Somalia Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Somalia
General travel safety in Somalia on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Somalia
Updates
Updated: 13 Mar 2024 • Still current at: 25 Mar 2024
Status
LEVEL 4 - Do not travel
Your health and safety is at extreme risk. This may be because of a high threat of terrorist attack, conflict, violent social unrest, widespread infectious disease or critical levels of violent crime. It could be a combination of risks. If you travel to this location you're at a high risk of death, imprisonment, kidnapping or serious injury. You should not travel to this location, but if you're already in a 'Do not travel' area, consider leaving. Note that your travel insurance policy might be void.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
The road system is extensive but many roads in the south are unpaved. There are only sand tracks in the desert. Avoid all road travel in the southeast, due to the possibility of landmines, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. Travel on the coastal highway in the east of the country is dangerous, due to ongoing inter-factional fighting and the risk of kidnapping by extremist groups. The rate of vehicle accidents is high. Poor driving skills, excessive speeds and traffic violations pose risks.
Women's safety
Based on the crime situation of the Somalia, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens.
Kidnapping
Foreigners are at very high risk of being kidnapped throughout Somalia, including in Somaliland. Several Westerners, including humanitarian workers, have been kidnapped.
Crime
There are high levels of crime conducted by armed militias throughout the country. Armed robberies, carjackings and murders occur regularly.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism, particularly in south-central Somalia and in the capital, Mogadishu. Fighting over the control of these areas between the government (supported by international troops), and terrorist groups has been ongoing. Attacks against government targets involving the use of heavy weapons are frequent, particularly in Mogadishu. Civilian casualties are not uncommon. Further attacks are likely. Targets could include public transportation, government buildings, political rallies, schools, places of worship and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, and sites frequented by foreigners.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police888
- Fire555
- Ambulance999
Local Law and Culture
Ramadan
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.
LGBT
Somalian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Somalia.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Somalia.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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