somalia

Somalia Travel Guide

Due to the unstable situation and very high level of general risk, traveling to Somalia may be dangerous. Read more
Trek Zone
iska waran
(ees-ka waran • Somali)
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84°F
Friday
83°F
Saturday

Tourist season

Are November and December good months to visit Somalia?

11

November

Shoulder
season

12

December

Shoulder
season

Visa Limitations

Visa requirements for citizens of United States visiting Somalia for tourism.

Visa on arrival

A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).

Did you know?

The population of Somalia is around 15.89 mil., which puts the country in 73. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).

How far is it?

1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings

The distance between Mogadishu (SO) and Washington D.C. (US) is 7821 miles

To calculate distance between your location and Mogadishu click here

Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Berbera
Gaalkacyo
Bosaso
Hargeisa
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.
Philadelphia
Houston
Chicago
Los Angeles
New York City
7821
mi

Country Comparison

Compare Somalia to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.

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Time Timezone

00:00

Safety

General travel safety level in Somalia on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).

4

Level 4 • Do not travel.

Update: 13 Oct 2024

Upcoming holidays

1 January 2025• New Year's Day

27 January 2025• Miraaj Nabi

Currency

Somali Shilling (SOS) - rate compared to selected currencies

100 SOS
Rate
Inversion
EUR
0.1657
60351
GBP
0.13815
72383
USD
0.17483
57198
Update: 21 Nov 2024

Get ready for your next trip

With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.

Cities and Top Tourist Attractions

From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Somalia

Map
Distance matrix
MilesMogadishuHargeisaBosasoBerberaKismayoZeilaGaroweBardera
Mogadishu-527691581254656490212
Hargeisa527-36788693130312514
Bosaso691367-289924387204778
Berbera58188289-765122275590
Kismayo254693924765-812730187
Zeila656130387122812-397628
Garowe490312204275730397-598
Bardera212514778590187628598-

Practical Information for Travelers

  • Currency
  • Vaccinations
  • Visa
  • Electricity

Currency

More

Somali Shilling (SOS)

EUR
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • SOS
  • USD
SOS
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • SOS
  • USD
 = 
Exchange rates provided by Open Exchange Rates. Last update: 21 November 2024
Somali ShillingSomali Shilling

Vaccinations

More

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Somalia.

Routine vaccines

Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Most travelers

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

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Prevention
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Somalia

Wysokie

Areas with malaria

All

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Some travelers

Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.

Cholera

Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.
Prevention
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Rabies

Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Keep away from animals

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an aiport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.

This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

With or without a visa?

Visa requirements for citizens of

United States
  • United States
  • More

visiting flagSomalia for tourism

Updated on 2 March 2023. Based on Visa requirements for United States citizens
Visa on arrival

A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).

  • Available at Berbera, Borama, Burao, Erigavo and Hargeisa airports. 30 days, available at Bosaso Airport, Galcaio Airport and Mogadishu Airport.

Electricity

220V (50 Hz)

In Somalia the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C sockets are used.

Click on the socket icon to see more information
socket CType C

Facts and Figures

Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country

Population

73 / 231
Ranking
15 893 222
Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15%

Area

43 / 230
Ranking
246.2 thous. mi²
It is approximately 7% of the territory of United States.

Life expectancy

194 / 196
Ranking
55.3
Life expectancy expressed in years.men 53women 57.7

Median age

15 / 157
Ranking
18.5
Average age of population expressed in years.men 18.7women 18.3

Population growth

27 / 172
Ranking
2.35%
The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss.
Source: WDI World Bank & CIA World Factbook Country Comparison

Where to next? Discover country icon Ethiopia, a country in the region worth visiting, or use the destination finder