This journey across eastern Sudan connects the Red Sea coast with the ancient archaeological treasures of the Nile Valley. Beginning in Port Sudan, we travel inland through the landscapes of eastern Sudan towards the remarkable Pyramids of Meroe, with a stop in Atbara along the way. The route then continues through the distinctive mountain environment of Arkaweet before returning to the Red Sea coast and the historic island of Suakin. Combining ancient heritage, remote landscapes and encounters with the character of eastern Sudan, the programme offers an opportunity to experience a fascinating and rarely visited part of the country.
Highlights:
♦ Port Sudan: Discover Sudan’s principal Red Sea port and explore the city during a guided tour.
♦ Atbara: Stop in one of Sudan’s important railway and transport centres as we travel inland towards the archaeological sites of the Nile Valley.
♦ Pyramids of Meroe: Visit the spectacular ancient pyramids of Meroe, rising from the desert landscape and representing one of the most distinctive archaeological legacies of the Kingdom of Kush.
♦ Arkaweet: Travel into the mountains of eastern Sudan and experience a very different landscape from the surrounding desert and coastal regions.
♦ Suakin: Explore the historic remains of Suakin, once an important trading port on the Red Sea, before returning to Port Sudan.
Sudan Visa and Entry Permit Information
Visa Processing Time:
The visa and entry permit application process for Sudan can take up to 60 days, depending on the applicant’s nationality and the relevant approval procedures. For some nationalities, the process may take considerably longer.
Given the current processing time and the remaining timeframe, arranging a trip to Sudan in 2026 may not be practically feasible. We therefore recommend planning your trip for 2027, allowing sufficient time for the application process and all necessary travel arrangements.
How the Application Process Works
1. Documents Required
Each traveller must provide:
- A clear copy of their valid passport.
- One recent passport-sized photograph.
2. Application Preparation and Submission
Our local team in Sudan will prepare and submit the required documentation and coordinate the entry permit application on your behalf.
3. Entry Permit Approval
Once the application has been approved, we will send you the official entry permit document.
4. Boarding Your Flight and Obtaining Your Visa
The approved entry permit will be used to support your boarding arrangements. Upon arrival in Sudan, eligible travellers will complete the visa-on-arrival process at the airport, subject to the applicable immigration requirements and final approval by the authorities.
Important Information Regarding Nationalities
Visa processing times and approval requirements vary depending on nationality. While some applications may be processed within the standard timeframe, others may require additional documentation, further checks, or extended processing periods.
Based on our current experience:
Asian and South American nationals: Applicants from these regions generally experience a smoother and more straightforward visa application process, although approval is not guaranteed.
European nationals, including Irish citizens: Processing requirements and timelines may vary depending on nationality and individual circumstances.
US citizens: Applications are currently subject to more extensive checks and may take up to four months to process.
These timeframes are indicative only and may change depending on the circumstances of each application.
Our Recommendation
Due to the varying processing times and nationality-specific requirements, we strongly recommend contacting us well in advance of your intended departure date. Early preparation will allow sufficient time to assess your eligibility, submit the required documents, and coordinate the necessary arrangements with our local team.
For trips planned in 2027, we recommend beginning the process as early as possible.
View Full ItineraryCurrency fluctuations might cause correction of price at any time.


30.09.2026 12:55
Khiva in short Khiva, Uzbekistan is a walled Silk Road town in the far west of the country, close to the border with Turkmenistan. Its inner town, Itchan Kala, became Uzbekistan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Inside the mud-brick walls you'll find mosques, madrasas, palaces and minarets packed so tightly that you can walk from one gate to the other in about 15 minutes. People still...
29.09.2026 17:37
The story and photographs below were shared with us by our loyal client, Maya Ameratunga, who travelled on our first trip of Journey into the Heart of Darkness. We’re proud to publish this personal travel experience, which reflects the kind of journeys we design - authentic, immersive and off the beaten track. In the heart of Central Africa, it feels like we’re in the midst of...
20.07.2026 09:40
A Cameroon tour delivers more variety in one country than most African itineraries manage across three. Rainforest, volcanic peaks, Sahel savannah, Atlantic beaches and more than 250 ethnic groups sit within a single set of borders - which is why geographers have long called Cameroon "Africa in miniature". It is also one of the continent's least visited destinations, so the crowds you...
15.07.2026 09:02
A Mozambique tour swaps the safari-vehicle crowds for something rarer: 2,500 kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline, coral reefs that rank among the healthiest in Africa, and an Afro-Portuguese culture you will not find anywhere else on the continent. This is a beach-and-culture destination first, a wildlife one second - and that is exactly why it appeals to travellers who have already ticked off...