A Horn of Africa nation with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a blend of Somali and Arabic cultures.
Somalia, located on the Horn of Africa, features contrasting port cities and interior regions. Mogadishu and Hargeisa are significant urban centers, where Somali and Arabic are widely spoken.
Visa and residency reference data is available for Business Visitor, Tourist / Visa Waiver, Temporary Residence, and 3 more.
ICA-listed business permit entry category for foreign nationals seeking authorized entry into Somalia.
Electronic Travel Authorization system established in line with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ICA directives for travelers to obtain authorization before travel to Somalia.
ICA-listed tourist visa entry category for foreign nationals seeking entry into the Federal Republic of Somalia.
ICA-listed residence permit category for foreign nationals who need an ICA permit stamp, letter, or residential sticker authorizing entry or stay.
ICA-listed student visa entry category for Somalia.
ICA-listed work permit entry category for foreign nationals seeking authorized work-related entry into Somalia.
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Somalia.
Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Somalia due to the volatile security situation and the high threat of domestic terrorism. If you choose to travel to Somalia despite this advisory, be aware that you may have difficulty leaving the country should the situation deteriorate suddenly.
FCDO advises against all travel; FCDO advises against all but essential travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Parts of Somalia, including eastern Somaliland. 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. 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. Western Somaliland. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the 3 western regions of Somaliland – Awdal (including Boorama), Maroodijeh (including Hargeisa) and Sahil (including Berbera). 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.
Do Not Travel
Do Not Travel to Somalia due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health, landmines, systematic mistreatment of women, and 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 reason. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to Americans in Somalia due to the safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Somalia are not allowed to travel outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex, where the U.S. embassy is located, due to security risks. When they do travel within the complex they are accompanied by armed security. Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Somalia. Aviation safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Somalia. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Crime Violent crime is common throughout Somalia, including homicide and kidnapping. Illegal roadblocks by armed individuals are widespread. Kidnapping Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups frequently kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping or to respond to such crimes. Terrorism There is a notable risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. Terrorists attack without warning.
They may target:
Attack methods can include car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers, and rocket or mortar fire. Unrest Protests and demonstrations occur throughout Somalia. They can turn violent quickly. Health Medical services in Somalia are extremely limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas. The health care system lacks sufficient pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medical professionals. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at your expense. Other – Landmines Landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Somalia. Areas of greatest risk are where Somali and regional security forces are fighting al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize. Other – Systematic mistreatment of women and gay and lesbian individuals There are documented patterns of rape. Those responsible usually do not face consequences. Local authorities rarely prosecute these cases. Survivors struggle to get medical care or other help they need. Survivors are often discriminated against and stigmatized. Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is practiced throughout the country. Up to 98 percent of Somali women have undergone FGM/C. This takes place even though circumcision of girls is illegal in Somalia. Young women, sometimes even minors, are often forced into marriage against their will. Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Somalia. Penalties range from 3 months to 3 years in prison. Under some local interpretations of sharia, same-sex relations are punishable by death. Other – Piracy Pirates are active in the waters off the Horn of Africa. Other – Abuse of residents in rehabilitation centers Some schools and other facilities claim to “rehabilitate” people but operate with little or no government supervision. Physical and emotional abuse is common in these places. Beatings, withholding of food and water, and physical restraint by chains are well-documented abuses in such facilities. Residents, including Americans, have been held in these facilities against their will. Americans or residents who lure individuals to Somalia under false pretenses or forcibly place Americans into such facilities may be subject to legal repercussions in the United States. Other – U.S. passports confiscated by family members Americans are frequently encouraged to visit family members in Somalia, including relatives who are sick or dying. However, once they are in Somalia, their U.S. passports are confiscated by family members, preventing them from leaving the country. In many cases, their activities are monitored and they have difficulty leaving their family home. For Americans in Somalia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government.
List how and when you will confirm you are safe (text or call).
Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
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