Loading…
Ignite Cruises, LLC
1700 N Cruise Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
800-303-2125
david@ignitecruises.com

Somalia

Overview of Somalia

Women and children in Dollow, Somalia
Photo credit: Trocaire
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...

map of Somalia


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

Hide

Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

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.

get_vaccinated hygiene

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

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.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Malaria

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.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Typhoid

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.

get_vaccinated eat_drink

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

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).

eat_drink
Hepatitis B

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.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Rabies

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.
get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Yellow Fever

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.)

For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Somalia. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

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.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

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.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Malaria

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.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

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.

eat_drink
Cholera

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).

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

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.

get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Rabies

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.
get_vaccinated avoid_insects
Yellow Fever

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.)

For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Somalia. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Top

 
Hide

Stay Healthy and Safe

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.

Hide

Prevent bug bites

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.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

Hide

Stay safe outdoors

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.

Hide

Keep away from animals

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.

Hide

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • 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.

Hide

Select safe transportation

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.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Hide

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide

Top

Hide

Healthy Travel Packing List

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.

Top

Hide

Travel Health Notices

There are no notices currently in effect for Somalia.

Top

Hide

After Your Trip

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.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

Top

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.

Overview of the Attractions in Somalia

Public Holidays in Somalia

 

News about Somalia

Traveling To Kenya? Here Is A 7 Day Safari Guide
Kenya is ranked as one of the best Africa safari destinations. The land of the Masai is located at the far east of Africa neighboring the Indian Ocean in the East, Uganda in the West, Tanzania in the South and in the North, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. Kenya receives more than 2 million travelers, but tourism, like taking a safari in Kenya make up the largest number of international arrivals in Kenya. The
Forbes
Thursday February 06, 2020
Why These 7 Countries Are Listed on Trump's Travel Ban
On Tuesday, the Supreme court upheld the Trump administration’s travel ban 5-4, affirming the president’s power over matters of national security. The latest iteration of the ban includes restrictions against five majority-Muslim nations — Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. North Korea and Venezuela are also on the list. Three other
Politico
Wednesday June 27, 2018
Cruising the Suez Canal means being mindful of pirates
Well that was quite the trip! We wanted to see the Suez Canal and found not many passenger ships do that route, and we saw why, what with high canal charges and pirates round Somalia
Vancouver Sun
Monday March 20, 2017
15 unusual holiday destinations where the terror risk is low
The threat of terrorism is rated "high" in more than 30 countries around the world, according to the Foreign Office, with summer holiday favourites such as Spain and France given the same rating as Libya, Pakistan and Somalia. Here are 15 "low" risk destinations that might surprise you