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Government advisories for Somalia
US State Department
US L4 · Do not travelDo Not Travel
Do not travel to Somalia due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health, landmines, systematic mistreatment of women, systematic mistreatment of gay and lesbian individuals, piracy, abuse of residents in rehabilitation centers, and confiscation of passports by family members . Do not travel to Somalia for any…
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated May 21, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
UK · regionalAdvises against all travel to parts
Latest change: Updated information about the political situation ('Safety and security' page).
Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated Jun 4, 2026
Local scams and street crime
- Terrorist kidnaps: There is a high threat of kidnapping throughout Somalia, including in regions bordering Kenya and Ethiopia, and in Somaliland. Terrorists and criminal groups, including piracy groups, are involved in kidnapping. A number of western nationals, including British nationals, have been kidnapped in Somalia and some have…
- Crime: 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. Food and health insecurity has led to…
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Jun 4, 2026
LGBT+ and women travellers: what the UK FCDO says
- LGBT+ travellers: Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Somalia. LGBT+ partners should not show affection in public.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Jun 4, 2026
Women, children and family: what governments say
- Women's safety (Government of Canada): Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Women are typically expected to wear traditional Islamic dress, though it is not a legal requirement.
Official notice Source: Government of Canada and UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licences)
Pregnancy and children: CDC health notes for Somalia
- Malaria: CDC recommends that travelers going to Somalia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Ask a travel-health provider which medicine suits pregnancy or young children before you go.
- Cholera (children): Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
- Hepatitis A (children): Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
- Measles (children): All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
- Polio (children): Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Somalia who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a...
CDC health page for Somalia · CDC: pregnant travelers · CDC: traveling with children
Official notice Source: CDC Travelers' Health (US government, public domain). General information, not medical advice: see a doctor or travel clinic before you go.
Government of Canada
CA 4 · Avoid all travelAvoid all travel
Latest change: Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Oct 15, 2026
German Foreign Office
DE · travel warningTravel warning (Reisewarnung)
Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Oct 13, 2026
Read the official travel and safety advice
Dutch Foreign Ministry
NL · orangeOrange: travel only if necessary (regions differ, up to red)
De kleurcode van het reisadvies voor Somalië is rood (behalve voor de steden Hargeisa en Berbera). Wat uw situatie ook is: reis niet hierheen. Het is er te gevaarlijk. Lees meer onder Regionale risico’s. Voor de steden Berbera en Hargeisa geldt kleurcode oranje. Reis alleen hierheen als het noodzakelijk is. Het is niet
Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Aug 4, 2026
New Zealand SafeTravel
NZ · level 4Do not travel
Official notice Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, SafeTravel (CC BY 4.0) · updated 24 July 2025
Japan Foreign Ministry
JP L4 · Evacuate and leaveHighest level: Evacuate and leave
Level 4 in 1 area. Areas can differ; the highest level applies only where the ministry says so.
ソマリアの危険情報【危険レベル継続】（内容の更新）
Official notice Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage · updated Apr 24, 2025
Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.
Where in Somalia the UK advises against travel
Parts of Somalia, including Somaliland
FCDO advises against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland, except for the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil.
This is due to the threat from terrorist groups and continuing violence. If you choose to remain in Somalia, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . There has recently been an increase in fighting between al-Shabaab and the Somali Government close to the capital Mogadishu. Please see the Terrorism section for more information.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice, areas where it advises against travel (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Jun 4, 2026
Entry requirements for Somalia
🇬🇧 British passport holders
- Visa: You must have a visa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland.
- Passport: To enter Somalia, including Somaliland, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Read the full UK entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Somalia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Somalia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Somalian Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Somalia, including Somaliland, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland.
E-Visa data breach
There are reports of a data breach affecting Somalia’s eVisa system
Leaked data from the breach includes visa applicants’ names, photos, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. This data breach is ongoing and could expose any personal data you enter into the system,
An eVisa is required before travelling to Somalia. Consider the risks before applying.
US Embassy in Somalia have also issued an alert to US citizens. See - Alert: Federal Republic of Somalia (FGS) Electronic Visa (E-Visa) Data Breach - U.S. Embassy in Somalia.
If you are travelling to Mogadishu International Airport, you will need to apply for an eVisa prior to your arrival.
If you are travelling to Hargeisa International Airport, you may still be asked to present this eVisa in order to board your flight but it will not be considered valid for entry when you arrive in Hargeisa.
You will need to purchase a single-entry visa upon arrival at Hargeisa International Airport, which will be valid for one month.
It is not clear if you’ll be given a visa on arrival at other points of entry. Get confirmation from local authorities or your sponsoring organisation.
You may also need to provide a letter of invitation when you arrive, outlining the reason for your visit. You can usually get this from your place of work. Without this letter, you may not be allowed to enter.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Somalia guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Somalia, including Somaliland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Khat is a legal drug in Somalia, but it is an offence to take it out of the country. Officials regularly search bags at Hargeisa and Mogadishu airports, and anyone found to be in possession of khat is likely to face criminal prosecution.
Taking money into and out of Somalia (including Somaliland)
In Somaliland you must declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more.
Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated Jun 4, 2026
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders
- Tourist visa: required
Read the full Canadian entry requirements
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid upon entry.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
You must have an electronic visa (e-visa) to visit Somalia.
Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Previously, Somalia’s e-visa platform experienced a breach involving sensitive personal data of travellers. Be aware that there is a potential risk of your data being exposed if you use this platform.
The Somali e-visa might not be recognized as valid in certain areas where the central government’s authority is contested, particularly in Somaliland and Puntland. If you intend to visit, confirm with local authorities or direct your visa inquiries to the person or organization you will be visiting.
Get an electronic visa – Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency
Children and travel
Learn about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Oct 15, 2026
Other passports
Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:
- Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Somalia).
- Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
- Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
- Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
- Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.
Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.
Essentials for travelers
Police 888 Ambulance 999 Fire 555
- Plugs: type C, G
- Power: 220 V, 50 Hz
- Traffic drives on the right
- Tap water: not recommended
- Calling code: +252
Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: medium. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.
Local language
Soomaaliya Somali · الصومال Arabic
Essential phrases in Arabic
| Hello | مرحبا | Marhaba |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | شكرا | Shukran |
| Help! | النجدة! | An-najda! |
| Where is the hospital? | أين المستشفى؟ | Ayna al-mustashfa? |
| I need the police | أحتاج إلى الشرطة | Ahtaj ila ash-shurta |
| I need a doctor | أحتاج إلى طبيب | Ahtaj ila tabib |
| How much is it? | بكم هذا؟ | Bikam hadha? |
| Where is the toilet? | أين الحمام؟ | Ayna al-hammam? |
Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.
Official weather warnings
- Somalia National Meteorological Agency Heavy Rainfall Alert: Over 30 mm Expected Across Galmudug, Hiraan and Sanaag — Stay Alert for Possible Flash Flooding. ·
Heavy rainfall exceeding 30 mm is forecast across most parts of Galmudug, Hiraan and Sanaag regions. The anticipated rainfall may be accompanied by thunderstorms and could lead to localized flash flooding, water accumulation in low-lying ar WMO warnings page - SNMA Heavy Rainfall Exceeding 30 mm Expected Across Most Parts of Galmudug, Hiraan and Sanaag, with Potential for Localized Flash Flooding. ·
Heavy rainfall exceeding 30 mm is forecast across most parts of Galmudug, Hiraan and Sanaag regions. The anticipated rainfall may be accompanied by thunderstorms and could lead to localized flash flooding, water accumulation in low-lying… WMO warnings page - SNMA Heavy rainfall is expected across parts of southern, central, and northern Somalia from 10–15 October 2026. Stay alert for possible flash flooding. ·
Heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of southern, central, and northern Somalia during the period 10–15 October 2026. Cumulative rainfall amounts of 50–100 mm are expected in parts of Gedo, Bay, Bakool, Hiraan, Galgaduud, Mudug, Middle… WMO warnings page - SNMA Moderate to Heavy rain (50-100mm) ·
Heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of southern, central, and northern Somalia during the period 10–15 October 2026. Cumulative rainfall amounts of 50–100 mm are expected in parts of Gedo, Bay, Bakool, Hiraan, Galgaduud, Mudug, Middle… WMO warnings page
Live feed Source: national weather service via WMO Register of Alerting Authorities (its own public CAP feed) · checked · shown in the service's own words
U.S. Embassy alerts
- Embassy alert
Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia (October 6, 2026) Read on the embassy site
Live feed Source: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites (public alerts for U.S. citizens; US government works) · checked
More live hazards and notices
- Globe at Night campaign running 2026-11-01 to 2026-11-10: look for Cygnus, Grus, Pegasus. Join in: globeatnight.org.
Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked
Airspace warning
- Airspace of Somalia
Issued Mar 30, 2017 · valid until 30/04/2027 unless reviewed earlier
Airlines can reroute, delay or cancel flights that cross affected airspace. Check with your airline before you travel.
Live feed Source: EASA Conflict Zone Information Bulletins · checked
Health and vaccines
Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Money
1 US dollar ≈ 570.78 SOS · 1 euro ≈ 640.99 SOS
Central-bank reference rate for Oct 18, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.
Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked
Voyaggora destination guides
Quick answers: is it safe to travel to Somalia?
- Is it safe to travel to Somalia right now?
- The US State Department and Canada advise against all travel to Somalia. As of Oct 18, 08:28 UTC. The US State Department rates Somalia Level 4 of 4, "Do not travel". Canada says "Avoid all travel". The UK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia. Advisory levels change and can vary by region within a country: check the official page before you travel. Sources: US State Department Canada UK FCDO.
- Which parts of Somalia do governments warn about?
- Governments warn about parts of Somalia rather than the whole country. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia. Canada lists no regional advisories. The US State Department page lists area-specific levels. Open each official page for the exact areas and routes.
- Are there any active weather or hazard alerts in Somalia right now?
- As of Oct 18, 08:28 UTC, Travel Live shows these live hazard and alert sections for Somalia: official weather warnings, U.S. Embassy alerts, more live hazards and notices, an airspace warning. Each one on this page names its official source and the time it was checked. Worldwide storms, earthquakes and disasters are on the Travel Live hub.
- What do the advisory levels mean?
- US State Department: Level 1 exercise normal precautions, Level 2 exercise increased caution, Level 3 reconsider travel, Level 4 do not travel. Canada: take normal security precautions, exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel, avoid all travel. UK FCDO: it advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to the whole country or to parts of it, or has no warnings. Each government uses its own scale, so the levels are not directly comparable.
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Get the Weekly BriefWe do not have a live airport, road or transit feed for Somalia. We show the official government notices above with their dates rather than guessing.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.