Sudan work visa: employer sponsorship, aid workers and residence

Sudan's missions list work as one of the purposes on the entry visa form, next to humanitarian (NGO) assignments. The Washington embassy applies one set of requirements to business, work, humanitarian and other visas. The visa lets you enter for the job; your stay is then regularised in Sudan by the Aliens Affairs Department of the General Directorate of Passports and Immigration, which in January 2026 resumed issuing residence permits, visas and entry and exit permits to foreigners.

Staff of international organisations are handled differently: their Khartoum offices request visas from the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Washington embassy asks for the signed application form, a passport valid for at least six months, one photo and a letter from the sponsoring organisation or company describing the work, the duration of stay, a statement of financial responsibility and references in Sudan. Applicants who are not US citizens add a copy of their US residence permit. Sponsorship letters from uncertified companies are refused.

For humanitarian work, the Washington embassy wants the certificate issued by the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), available from the sending organisation's office. The Hague embassy asks NGO staff for the organisation's valid registration certificate for humanitarian work in Sudan, a letter from the organisation sent through the HAC, and a CV. The Hague's online checklist also mentions labour office approval, the sponsor's guarantee and a health certificate as supporting papers.

The Washington embassy charges USD 154 and asks applicants to allow up to 10 working days; travel bookings do not speed this up. The Berlin embassy lists EUR 80 for a humanitarian aid visa. The Hague quotes two to three weeks. Missions do not publish separate work visa fees beyond these.

The employer or organisation in Sudan applies for your entry permit at the Ministry of Interior; aid agencies route their request through the HAC. When the permit has been approved and forwarded, you submit your documents at the Sudanese embassy where you live.

After arrival, arrange your residence permit with the Aliens Affairs Department through your sponsor. The authorities are tightening control of foreign workers: the Aliens Affairs Department carries out field inspections, Gezira State announced a full count of foreigners in August 2026 with an awareness programme on residence rules, required permits and penalties, and a Khartoum committee warned that it will take legal action against citizens who employ, shelter or rent property to irregular foreigners. Working without the proper residence can lead to detention and removal.