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Sudan - Dec 14th, 2004

This Travel Warning is being re-issued to remind Americans of continued terrorist threats aimed at Western and U.S. interests, and update them on concerns regarding the security situation in Sudan. This supersedes the Travel Warning of June 30, 2004.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all unnecessary travel to Sudan. Although the two parties to the long-running civil war are negotiating a peace accord to end the war, travel in the south is still dangerous. In addition, there is fighting in Darfur and a serious humanitarian crisis continues throughout western Sudan. The government of Sudan has declared certain areas of the country off limits to foreigners.

As noted in previous Travel Warnings for Sudan, the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests in Sudan. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or western interests. As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds.

Sporadic fighting has continued between Sudanese government forces, the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army (SPLA), and various militias in the southern and western parts of the country. The ceasefire in the Nuba Mountains generally has been respected, but any travel outside of the capital city of Khartoum is potentially dangerous. Travel into opposition-held areas of Sudan requires a specific travel permit from the SPLA or other rebel movements controlling the territory. Due to the potential for banditry and general lawlessness in some rural areas, land travel at night should be avoided. The U.S. Government remains seriously concerned about aviation safety, especially aircraft operated by Sarit Airlines.

There have been demonstrations in Khartoum in the past against United States foreign policy. In some instances, demonstrators have thrown rocks at the U.S. Embassy and Westerners. Americans should avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

The U.S. Embassy's ability to provide consular services, including emergency assistance, is severely limited. There is no consular officer resident in Sudan on a regular basis. Information describing the services available for American citizens can be found on the web site of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo: http://www.usembassy.egnet.net/sudan.htm.

U.S. citizens who remain in or travel to Sudan despite this Warning are encouraged to register their presence via the Internet through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also visit the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum to register and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Sudan. The Embassy in Sudan is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum. The mailing address is P.O. Box 699, Khartoum, Sudan. The telephone number is (249) 183-774-701 (0183-774-701 inside Sudan); fax (249) 183-774-137 (0183-774-137 inside Sudan). The after-hours emergency number is (249) 183-774-705 (0183-444-705 inside Sudan). The workweek in Khartoum is Sunday through Thursday.

American travelers to southern Sudan are also encouraged to register via the Internet, or directly with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. The Embassy in Kenya is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254)(20) 363-6000; facsimile (254)(20) 363-6410. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254)(20) 363-6170. The Embassy's international mailing address is P.O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya. Mail using U.S. domestic postage may be addressed to Unit 64100, APO AE 09831, USA.

Further information on Sudan may be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Sudan, and the East Africa Public Announcement, on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. Updates to security conditions may be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or 317-472-2328 from overseas.

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