Sudan · Close Protection & Executive Security
Security in Khartoum, Sudan
Security context for Khartoum, Sudan, amid active civil war. Risk assessment and planning support for monitoring Sudan's security situation.
Planning travel to Khartoum? Speak with a security consultant.
Khartoum is the capital of Sudan and, as of June 2026, is inaccessible due to the active civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began on 15 April 2023. The conflict has transformed Khartoum into a battleground, causing massive civilian displacement, the destruction of infrastructure including the airport, and the collapse of basic services. More than 10 million Sudanese have been displaced according to UNHCR reporting. The FCDO advises against all travel to Sudan, and the US State Department classifies Sudan at Level 4 (Do Not Travel). Diplomatic missions relocated from Khartoum to Port Sudan in 2023.
This page serves as a security context reference for organisations monitoring Sudan for future re-engagement, or managing existing Sudan interests remotely. Remote risk assessment and planning support are available for Sudan-related planning. Essential humanitarian and diplomatic missions to Sudan – typically routed through Port Sudan – are assessed case by case. No provider can make promises about security conditions in an active war zone, and any engagement must be assessed against current conditions at the time. Sources: FCDO Sudan travel advice (2026); US State Dept Sudan Level 4 advisory (2026); UNHCR Sudan situation reports (2024).
For neighbouring countries that share Sudan’s regional security environment, see Juba in South Sudan and Ndjamena in Chad.
Threat Profile
Active Civil War
Sudan has been in civil war since 15 April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Khartoum has been a primary battleground, with sustained urban warfare causing massive civilian displacement, infrastructure destruction, and the collapse of basic services across the city. The FCDO advises against all travel to Sudan. Source: FCDO Sudan travel advice (2026).
Infrastructure and Services Collapse
Khartoum International Airport has been effectively closed and has sustained physical damage since the conflict began in April 2023. Water supply, electricity, and healthcare services across Khartoum have been severely disrupted. Most diplomatic missions relocated to Port Sudan, on the Red Sea coast, in 2023. Basic services in large parts of Khartoum are not functioning.
Humanitarian Crisis
Sudan's civil war has caused one of the world's largest displacement crises. More than 10 million people had been displaced according to UNHCR reporting in 2024, including large-scale displacement from Khartoum. The humanitarian situation in Khartoum and across Sudan is severe. Source: UNHCR Sudan situation reports (2024).
Vetted operators with direct experience in Khartoum
Available Services in Khartoum
Risk Assessment
Remote risk assessment and monitoring of Sudan's conflict situation for organisations with interests in the country.
Planning Support
Security planning support for organisations anticipating a return to Sudan when conditions permit, or managing existing Sudan assets remotely.
Executive Protection
EP support for essential humanitarian and diplomatic missions -- assessed case by case given the active conflict.
Security Drivers
Vetted drivers and security transport are not viable in Khartoum during active warfare. Port Sudan-based operations can be assessed separately.
Security Regulations
Key regulatory requirements for operating security services in Khartoum.
Firearms Policy
Sudan is in active civil conflict. The state security framework is fractured between SAF and RSF control of different areas. There is no viable basis for routine private armed security engagement in Khartoum.
Licensing
Formal private security regulation is not functioning in Khartoum given the civil war. Security planning must be handled through specialist conflict-environment assessment.
Foreign Operators
Routine close protection deployment in Khartoum is not viable during the active conflict. Operations are limited to remote assessment and coordination, primarily run from Port Sudan or regional hubs.
Zone Intelligence
Lower-Risk Areas
- No area of Khartoum can be treated as safe during active warfare. All zones have been affected by the conflict between SAF and RSF.
Elevated-Risk Areas
- Central Khartoum: sustained urban warfare between SAF and RSF.
- Greater Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri (North Khartoum): all affected by fighting and infrastructure collapse.
- Surrounding Khartoum State: control has shifted between parties to the conflict.
Emergency Contacts
ICRC (humanitarian coordination)
Via regional office
UNHCR Sudan
Via Port Sudan office
British Embassy (relocated to Port Sudan)
Via FCDO emergency travel line: +44 20 7008 5000
Important Warnings
- The FCDO advises against all travel to Sudan. Sudan has been in civil war since 15 April 2023, with active urban warfare in Khartoum between the SAF and RSF. This advisory has been in place since April 2023. Source: FCDO Sudan travel advice (2026).
- The US State Department classifies Sudan at Level 4 (Do Not Travel) as of 2026. Source: US State Dept Sudan travel advisory (2026).
- Khartoum International Airport (KRT) has been effectively closed and damaged since April 2023. Port Sudan's airport serves as the current operational gateway for Sudan where travel is possible.
- More than 10 million people have been displaced by Sudan's civil war, according to UNHCR 2024 reporting. The humanitarian situation in Khartoum is severe and the city's infrastructure has been extensively damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
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