Somalia travel guide

Travel Advice

The FCDO advises against all travel to:

• Somalia, except the three western regions of Somaliland: Awdal (including Boorama), Maroodijeh (including Hargeisa) and Sahil (including Berbera).

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• the three western regions of Somaliland Awdal (Boorama), Maroodijeh (Hargeisa) and Sahil (Berbera).

The security situation across Somalia remains extremely volatile; you should exercise extreme caution.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Somalia. There is a high threat of kidnap throughout the country. A number of Western nationals, including British nationals, have been kidnapped in Somalia and some have been killed. Terrorist groups have made threats against westerners and those working for western organisations. There is a constant threat of terrorist attack in Mogadishu and terrorists continue to plan attacks against westerners in the rest of Somalia, including Somaliland. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded places, high-profile events, events involving government officials and in places visited by foreigners. Due to their use by government officials, hotels are considered legitimate targets by terrorist groups. See Terrorism

Political and community-based violence is commonplace across Somalia and can flare up with little warning. See Safety and Security.

Piracy in the waters off Somalia has been suppressed but not eradicated. The area of the Southern Red Sea remains a hotspot for maritime security incidents. See Sea travel

Conflict and environmental problems such as drought and flooding have displaced hundreds of thousands of people, in all areas of the country. See Local travel

Land borders with countries neighbouring Somalia may close at short notice. You should check with local authorities before travelling to the border. You should also monitor Travel Advice for Ethiopia, Kenya or Djibouti. You should not cross the border without the correct documents.

Consular support is severely limited in Somalia. The British Embassy in Mogadishu and British Office Hargeisa do not provide consular services. If you’re in Somalia (excluding Somaliland) and need urgent help from the UK government (e.g. if you’ve been arrested or you’re concerned about forced marriage), contact the British High Commission in Nairobi. If you’re in Somaliland, you should contact the British Embassy in Addis Ababa. If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Somalia (including Somaliland), call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Somalia on the TravelHealthPro website

The Entry Requirements section has advice for travellers on proof of vaccination status and COVID testing for entry into Somalia.

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You should contact the Somali Ministry of Health and the Immigration and Naturalisation Directorate of Somalia for information on testing facilities.

International travel

Commercial flights operate to Somalia, including Somaliland. Check with your travel company for the latest information.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Somalia, including Somaliland.

Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Public places and services

Within health facilities in Somalia (excluding Somaliland), wearing a face mask is still mandatory and you should adhere to social distancing guidelines.

All other domestic COVID-19 related restrictions have been lifted in Somalia (including Somaliland).

Healthcare in Somalia

For contact details for English speaking doctors, visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health

View Health for further details on healthcare in Somalia.

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

For further UK government guidance on support you can access whilst abroad, visit our waiting to return guidance. This includes guidance on finance, health, and staying connected.

Consular support is severely limited in Somalia. The British Embassy in Mogadishu does not provide consular services. If you’re in Somalia (excluding Somaliland) and need urgent help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Nairobi. If you’re in Somaliland, you should contact the British Embassy in Addis Ababa. If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Somalia (including Somaliland), call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000.

Military activity in the Red Sea area       

Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.

Crime

There is a dangerous level of criminal activity by armed militia throughout Somalia. There have been murders, armed robbery and a number of incidents of kidnapping. There is ongoing serious violence between opposing factions in many parts of the country. Civilians of all ages have been killed in fighting, which often involves heavy weapons.

Local travel

British government officials serving in Somalia live and work under strict security rules. All British officials live in secure, guarded accommodation and travel with close protection teams at all times.

Humanitarian needs are great in Somalia, with over 5.4 million people in need of assistance. Displaced people living in settlements and other vulnerable groups will remain ‘food insecure’.

The displacement and overpopulated refugee camps may lead to a significant increase in disease, increased risk of crime over food security and a heightened security threat to foreigners.

Localised political disputes in Somaliland means there is a risk of protests at short notice. Sporadic protests may take place across Somaliland, including in Hargeisa. You should exercise a heightened level of vigilance and take care in public places where people gather. Monitor local and international media to avoid any demonstration, rally, large crowds or disturbance taking place. Leave any area of unrest quickly and don’t attempt to watch or photograph it.

Political and community-based violence

Political and community-based violence is commonplace across Somalia and can flare up with little warning. There was fighting between pro-government and opposition forces in Baidoa, South West State, in December 2022. More recently, violence broke out in Garowe, Puntland State, between pro-government and opposition forces in June 2023.

On 11 August 2023, violent clashes occurred between the clan militia based in the Ga’an Libah Mountain and the Somaliland Security Forces in Go’da Yar near the mountain. On 9 August, the clan militia carried out activities in Dabagorayaale, close to Oodweyne town. Protests also took place in Burco and Erigavo.

Renewed violence broke out between the Somaliland army and clan militias in Las Anod, Sool Region, on 6 February 2023 and is ongoing. This follows a series of violent clashes and protests in the area since December 2022. The FCDO advises against all travel to the regions of Toghdeer, Sanaag, and Sool. If you do travel the situation remains volatile, you should exercise extreme caution.

Border areas

Land borders with countries neighbouring Somalia may close at short notice. You should check with local authorities before travelling to the border. You should also monitor Travel Advice for Ethiopia, Kenya or Djibouti. You should not cross the border without the correct documents. You may face a large fine or detention for illegally crossing borders and you may be prevented from onward travel.

Sea travel

There is a continued threat of maritime crime in the territorial waters and international waters off Somalia. Piracy has been suppressed but not eradicated.

The combined threat assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces remains that all sailing yachts under their own passage should remain out of the designated High Risk Area for their own safety. The Southern Red Sea area also is a hotspot for maritime crime and security incidents. For more information and advice, see our Piracy and armed robbery at sea page.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Somalia, including kidnapping.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

There’s a high threat to Western, including British, interests in Somalia, including Somaliland. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded places, high-profile events, events involving government officials and in places visited by foreigners, such as hotels and restaurants.

Al Shabaab, a terrorist group proscribed in the UK, and other groups opposed to the Somali government continue to carry out frequent attacks, particularly in and around Mogadishu. Terrorist groups operating in Somalia have made threats against Westerners and those working for Western organisations in Somalia, including Somaliland. Methods of attack have included armed assaults, suicide bombings, car bombings, explosions, gun attacks, mortar attacks, improvised explosive devices and the bombing of a commercial aircraft. Attacks have previously been targeted at government officials and institutions, local and international security forces, hotels, restaurants and public transport including the international airport. Further attacks could occur at any time.

The Somali Government regularly carries out counter-terrorist operations against al-Shabaab, particularly in areas of central and southern Somalia. Military bases and personnel are a frequent target of al-Shabaab attacks.

Terrorist attacks targeting places frequented by civilians are commonplace and indiscriminate. Notable attacks include:

• on 9 June 2023, there was an attack on the Pearl Beach Hotel at Lido Beach in Mogadishu. It was reported that at least 9 civilians were killed and 10 injured.
• on 29 October 2022, two large improvised explosive devices (IED) were used to attack the Somali Ministry of Education. Reporting indicates that over 100 civilians have been killed and 300 injured in the attack.
• on 23 October 2022, there was an attack on the Tawakal Hotel in the city of Kismayo. It was reported that 13 people were killed and 47 were injured.
• on 19 August 2022, there was an attack at the Hayat Hotel in central Mogadishu. It was reported that 21 were killed and 117 were injured.
• on 22 April 2022, there was a bomb attack at the Pescatore Seafood Restaurant in south Mogadishu. It was reported that 8 were killed and 27 injured.
• on 19 February 2022, there was a bomb attack inside Hassan Dhiif restaurant in the city of Beledweyne. It was reported that 18 were killed and 30 injured.
• on 15 April 2021, there was a bomb attack on a minibus travelling between Mogadishu and Jowhar. It was reported that at least 17 people were killed and more were injured.
• on 16 August 2020, there was an attack on the Elite Hotel in central Mogadishu. It was reported that 15 people were killed and at least 15 injured. The hotel is popular with foreigners.

There have been no major terrorist attacks in Somaliland since 2008. While attacks occur less frequently in Somaliland, terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out attacks.

The risk of attacks in Somalia, including Somaliland, may be further heightened during religious holidays.

Kidnaps

There is a high threat of kidnapping throughout Somalia, including in regions bordering Kenya and Ethiopia, the tri-border area, and in Somaliland. Both terrorists and criminal groups, including piracy groups, are involved in hostage-taking. A number of Western nationals, including British nationals, have been kidnapped in Somalia and some have been killed. Those engaged in humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors are viewed as legitimate targets. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.

If you are working or travelling in Somalia, including in Somaliland, you should be aware of the risk of kidnapping. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, including when travelling, in crowded public places, camps for displaced people, religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants and transport hubs. You should make sure you have carefully considered the threat and have reasonable, proportionate mitigation measures in place.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage-takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

The Federal Government of Somalia has adopted Shari’a law but is yet to implement it throughout the country. Al-Shabaab and other insurgent groups often have an extreme view on the implementation of Shari’a law.

Local laws reflect the fact that Somalia (including Somaliland) is predominantly Muslim. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Local laws in Somalia (including Somaliland) prohibit Muslims from converting to another religion and bars the propagation of any religion other than Islam.

Homosexual acts (applying to both sexes) are illegal in Somalia (including Somaliland). Be sensitive to local laws and customs and avoid public displays of affection. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Drug and alcohol offences, including consumption, possession and trafficking, are treated seriously in Somalia (including Somaliland) and are punishable by law. Punishments in Somaliland were tripled in January 2021 and includes the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence without bail.

Khat is a legal drug in Somalia (including Somaliland) but it is an offence to take it out of the country. Bags are regularly searched at Hargeisa and Mogadishu airports and anyone found to be in possession of khat is likely to face criminal prosecution. In Somaliland you must declare to customs officials on entry or exit any cash in excess of $10,000 US dollars (or the equivalent) in foreign currencies.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Somalia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Somalia’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate

All travellers

All travellers should familiarise themselves with the entry rules for Somalia and Somaliland before travel.

All travellers should check entry requirements into Somalia before travelling to the borders of Ethiopia, Djibouti or Kenya. You should not cross the border without the correct documents. You may face a large fine or detention for illegally crossing borders and you may be prevented from onward travel.

Entry to Somalia (excluding Somaliland) if you’re fully vaccinated

Fully vaccinated travellers with proof of vaccination issued by a legitimate and competent authority can enter Somalia, excluding Somaliland, without needing to test.

International arrivals displaying signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may be requested to undergo rapid antigen testing, and be quarantined in a hotel at their own cost, if they test positive.

Proof of vaccination status in Somalia (excluding Somaliland)

Somalia will accept the UK’s printed version of proof of COVID-19 vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. They will not accept digital proof. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

Entry to Somaliland if you’re fully vaccinated

Fully vaccinated travellers with proof of vaccination issued by a legitimate and competent authority can enter Somaliland without needing to test.

Entry to Somalia (excluding Somaliland) if you’re not fully vaccinated

If you’re not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate with a QR code from an authorised service provider (taken no more than 72 hours to arrival at the final destination) is required for entry into Somalia, excluding Somaliland. See information on getting a test before entry.

International arrivals displaying signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may be requested to undergo rapid antigen testing, and be quarantined in a hotel at their own cost if they test positive.

If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year

Entry requirements for Somalia, including Somaliland, are the same for all travellers, regardless of whether you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year.

Entry to Somaliland if you’re not fully vaccinated

A negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken no more than 96 hours before travel, is required for entry into Somaliland. If you do not have this evidence on arrival, then you will be required to take a PCR test at the airport at your own expense. If you test positive, you may have to spend 14 days in quarantine at your own expense in a government approved facility.

Children and young people - entry to Somalia (excluding Somaliland)

Fully vaccinated children aged 17 and under with proof of vaccination issued by a legitimate and competent authority can enter Somalia, excluding Somaliland, without needing to test or quarantine.

If you’re not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate with a QR code from an authorised service provider (taken no more than 72 hours to arrival at the final destination) is required for entry into Somalia, excluding Somaliland. See information on getting a test before entry.

All international arrivals displaying signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may be requested to undergo rapid antigen testing, and be quarantined in a hotel at their own cost if they test positive.

Children and young people - entry to Somaliland

Fully vaccinated children aged 17 and under with proof of vaccination issued by a legitimate and competent authority can enter Somaliland without needing to test.

If you’re not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken no more than 96 hours before travel, is required for entry into Somaliland. If you do not have this evidence on arrival, then you will be required to take a PCR test at the airport at your own expense. If you test positive, you may have to spend 14 days in quarantine at your own expense in a government approved facility.

If you’re transiting through Somalia (including Somaliland)

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

Check with your airline before departing.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

You should consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Passport validity

If you are visiting Somalia, including Somaliland, your passport should be valid for at least 6 month from the date you arrive in Somalia, including Somaliland.

Visas

You will need a visa for all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland. If you arrive at Mogadishu International Airport, you can get a single entry visa, valid for one month, for US$60 in cash. You may also be required to provide a letter of invitation on arrival in Somalia outlining the purpose of your travel. You can usually get this from your place of work (a hotel booking may also suffice). Without this letter, you could be denied entry.

You can also get a single entry visa, valid for one month, on arrival in Somaliland for US$60 in cash.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Dual nationality

The Government of Somalia and the authorities in Somaliland will consider anyone of Somali or Somaliland descent to be a dual British and Somali/Somaliland national. The British Government is limited in the consular support it can offer in such circumstances.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from NaTHNaC website.

There are basic hospital facilities in Hargeisa. Elsewhere medical facilities are extremely limited or non-existent. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.

There have been reports of cholera and measles circulating in some regions of central and southern Somalia, including in Mogadishu itself. For further information read the NaTHNaC website, their Cholera fact sheet and information on the global risk of measles.

The World Health Organisation has issued temporary recommendations about polio vaccination. For more information and advice visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre and contact your GP before you travel.

Flooding

The main rainy season in Somalia takes place between April and June, followed by lesser rains in October and November. During these periods travellers should be aware of the seasonal risk of localised flooding. As well as travel disruptions, flooding increases internal displacement and humanitarian need in local populations.

Currently, due to the ongoing rains, there has been flooding in some areas, most notably Beledweyne in the Hiran region.

Credit cards are not accepted in Somalia and it is not possible to obtain currency advances against a credit card. You should take hard currency, normally US dollars.

In Hargeisa however, it is possible to withdraw US dollars from ATMs using international credit and debit cards.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.