Somalia is a country on the coast of the
Horn of Africa, with a history dating back millennia. The ancient
Egyptians knew the region as the 'land of spices' and ancient
historical texts note the prosperity and trading power of the
people living along this coastline. During the colonial era the
region was so sought after that the territory was divided between
the British, Italian and French, partly to dilute the power of a
local population unified under the same language and religion.
Tragically, however, Somalia has been beset
for many decades by civil war, clashing warlords, and waves of
rebellions and coups, and has for some time been considered one of
the most dangerous countries on earth. Despite various efforts to
stabilise government and subdue warring factions, Somalia has been
essentially in a state of anarchy for around three decades. Since
2016 Somalia has effectively been divided into six separate states:
Jubaland in the far south, South West, Galmudug, the independent
state of Somaliland in the middle, Puntland to the northeast, and
Hirshabelle. Of the six, Somaliland is the only destination with a
proper administration and some semblance of peace and
stability.
One day, peace will return to this tragic
part of the world. When it does, tourists will experience the
thrill of a virtually undiscovered destination, including the
delights of the longest coastline in Africa. Visitors will get to
enjoy 1,864 miles (3,000km) of beaches, astounding scuba diving at
Las Geel, world-class Neolithic rock paintings and a unique ancient
culture, to name but a few of the jewels in Somalia's crown
Hopefully that day comes sooner rather than
later...
Key Facts
Language:
The official languages of Somalia are Somali and Arabic,
but many other languages are spoken.
Passport/Visa:
Upon arrival all visitors over 18 years of age must exchange USD
100 or equivalent of other freely convertible foreign currencies
into local currency. Some nationalities can obtain visas on arrival
for a maximum stay of 30 days, at Bosaso Airport, Abdullahi Yusuf
Airport, and Aden Adde Airport. It is highly recommended that
travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining
after the intended date of departure from their travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
Credit cards are not accepted and it is not possible
to obtain currency advances against a credit card. Visitors should
take hard currency; US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are not
usually available.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 V and the standard frequency
is 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets are of type C.
Travel to Somalia
Health Notes when travelling to Somalia
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccinations are
recommended for all travellers and malaria medication is
recommended for travel to all regions. A yellow fever vaccination
is recommended for some parts of the country and is required for
those arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever
transmission. Travellers should also be up to date on vaccinations
for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria; all
eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19
vaccines.
Medical facilities are extremely limited and most doctors and
hospitals will expect immediate cash payment regardless of medical
insurance policies. Serious illness or injury is likely to require
evacuation out of the country for treatment.
Safety Notes when travelling to Somalia
High levels of crime are conducted by armed militias
throughout the country, and there have been murders, armed robbery
and a number of incidents of kidnapping. There is also ongoing
violence between opposing factions in many regions that often
involves heavy weapons. The political situation is unpredictable
and there is a threat of terrorism, particularly in south-central
Somalia and in the capital, Mogadishu.
Customs in Somalia
It's important to offer a seat to an older person
and to stand up when someone older enters a room. It's very
disrespectful to tell an elder what to do or to openly disagree
with them. If someone offers to pay for a meal, it's polite to
initially refuse but to accept graciously once they insist.
Lateness is common among friends and does not imply rudeness or
disrespect. Locals tend to be extremely patient and have a more
relaxed approach to timekeeping.
Somalia practises very strict and conservative Islamic cultural
traditions. Travellers should avoid religious debates and respect
Islamic traditions such as the call to prayer and fasting during
Ramadan. Alcohol is prohibited in Somalia, and dress should be
conservative, meaning that men should wear long pants, and women
should keep their arms and legs covered. Homosexuality is illegal
and penalties can be extreme. In greeting, only members of the same
sex exchange handshakes or kisses.
Duty Free in Somalia
Travellers are allowed to bring in 400 cigarettes or 40 cigars
or 400 grams of tobacco; one bottle of wine or spirits; and a
reasonable quantity of perfume for personal duty free. A landing
fee of USD 50 is levied on foreign passengers arriving at Mogadishu
Airport who are older than 12.
Doing Business in Somalia
It's best to arrive on time out of respect for
Somali counterparts, though they may not be as punctual. Local
business people may prefer not to attend meetings or events at
certain days or times due to religious reasons, and practising
Muslims may interrupt meetings for prayer sessions.
Communication in Somalia
The international access code for Somalia is +252. Visitors can
purchase local prepaid SIM cards.
Tipping in Somalia
In many African countries, leaving 10 to 15 percent is a normal
tip for good service in restaurants, as is rounding up the bill in
bars. Passengers usually round up the final fare when tipping taxi
drivers.
Passport/Visa Note
Upon arrival all visitors over 18 years of age must exchange USD
100 or equivalent of other freely convertible foreign currencies
into local currency. Some nationalities can obtain visas on arrival
for a maximum stay of 30 days, at Bosaso Airport, Abdullahi Yusuf
Airport, and Aden Adde Airport. It is highly recommended that
travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining
after the intended date of departure from their travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
A US passport valid for six months and visa are required. Visas
can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
A Canadian passport valid for six months and visa are required.
Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
A UK passport valid for six months and visa are required. Visas
can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
Entry requirements for Australians:
An Australian passport valid for six months and visa are
required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30
days.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
An Irish passport valid for six months and visa are required.
Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
A New Zealand passport valid for six months and visa are
required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30
days.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
A South African passport valid for six months and visa are
required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30
days.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Somalia
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Somalia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Somalia.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Somalia. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Somalia. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Somalia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Somalia
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Health recommendation: CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccine for most travelers to Somalia. However, you might consider this vaccine if you are staying a long time or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes.
Country entry requirement: The government of Somalia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - see complete list: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Somalia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Somalia.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Somalia. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Somalia. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Somalia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Somalia
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Health recommendation: CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccine for most travelers to Somalia. However, you might consider this vaccine if you are staying a long time or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes.
Country entry requirement: The government of Somalia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - see complete list: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Somalia, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Somalia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Somalia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Somalia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Somalia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Somalia. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Somalia may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Somalia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Somalia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
Credit cards are not accepted and it is not possible
to obtain currency advances against a credit card. Visitors should
take hard currency; US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are not
usually available.
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