Khartoum has been the site of active urban combat between the SAF and RSF since April 2023. The city's infrastructure is severely degraded and the airport is non-operational. It is one of the most dangerous urban environments in the world.
Specialist cover is essential for any non-combatant with an operational need to access Khartoum. Standard insurance will not respond.
Khartoum is rated conflict-level risk with active urban combat. The city's airport is non-operational.
SAF-RSF fighting has extensively damaged infrastructure across all districts. Access requires entry via Port Sudan. Standard insurance will not cover this environment.
Can you get insurance for Khartoum?
We provide specialist insurance for journalists, NGOs, humanitarian workers and contractors with a demonstrable operational need to access Khartoum. Cover is subject to accurate disclosure of your role, itinerary and security arrangements.
Security context
The situation
Khartoum has been at the centre of active urban combat since the outbreak of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. Large parts of the city — including Omdurman, Khartoum North (Bahri) and central Khartoum — have seen sustained artillery exchanges, aerial bombardment and ground fighting. The RSF established control over much of the capital while the SAF retained positions in select military compounds and northern districts.
By 2024–2025, the conflict had displaced an estimated 8 million people from Khartoum, making it one of the largest displacement crises in the world. The city's infrastructure — including hospitals, power stations, water treatment facilities and the international airport — has been extensively damaged. Khartoum International Airport suspended operations following RSF seizure and damage to facilities. Port Sudan has become the operational hub for international organisations maintaining a presence in Sudan.
For non-combatants considering work in Khartoum, the environment represents one of the most dangerous urban operating contexts globally. Active artillery and airstrikes remain live risks. Looting, targeted killings and serious human rights abuses by armed actors have been documented across the city. Humanitarian access to Khartoum is severely restricted and largely dependent on negotiated access with armed factions.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Active urban combat between SAF and RSF
Khartoum has experienced sustained artillery, mortar and aerial bombardment since April 2023. The front lines run through residential districts. Khartoum North, Omdurman and Khartoum state writ large have all seen sustained fighting. Non-combatants face direct risk from crossfire, UXO and targeted attacks by both sides.
Looting, extortion and targeted killings by armed actors
RSF forces and affiliated militia have been documented conducting systematic looting of residential properties, businesses and humanitarian stocks. Targeted killings along ethnic and political lines have been widely reported. Extortion at checkpoints is routine in RSF-controlled areas.
Collapsed medical infrastructure
Sudan Medical Association has documented attacks on over 100 health facilities in Khartoum state. Most hospitals were looted or occupied. Remaining functional facilities are overwhelmed and under-supplied. Medical evacuation to Port Sudan, Addis Ababa or Cairo is required for serious emergencies.
Restricted and dangerous access routes
Khartoum International Airport is non-operational following RSF seizure and damage. Access to Khartoum requires travel via Port Sudan with overland movement through contested territory. All access routes carry serious security risk and require armed escort or negotiated passage.
Emergency support
NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. In Khartoum, evacuation must be planned for via Port Sudan and alternative routes given the airport's non-operational status. NGS coordinates these logistics from the first call.
24/7 response
Round-the-clock support every day of the year
Medical coordination
Coordinating care including evacuation to Port Sudan, Addis Ababa or Cairo
Evacuation support
Managing exit via alternative routes when Khartoum airport is closed
Case management
Handling the incident through to a safer outcome
Exclusions
This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
Related locations
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
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