How to Book Travel on Sudan Airways

Sudan Airways is by far the safest and most "commercial" way to travel in the Sudan. They offer meals in-flight, duty-free shopping and most other amenities common on airlines world-wide. They have offices in 15 African countries and the United Kingdom, and fly to many cities throughout Africa and the Middle East, as well as to locations within the Sudan. They have recently added London's Heathrow Airport to their list of destinations and hope to expand to selected cities in the European Union. Follow these steps to book a flight.

Things You'll Need

• Credit card
• Passport
• A computer with Internet access

Instructions

Book Travel on Sudan Airways

1. Explore the Sudan Airways Web site (see Resources below) for schedules, destinations, route maps and general travel information. This will help you to focus travel plans on your preferred destination and activities. To book your tickets, call the airline's office in the United Kingdom at 011 (+44) (0)20 7631 3373.

2. Find a travel agent. While the Web site promises that it will soon be possible to book tickets online, it is best to get expert help when dealing with non-Western customs. A travel agent will also know the best way to obtain a passport and the necessary visa.

3. See your doctor for the recommended cholera and yellow fever vaccinations. Be sure to get them far enough in advance so they will work.

4. Travel with a group for safety and convenience, unless you're accustomed to Sudanese culture. It's also easier to get a letter of recommendation from the government for a group. Such a letter is required before foreigners can be issued a visa.

5. Apply at the Khartoum Passport and Immigration Office for a special permit if you wish to travel outside the capital city. This will involve additional paperwork and fees.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that your luggage meets all weight, size and contents standards.

• This airline does not currently offer an online booking feature.

• Getting through the Khartoum International Airport often takes a lot of time, but complaining does more harm than good. Stay cool and resign yourself to the wait.

• Flights are difficult to come by on Friday, the Muslim day of worship.

• No matter how safe and friendly the airline, it is still not a good idea to travel to the Sudan as a tourist. Any location outside of Khartoum, and especially in the southern part of the country, is subject to the violence of the civil war there. Read the U.S. State Department's travel warning (see Resources below).

• While primarily Islamic, the Sudan does not require foreign women to wear veils or head coverings. Still, females should be careful to dress conservatively.