Cross-border route

Ethiopia Sudan

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Ethiopia into Sudan: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Sudan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.

Get my permit for Sudan Sudan requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromEthiopia

ToSudan

IDP in SudanStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in SudanSDG

Emergency number999

Top speed limit110 km/h on the Khartoum–Port Sudan highway

Ethiopia → Sudan

Crossing the border

Ethiopia and Sudan share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Sudan

Drive on the right.
Sandy desert roads and checkpoints.
Alcohol is prohibited.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Once you're driving in Sudan

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Visitors may legally drive on a home-country licence for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit (or a Sudanese licence) is required, and it must be obtained in your home country before travel as it cannot be issued on arrival.

Tolls & road charges

Sudan has no nationwide electronic toll network; the main long-distance corridor is the Khartoum-Port Sudan highway, and any charges are paid in cash, though ongoing conflict has halted most road maintenance and upgrade projects.

Parking in the cities

There are no formal paid parking apps or colour-coded zones; in Khartoum parking is informal and congested, with vehicles competing for kerb space alongside buses and motorcyclists, and attended lots expect a cash tip.

Fines & camera enforcement

Using a phone while driving is illegal, seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants front and rear, and the blood-alcohol limit is zero; enforcement is manual with on-the-spot cash penalties at checkpoints.

If you have an accident

Stop immediately and do not leave the scene; contact the police (emergency 999) and obtain a report, since third-party liability insurance claims require it. Note the US State Department advises against all travel to Sudan due to armed conflict.

Driving in the capital

Khartoum traffic is heavily congested with buses, cars and motorcyclists weaving across lanes; checkpoints are common and photographing military, bridges or government sites is forbidden and can lead to arrest.

Sources: travel.state.gov · adcidl.com · internationaldrivingpermit.org

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Ethiopia to Sudan?

Yes — Sudan commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Sudan recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Ethiopia and Sudan?

No. Both Ethiopia and Sudan drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Sudan?

In Sudan, dial 999 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 110 km/h on the Khartoum–Port Sudan highway, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Sudan?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.