Sudan Travel Advisory: Canada Says Avoid All Travel

# Critical Update: Canada Issues Highest-Level Warning for Sudan Travel

**If you’re an Ottawa traveller with plans to visit Sudan—or if you have family there—this update from the Government of Canada demands your immediate attention.** As of April 20, 2026, Sudan remains under a **Level 4 — Avoid All Travel** advisory, the most severe warning issued by Canadian authorities.

This isn’t a routine update. The advisory reflects an ongoing armed conflict that has created one of the world’s most dangerous environments for civilians and foreigners alike.

## What This Advisory Really Means

In plain terms: **do not go to Sudan under any circumstances.** The Government of Canada cannot guarantee your safety or provide consular assistance within the country. Canadian evacuation flights concluded some time ago, and if you’re currently in Sudan, authorities urge you to leave immediately if it’s safe to do so.

The conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army, paramilitary forces, and affiliated armed groups continues unabated. Fighting spans the entire country, including the capital Khartoum, with no signs of resolution.

## The Reality on the Ground

Recent drone attacks on Port Sudan—previously considered a safer exit point—demonstrate how rapidly the security situation deteriorates. Violence has directly targeted civilians, including sexual violence, and foreigners working with international organizations have been attacked.

Beyond the immediate threat of armed conflict, basic survival has become extraordinarily difficult. Essential services including hospitals, banks, electricity, and telecommunications have collapsed across much of the country. Access to food, clean water, medications, and fuel remains severely limited. Khartoum’s international airport is closed, and Port Sudan New International Airport—the only functioning civilian airport—faces drone attacks and may close without warning.

## If Travel Is Absolutely Unavoidable

Ottawa travellers should understand that even with urgent family or humanitarian reasons, travel to Sudan carries life-threatening risks that extend beyond conflict zones. The healthcare infrastructure has largely collapsed, meaning even treatable conditions become medical emergencies.

**Before any high-risk travel, a comprehensive travel health consultation is critical.** While no vaccine can protect against armed conflict, ensuring you’re immunized against diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, and meningitis reduces additional health threats. A travel health physician can also prescribe emergency medications, advise on water purification, and help assemble a robust medical kit—essential when hospitals are non-functional.

For Ottawa residents with family in Sudan, our travel health team can provide guidance on medical supplies to send and health documentation needed for potential evacuations.

## Stay Informed, Stay Safe

The security situation in Sudan remains unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Monitor official Canadian government advisories daily if you have any connection to this crisis.