These are often fairly expensive, and can be obtained from the Department of Antiquities in Khartoum. The Tourist Information Office in Khartoum will issue visitors with a photography permit. This is essential for anyone wishing to take photographs anywhere in the country, and is issued together with a list of items which may not be photographed. Curfew A curfew operated in most large cities and towns from midnight until 4am. As a result of the war, there is a severe shortage of medicines, trained doctors and hospital equipment in the Sudan.
Many serious diseases are common, particularly malaria, hepatitis, dysentery, and bilharzia.
All visitors are strongly recommended to take out a good health insurance policy before travelling. Recommended vaccinations are yellow fever, cholera, typhoid, tetanus and meningitis. A mosquito net and repellent cream are both essential, especially if you are travelling south of Khartoum. Water is rarely safe to drink straight from the tap, even in the larger cities. Boiling all water or the use of water purification tablets or boiled water is strongly recommended.