Somalia, located on the Horn of Africa, offers stunning coastlines along the Indian Ocean, ancient cave paintings at Laas Geel, and vibrant markets in Mogadishu. Despite ongoing security challenges, the country boasts rich Somali culture, pristine beaches, and historical sites dating back millennia.
Somalia carries a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory from the US State Department and similar warnings from most Western governments due to terrorist activity, piracy, clan violence, and lack of government control in many areas. Somaliland (northwest, capital Hargeisa) is significantly more stable and is considered Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' by some governments. Visitors to Somaliland can have relatively safe experiences with proper preparation, while Mogadishu requires mandatory security arrangements including armed escorts. Any travel to Somalia demands comprehensive security planning, up-to-date professional advice, and robust medical evacuation insurance.
Current safety advisory
High
Most Western governments advise against all travel to southern and central Somalia. Somaliland is treated differently with exercise increased caution advisories. Al-Shabaab terrorist organization remains active and poses a threat in many parts of Somalia. Piracy risk exists off the Puntland coast. Visitors must check their government's current advisory before any travel and register with their embassy upon arrival.
Last updated: 2026-04
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel (Federal Somalia)
Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy. Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in Somalia.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution (Somaliland)
Somaliland maintains a distinct security situation from the rest of Somalia. While significantly more stable, exercise increased caution and monitor security developments closely.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Register with your embassy before travel
Avoid all travel outside Mogadishu International Airport complex
Monitor local security situation constantly
Use armed security escorts if travel is essential
Avoid large gatherings and public places
Have evacuation plans ready at all times
Do not display wealth or valuables
Stay in secure accommodations only
Dress conservatively at all times. Women should cover hair, arms and legs; men should avoid shorts in public. Somalia is a predominantly Muslim country and modesty is essential for safe, respectful travel.
Avoid photographing military installations, checkpoints, government buildings, or security personnel without explicit permission. This can result in detention. Always ask before photographing individuals.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial guide scam
Individuals near Laas Geel and major attractions present themselves as official guides at prices far above the norm, then demand additional payment or become aggressive if refused.
How to avoid: Arrange guides through your hotel before departure. Agree on all prices in advance and get confirmation in writing via WhatsApp message.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxi drivers target obviously foreign visitors and quote prices 3-5x above local rates, particularly near airports and major hotels.
How to avoid: Always arrange airport and hotel transfers through your accommodation. For street taxis, ask your hotel what the correct fare should be before getting in any vehicle.
Currency exchange manipulation
Street money changers may offer seemingly good rates but shortchange during the count, or provide counterfeit local shilling notes.
How to avoid: Exchange only at bank offices or reputable hotel reception desks. Count notes carefully. Use USD for all significant transactions.
Fake security fees
In some areas, individuals claim to represent security forces and demand payment for 'permits' or 'protection fees' that don't exist.
How to avoid: All legitimate security arrangements should be made in advance through your hotel or licensed tour operators. Refuse demands for on-the-spot payments to individuals.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Required: Yellow fever (if arriving from endemic areas). Strongly recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Cholera, Rabies, Polio booster, Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP). Malaria prophylaxis essential - consult travel doctor 6-8 weeks before departure.
- Water
- Unsafe to drink. Use bottled water only for drinking and brushing teeth. Ensure bottles are sealed when purchased. Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled or purified water for food preparation.
- Food
- Eat at established hotels and reputable restaurants rather than street food stalls. Cooked food served hot is generally safer. Avoid raw salads and unpeeled fresh fruit. Fresh seafood at busy established restaurants is usually safe. Camel milk from established vendors is generally fine but avoid unpasteurized dairy from unknown sources.
- Facilities
- Medical facilities are severely limited outside major cities and do not meet international standards. Hargeisa General Hospital and Mogadishu Hospital provide basic emergency care. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Nairobi (Kenya) or Dubai (UAE) is necessary. Medical evacuation insurance with minimum $500,000 coverage is ESSENTIAL before visiting Somalia.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Somaliland (Hargeisa) is feasible for experienced travelers with good security awareness. Solo travel in Mogadishu or southern Somalia without professional security arrangements is extremely high-risk and strongly advised against. In Hargeisa, solo travelers should use hotel-arranged transport, stay in reputable hotels, and maintain contact with their accommodation at all times. The Somali people are extraordinarily hospitable and solo travelers who approach security sensibly generally report positive experiences in Hargeisa.
Female travellers
Female travelers face additional considerations in Somalia's conservative Islamic society. Dress modestly at all times covering hair, arms, and legs - this is both a cultural respect requirement and a safety measure. In Hargeisa, lone female travelers report feeling relatively safe in hotel environs and market areas. Avoid walking alone after dark anywhere. Female travelers are generally treated with respect when they demonstrate cultural sensitivity through dress and behavior. Having a local contact or going out with a group is strongly recommended. Female NGO workers are a common presence in Hargeisa and have established safe routines that solo female travelers can follow.
Families
Family travel to Somalia requires thorough planning and is advisable only to Somaliland (Hargeisa/Berbera) with children aged 10 and above. Younger children face significant risks from limited medical facilities, heat, food safety challenges, and the general security environment. Families that do visit should stay exclusively in luxury hotels with highest security standards, arrange all activities through hotel services, carry a comprehensive medical kit, ensure all vaccinations are current, and have detailed medical evacuation plans. Somali children and families are wonderfully welcoming to visiting families and cultural exchanges can be deeply positive.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is illegal in both Somalia and Somaliland and can be punishable by imprisonment or corporal punishment. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme discretion and avoid any public display of same-sex relationships or affection. The social and legal environment is deeply hostile to LGBTQ+ expression. LGBTQ+ travelers should carefully consider the significant risks before visiting and are strongly advised to maintain complete discretion throughout their visit.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 888 (Somaliland); 999 (Somalia federal)
- Medical
- 999 (Somaliland); limited in other areas - contact hotel immediately
- Embassy
- Register with your embassy before travel. US Embassy operates from Nairobi for Somalia (+254 20 363 6000). UK Embassy also operates remotely. Contact details in your country's travel advisory.
- Tourist Police
- Somaliland Police tourist unit: contact through hotel or +252 63 4420000