Employees and their dependents due to the continued threat from armed conflict in Sudan.
Sudan Visa Services Suspension. On April 22, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations. The Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. direct hire employees and their dependents. This was due to the continued threat from Sudan Visa Services Suspension. According to the visa policy of the United States, the citizens of Sudan must apply for a US B1/B2 Visa if they plan to travel to the US for business or tourism purposes. Although NVC strives to schedule appointments within three months of NVC’s acceptance of all requested documentation, this timeframe is subject to the operating status and capacity of the consular section. The validity of a Sudan tourist visa is between one week to three months. However, for more reliable information, contact the embassy or consulate of Sudan once they issue you the visa. Do not travel to Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. The conflict in Sudan has entered a fifth month. It has caused millions to flee the worsening civil war.
DOS Suspends Visa Services in Sudan — summary for applicants
The U.S. Department of State has suspended routine consular operations and visa services in Khartoum because of the security situation. The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended operations on April 22, 2023 and has not resumed routine visa processing. More recently, the Department of State announced a broader set of entry and visa restrictions. These—effective June 9, 2025—include a full suspension of visa issuance to Sudanese nationals for most immigrant and nonimmigrant categories. This is subject to narrow exceptions.
What this means in practice: applicants in Sudan cannot get immigrant or nonimmigrant visas in Khartoum. They must expect long delays, redirected interviews at other U.S. posts, or denial of routine appointments. This will continue until the suspension is lifted. Evacuation and consular support for non-U.S. citizens is limited. U.S. citizens are advised to follow embassy guidance.
Immediate steps applicants should take
- Check official guidance on travel.state.gov and the U.S. Embassy page for Sudan before doing anything—these pages carry the authoritative country-status updates.
- Prepare to apply at another consular post: collect certified civil documents, translations, photos, and proof of eligibility. This will help you book an appointment at a designated third-country post if that option opens.
- Preserve records and receipts (I-130s, prior approvals, passports, birth/marriage certificates) because transfers or reopening of cases will go faster with complete files.
- Monitor exceptions (e.g., certain diplomatic, immediate-relative, or other narrowly defined travel categories may still be processed) and consult counsel quickly if you think you qualify.