Somalia travel advice (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to Somalia right now? ›

Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.

SOMALIA - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

The security situation in Somalia is extremely volatile and the threat of domestic terrorism is high, particularly in south-central Somalia and in the capital, Mogadishu.

The U.S. Department of State level-four travel advisory (“do not travel”) for Somalia remains in effect due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.

The Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Somalia and advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.

Safety at night:Very unsafe

Somalia is a very challenging destination, especially for solo woman travelers. Nighttime safety is of particular concern as the country's underdeveloped infrastructure and ongoing civil unrest contribute to high crime rates. Walking alone at night is thus recommended to be avoided entirely.

FCDO advises against all travel to Somalia, including the 3 eastern regions of Somaliland – Togdheer, Sanaag and Sool – and excluding the 3 western regions of Somaliland – Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil. This is due to the threat from terrorist groups and continuing violence.

In late 2020, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of most US troops from Somalia by 15 January 2021. The Department of Defense confirmed the completion of troop withdrawal on 17 January 2021. Despite this, the US has continued training allied forces, conducting limited airstrikes, and special operations.

Potential risk to aviation overflying Somalia (Mogadishu FIR - HCSM) at less than 25,000 FT above ground level (AGL) from dedicated anti-aircraft weaponry. Operators are advised to avoid operating at less than 25,000 FT AGL in Somalia (Mogadishu FIR - HCSM).

According to World Health Organization (WHO), lower respiratory infections is still the leading cause of deaths in Somalia, followed by diarrhoeal diseases, measles, malnutrition, tuberculosis, meningitis and maternal conditions.

Las Anod and Hargeisa are among the safest cities in what is nominally Somalia. They are quite well-guarded and welcome foreigners more than any other places in Somalia. If you're planning to go to Somalia, it's better to go to Somaliland or perhaps Puntland instead of southern cities.

Can you drink alcohol in Somalia? ›

Alcohol laws and bans

The drinking and sale of alcohol is banned in Somalia.

From the bustling markets of Mogadishu to the pristine beaches of Berbera, Somalia is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

There is a dangerous level of criminal activity by armed militia throughout Somalia. There have been murders, armed robbery and criminal kidnaps. The humanitarian situation in Somalia has led to a large displacement of people, and a growth in refugee camps which are overpopulated.

The United States has reopened its embassy in Mogadishu nearly three decades after Somalia collapsed into civil war on October 2, 2019. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto said that the reopening reflected progress in the Horn of Africa country in recent years and the partnership between the two countries.

The armed group Al-Shabab conducted targeted and indiscriminate attacks that killed hundreds of civilians. The offensive against Al-Shabab launched by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in 2022 in central Somalia, in which government forces supported clan militia, led to civilian displacement.