called security threats and the protection of national security.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-10-12 · extracted by language model
The situation has remained largely unchanged since late 2025, with internet shutdowns and deliberate disruptions continuing across Sudan, leaving large parts of the population without reliable access to news and independent reporting, further impeding documentation of human rights violations and leaving the media landscape vulnerable to disinformation.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-04-16 · extracted by language model
She explained that the warring parties wield the power to seize devices, damage servers and order telecoms companies to restrict access in part or all of Sudan.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-02-24 · extracted by language model
Sudan’s Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority has announced a nationwide block on voice and video calls via WhatsApp, effective Friday, 25 July, citing national security concerns.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-21 · extracted by language model
The local and foreign media face a similar predicament, unable to adequately report on the humanitarian crisis affecting refugees and displaced people due to restrictions, communication disruptions, and internet outages.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-08-23 · extracted by language model
The Sudan uprising in 2018 marked the beginning of an increasing trend of internet shutdowns, especially during political unrest, national exams , and military coups .
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2024-08-14 · extracted by language model
Internet and mobile phone services may be unavailable for prolonged periods.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
Waleed Abdelmajeed, an employee at Zain Telecommunications, told Radio Dabanga that communication networks are currently completely down in Darfur, while the region’s telecommunications infrastructure has been affected by 40% due to the looting of copper cables, generators, spare parts, and solar panels.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-02-26 · extracted by language model
Internet shutdowns and disruptions have restricted access to information while social media became a battleground of propaganda and misinformation by both warring parties.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-30 · extracted by language model
Access Now documented four Sudanese communications shutdowns in 2025, most notably the ban on WhatsApp and communications blackouts surrounding El Fasher, during the RSF’s final assault on the city and the mass killings that followed.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-02-24 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
5 excluded sources
- Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-22: aged out after 3 years.
- Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-05: aged out after 3 years.
- SMEX, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-10-15: aged out after 2 years.
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2024-08-20: aged out after 2 years.
- Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-02-25: aged out after 3 years.
Network threat
How hostile is the network environment to a foreign visitor, from state actors and criminals alike?
moderate confidence4 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 66% of full strength.
Why this score (4 sources)
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, Technical pillar: 14.47 of 20.
International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index · observed 2024-12-31
Freedom House scored Sudan 5 of 25 on obstacles to access in Freedom on the Net, a category covering state control over internet infrastructure and gateways, regulatory and ownership control over service providers, and the independence of the regulator.
Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access · observed 2025-01-01
The warring factions in Sudan are leveraging cyber attacks against independent media they cannot reach physically.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-11-11 · extracted by language model
In March 2025, an ERR member in Khartoum received death threats on social media and in person from a member of an armed group.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-30 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Encryption and VPN legality
Are VPNs and strong encryption lawful, and can I be required to install an application or hand over keys?
moderate confidence2 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 63% of full strength.
Why this score (2 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored SDN 1.10 of 4 on whether the government regulates the internet in a way consistent with international human rights standards, where higher is freer. This does not establish whether encryption or VPN use is lawful. It measures internet regulation in general, and is used as indirect evidence because the only survey that reads encryption law directly was published in 2019.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Hamouda noted that no clear law bans VPN use, making the block difficult to enforce in practice.
Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-21 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Data jurisdiction
What happens to corporate or client data I carry into the jurisdiction?
moderate confidence1 independent source
Why this score (1 source)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored SDN 2.07 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Trend
The overall score is up 1.4 points over 61 days, from 67.8 to 69.2. Most movement is the event overlay decaying rather than anything happening: a news signal loses half its weight every three weeks, so a score drifts back toward its structural baseline on its own. A step that holds is the one worth reading.
Check this yourself
These are not inputs to the score for Sudan. They are where to look if you want to test what is above against something we did not use.
- OONI ExplorerMeasured tests of website and app blocking, updated continuously by volunteers running probes in country. Not used in our scores: its licence forbids commercial use.
- IODA outage recordThe full outage history behind any continuity events shown above, including the measurement methods that detected them.
- FCDO travel adviceThe UK government view, written for UK nationals.
- US State Department travel advisoriesThe US government view, written for US nationals.
Sources
This assessment draws on 17 sources: ARTICLE 19, via a site scoped search; Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise; CIVICUS Monitor country updates; Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search; Freedom House, Freedom in the World; Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access; Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis; Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories; Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search; Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search; International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index; Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data; Radio Dabanga, via a site scoped search; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice; US Department of State, Travel Advisories; V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project; World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6. Every contributing claim is quoted with its origin and date above. Model version 0.12.0, computed 2026-10-16.
If something here is wrong, say so. Corrections are handled in public, and we correct because the evidence is wrong, not because someone objects.