Why is crossing the Egypt-Sudan border by road prohibited?
 

Any one know why there is no border on land.

Why do you (we) have to take the ferry to pass from Egypt into Sudan?

Seems very strange to me.

Not only to you. In 2001 (when we've been in Assuan) there were rumors one relative of a high politician owns the ferry. But these were only rumors. In the arabic countries are a lot of rules which seem to be strange - in our point of view. If you are looking for alternative ways, have a look at Redbuggy
But this is always a question of the amount of risk to take and the respect for the country you are a guest of.

Regards Peter

While in Rome, do as the Romans do
 

Well summarised Peter.

I have read a series of posts recently, mainly relating to the region of South America, wherein the general theme is indignation at the thought, or act, of paying bribes (or heaven forbid, bona fide fines) for infringing local laws.
Some of these same people want to travel through those countries while willfully ignoring the local laws regarding insurance requirements, traffic regulations such as speed limits and the like - sometimes they want to travel "on the cheap" but in other cases it is simply bravado.

"While in Arabia, do as the Arabs do".

Part of the reason is that the road route down is along the coast, which goes through the "no mans land" between the sudanese/egyptian *administrative* border and the sudanese/egyptian *political* border. You can do private tours down to the camel market at Shelatin (on/near the administrative border), but it has to be done with a guide because the road goes through a heavily militarized zone near that(those) border(s) and travel through is restricted. We talked our way through lots of checkpoints in other parts of egypt, but weren't even going to try to talk our way through the ones in the zone!

Is it just they had a differemce of opinion years ago, now they don't trade or talk to each other?

Is that why the land border is closed?

There is another road which leads via Abu Simbel to Sudan. You can use it by public transport to visit Abu Simbel. Near to the border there a big traffic signs cross the street which indicates: left to Abu Simbel, straight to Wadi Halfa. The road condition is fairly good but it is forbidden for private (foreign) vehicles, even to visit Abu Simbel (which is worth the trip btw). I've heard if you are on the way up and got clear papers with an egyptian visa and ask the first post politely, you might use this road to enter Egypt. But this worked two times in the past and there is no guarantee that it will work again.
The arabic countries also differ between arabs and non-arabs. There are a lot of borders in the sahara easy to cross for arabs, but closed for non-arabs.
A few years ago it was quiet "common" for transafricans to enter Sudan from Libya. This border was closed from the libyan side, anybody in Sudan cared about that when you arrived there. But since you need a guide in Libya this seems to be impossible.
I don't know what you exactly want to know. Would you like just understand the fact, so I would say: Just accept it. There will be much more unlogical things happen on your journey.
Or would you like to work out an alternative. Than you have to think about the consequences (like jail in egypt).
In Africa I never would say it is impossible, but as I mentioned above, you are visiting the home of someone else. So, go there talk with the people and then let your heart decide.

Cheers Peter

Egypt Sudan road border
 

I crossed on the ferry from Wadi Halfa to Aswan last week, and was told by Magdi there (worth the ten dollars by the way as a fixer if you don't speak Arabic) the Sudan government - apparently it is they who closed cross border traffic - is building a border post on the Abu Simbel road and it should be open in a month.
Hugh
www.LAPofAFRICA.com

Proposed land border between Egypt and Sudan?
 

Hugh,

Sounds too good to be true... but I guess you heard it from as close as you can get to the horse's mouth.

Would be very interested to hear from anyone that may know a little more. Its such a rich and interesting area - it would be wonderful if they were going to allow independent travel again. Not to mention the added advantage of being able to avoid the cost and hassle of taking the ferry.

Cheers.