Egypt continues voluntary return train for Sudanese refugees amid worsening conditions
Egypt's special “return train” for Sudanese refugees, launched in July 2025, continues to operate, having transported 42,944 passengers by December 2025. The service is marketed as voluntary return, yet refugees face legal uncertainty in Egypt and insecure conditions in Sudan.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- The return train service remains active and is still described as voluntary return
- Timing
- Service started in July 2025 and continues beyond December 2025
- Who is affected
- Sudanese refugees currently in Egypt who consider returning home
The details
Background of the return train
Egypt introduced a dedicated rail and bus route in July 2025 to move Sudanese refugees from Cairo to Aswan and onward to Khartoum. The initiative was presented as a voluntary repatriation option for those wishing to leave Egypt.
- By December 2025 the service had carried 42,944 Sudanese passengers
- The journey combines a train segment to Aswan followed by bus transfers toward Khartoum
Challenges faced by refugees in Egypt
Since the war began in April 2023, Egypt has hosted over 250,000 Sudanese nationals, initially under visa‑exempt rules that ended in June 2023. Registration with UNHCR and subsequent residence‑permit applications have become lengthy and uncertain, with some appointments scheduled years into the future.
- UNHCR registration centres reduced from three to one in 2025
- Residence‑permit appointments reported up to 273 days in early 2024 and as far as October 2027 by March 2025
Conditions in Sudan and implications of return
The conflict in Sudan has intensified, with drone attacks on El‑Obeid in July 2026 and large‑scale violence in El‑Fasher in October 2025. Humanitarian assistance remains severely under‑funded, leaving many returnees without shelter, basic services or security.
- UNHCR and IOM report 15.4 million people need emergency shelter in Sudan
- Only about 936,000 have received assistance so far
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with a booked seat on the return train should verify departure dates with Egyptian authorities as schedules may change.
- Those planning to remain in Egypt must consider the prolonged UNHCR registration and residence‑permit waiting times.
Cost and documents
- No new fees for the return train have been announced; existing travel costs remain unchanged.
- Refugees should retain any UNHCR registration proof and residence‑permit documents when boarding the train.
What you need to do
- Sudanese refugees considering return should confirm the train schedule and any required travel documents before departure.
- Applicants awaiting UNHCR registration or residence permits should monitor appointment notifications for possible delays.
Who this affects
-
Sudanese refugees currently in Egypt
They are the primary users of the return train and face legal and economic pressures in Egypt.
What to do May choose to board the train, but must keep UNHCR and residence‑permit documents ready.
-
Sudanese refugees awaiting UNHCR registration
Registration delays affect their ability to travel or obtain residence permits.
What to do Should continue to monitor appointment notices and maintain contact with UNHCR offices.
-
Humanitarian agencies operating in Egypt and Sudan
They need to adapt assistance plans to the ongoing return flows and deteriorating conditions in Sudan.
What to do Must coordinate with Egyptian authorities and monitor shelter funding gaps.
-
European policymakers monitoring migration routes
Sudanese returnees may later attempt onward migration toward Europe via Libya and the Mediterranean.
What to do Should consider the impact of return conditions on future migration pressures.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Egypt‑Sudan return train still operating?
Yes, the service launched in July 2025 continues to run, with nearly 43,000 passengers transported by December 2025.
Do refugees need a visa to board the return train?
The train is marketed as a voluntary return option; the source does not mention any new visa requirement for boarding.
How long does UNHCR registration take for Sudanese refugees in Egypt?
Registration appointments can be delayed for months or years; some applicants received dates in 2026 after applying in 2024‑2025.
What are the risks for refugees returning to Sudan now?
Sudan faces ongoing drone attacks, destroyed infrastructure and severe shelter shortages, with only a fraction of the 15.4 million in need receiving assistance.
Can the return train be used as a pathway to Europe?
While the train brings refugees back to Sudan, many later travel through Libya and the Mediterranean, contributing to increased Sudanese arrivals in Europe.
