Somalia Travel Guide
| Due to the unstable situation and very high level of general risk, traveling to Somalia may be dangerous. Read more |
Did you know?
The surface area of Somalia is 246.2 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 191 in terms of the area in the world.
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
Country Comparison
Compare Somalia to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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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
| Miles | Mogadishu | Hargeisa | Kismayo | Laascaanood | Berbera | Bosaso | Baidoa | Zeila |
| Mogadishu | - | 527 | 254 | 466 | 581 | 691 | 138 | 656 |
| Hargeisa | 527 | - | 693 | 237 | 88 | 367 | 446 | 130 |
| Kismayo | 254 | 693 | - | 694 | 765 | 924 | 252 | 812 |
| Laascaanood | 466 | 237 | 694 | - | 210 | 230 | 449 | 331 |
| Berbera | 581 | 88 | 765 | 210 | - | 289 | 515 | 122 |
| Bosaso | 691 | 367 | 924 | 230 | 289 | - | 679 | 387 |
| Baidoa | 138 | 446 | 252 | 449 | 515 | 679 | - | 569 |
| Zeila | 656 | 130 | 812 | 331 | 122 | 387 | 569 | - |
Practical Information for Travelers
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Currency
MoreSomali Shilling (SOS)
- EUR
- GBP
- SOS
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- SOS
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Somalia.
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
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
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Somalia for tourism
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
Type CFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 190 / 231 Ranking | 15 893 222 Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% |
Area | 191 / 232 Ranking | 246.2 thous. mi² It is approximately 7% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 183 / 221 Ranking | 55.3 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 53women 57.7 |
Median age | 183 / 222 Ranking | 18.5 Average age of population expressed in years.men 18.7women 18.3 |
Population growth | 184 / 224 Ranking | 2.35% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
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