Not useful, but an amusing tale re a visit to Khartoum by a traveler with connections there:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=2263054
This traveler's blog points out that getting a Sudanese visa in Cairo is (relatively) quick and easy:
http://whereiskachangas.weebly.com/3...ion-sudan.html
but another contributed this (June 2012):
Re visas for Americans: I was denied my visa in both Cairo and Aswan for Sudan. All other nationalities had their visas within an hour.
They wanted me to have a Sudanese sponsor with written verification, that I didnt have. They said they would send my application to Khartoum and have an answer back within two weeks.
If you are American, be prepared with this letter. Price for visa in Aswan is $50 US or 300 EL.