Reported by Kay Finley:
Entry into Suakin was made so easy by working with Mohammed, the local Agent, who we had been in contact with, prior to arrival.
On arrival, we got no response when we called Port Control on VHF channel 14, but we proceded to the anchorage.
Mohammed came to see us on the boat with the health official for our PCR tests, took our passports, crew list and 2 passport photos.
When he came back next day with our Sudan cruising passport, we were free to go ashore.
He also brought a Sim card and some local currency to get us started.
Amazing service and a lovely man who understands cruisers needs.
The total cost for clearance was $250 which includes the Agent fee of $50, port fees, and the shore passes plus a sailing permit that allows you to stop in different anchorages heading north.
After we checked out of Suakin, we had to come back in after a couple of weeks because of engine troubles, and we had to pay the $200 again, because we had already checked out. But we found a good diesel mechanic here, through Mohammed, so it was worth it.
There is no PCR test here. They accept the results of the previous port.
While in Suakin, Mohammed brought Jerry cans of fuel out to the boat plus huge blocks of ice when our fridge broke down, at no extra cost. He also brought out a fridge specialist, who got our fridge working again.
He is the best Agent we have come across by far.
He is honest, a real gentleman and understands cruisers needs.
We are still in Sudan, in Marsa Oseif, waiting for weather to continue heading north, and Mohammed is still helping us with our Sim card top ups.
Sudan is such a bleak barren coastline, but we have found some really nice safe Marsas to anchor, on the way north.