Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland, except for the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil.
\n\nThis 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.
\n\nFind 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.
\n\nSupport from FCDO is severely limited in Somalia, including Somaliland, with no support in person from staff at the British Embassy Mogadishu or the British Office Hargeisa.
\n\nIf you need urgent help from the UK government, for example if you’ve been arrested or you’re concerned about forced marriage, contact:
\n\nIf you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Somalia, including Somaliland, call FCDO on 020 7008 5000.
\n\nThe government of Somalia and the authorities in Somaliland will consider any British national of Somali (including Somaliland) descent to be a dual national. FCDO can offer only limited consular support in these cases.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Somalia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Somalia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Somalian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Somalia, including Somaliland, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland.
\n\nThere are reports of a data breach affecting Somalia’s eVisa system
\nLeaked data from the breach includes visa applicants’ names, photos, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. This data breach is ongoing and could expose any personal data you enter into the system,
\n\nAn eVisa is required before travelling to Somalia. Consider the risks before applying.
\n\nUS Embassy in Somalia have also issued an alert to US citizens. See - Alert: Federal Republic of Somalia (FGS) Electronic Visa (E-Visa) Data Breach - U.S. Embassy in Somalia.
\n\nIf you are travelling to Mogadishu International Airport, you will need to apply for an eVisa prior to your arrival.
\n\nIf you are travelling to Hargeisa International Airport, you may still be asked to present this eVisa in order to board your flight but it will not be considered valid for entry when you arrive in Hargeisa.
\n\nYou will need to purchase a single-entry visa upon arrival at Hargeisa International Airport, which will be valid for one month.
\n\nIt is not clear if you’ll be given a visa on arrival at other points of entry. Get confirmation from local authorities or your sponsoring organisation.
\n\nYou may also need to provide a letter of invitation when you arrive, outlining the reason for your visit. You can usually get this from your place of work. Without this letter, you may not be allowed to enter.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Somalia guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Somalia, including Somaliland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nKhat is a legal drug in Somalia, but it is an offence to take it out of the country. Officials regularly search bags at Hargeisa and Mogadishu airports, and anyone found to be in possession of khat is likely to face criminal prosecution.
\n\nIn Somaliland you must declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Somalia, including Somaliland.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Somalia, including Somaliland.
\nThe terrorist group Al Shabaab, and other groups opposed to the Federal Government, continue to carry out frequent attacks, including in the capital Mogadishu. Terrorist groups operating in Somalia have made threats against westerners and those working for western organisations in Somalia, including Somaliland.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate and occur at any time, including in places visited by foreigners such as:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. The Somali Security Forces regularly carry out counter-terrorist operations against Al-Shabaab, mainly in central and southern Somalia. There has recently been a significant increase in conflict between al-Shabaab and Somali Security Forces in the Middle Shabelle region, and increased threats against Mogadishu security.
\n\nExamples of previous significant attacks include:
\n\nWhile attacks occur less frequently in Somaliland, terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out attacks.
\n\nThe risk of attacks in Somalia, including Somaliland, may be further heightened during religious holidays.
\n\nThere is a high threat of kidnapping throughout Somalia, including in regions bordering Kenya and Ethiopia, and in Somaliland. Terrorists and criminal groups, including piracy groups, are involved in kidnapping. A number of western nationals, including British nationals, have been kidnapped in Somalia and some have been killed.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nThe long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
\n\nIf you are working or travelling in Somalia, including in Somaliland, you should be aware of the risk of kidnapping. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, including:
\n\nMake sure you have carefully considered the threat and have reasonable, proportionate mitigation measures in place.
\n\nSomalia may see an increased risk of politically motivated unrest in the period around 15 May 2026. Past unrest has included protests and incidents of violence, including fatalities. On 3 June 2026, there were clashes in Mogadishu between Somali Security Forces and opposition forces.
\n\nPolitical and community-based violence is common across Somalia, including Somaliland, and can flare up with little warning. Take care in public places where people gather. Monitor local and international media to help you avoid areas where demonstrations, protests, large crowds or disturbances are taking place. Leave any area of unrest quickly and do not attempt to watch or photograph it.
\n\nThere is a dangerous level of criminal activity by armed militia throughout Somalia. There have been murders, armed robbery and criminal kidnaps.
\n\nThe humanitarian situation in Somalia has led to a large displacement of people, and a growth in refugee camps which are overpopulated. Food and health insecurity has led to an increase in crime, particularly around the refugee camps.
\n\nAlways carry your passport and visa with you as ID. Somali nationals should consult local authorities in Somalia on personal ID requirements.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nSomalia has adopted Sharia law but is yet to implement it throughout the country. Al-Shabaab and other insurgent groups often have an extreme view on how to apply Sharia law.
\n\nIt’s illegal for Somali Muslims to convert to another religion or promote any religion other than Islam.
\n\nThe drinking and sale of alcohol is banned in Somalia.
\n\nDrug offences, including drug use, possession and trafficking, are treated seriously in Somalia and are punishable by law. Possible punishments include a lengthy prison sentence without bail.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Somalia. LGBT+ partners should not show affection in public.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nCredit cards are not widely accepted in Somalia and it is not possible to get currency advances using a credit card. You should take cash with you into the country. The US dollar is the main currency for exchanging in Somalia.
\n\nIn Hargeisa you can withdraw US dollars from ATMs using international credit and debit cards.
\n\nTravelling by road in Somalia is dangerous and you should get advice from a security firm or a sponsoring organisation. Government forces, militias and other armed groups operate checkpoints on roads across Somalia. Exercise extreme caution when passing checkpoints and closely follow the instructions given by police and military personnel.
\n\nThere is still a significant risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, where piracy has been reduced but not fully prevented. Pirates can attack up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast or more. The threat assessment of the combined international naval counter-piracy forces is that sailing yachts should not enter the designated high-risk area, due to the risk of hijacking.
\n\nMaritime crime and security incidents are also a risk in the Southern Red Sea area.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe main rainy season in Somalia takes place between April and June, followed by lesser rains in October and November.
\n\nLocalised flooding may prevent you from getting to some parts of Somalia, including Somaliland.
\n\nFlooding increases humanitarian need by forcing people to move or cutting them off from possible support. The end of 2023 saw widespread flooding in south-western Somalia, leading to significant internal displacement and disruption to travel.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Somalia. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to the regions of Toghdeer, Sanaag and Sool in eastern Somaliland. There has been an increase in violent clashes in recent months and the situation remains volatile, so if you do travel, exercise extreme caution.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the 3 western regions of Somaliland – Awdal (including Boorama), Maroodijeh (including Hargeisa) and Sahil (including Berbera).
\n\nCheck with local authorities before travelling to the border, and monitor travel advice for your destination: Ethiopia, Kenya or Djibouti. If you try to cross the border without the correct documents, officials may stop you.
\n\nLand borders with countries neighbouring Somalia may close at short notice. You may get a fine or detention for illegally crossing borders. The land border with Kenya is currently closed due to recent cross border terrorist activity. There have been reports that foreign nationals have been prevented from crossing the Djiboutian border into Somalia, though the border remains open.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the rest of Somalia. There is ongoing, serious violence between opposing factions in many parts of the country. Civilians of all ages have been killed in fighting, which often involves heavy weapons.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 999 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nIf that number does not work, call the Somali Red Crescent on 445 for emergency services.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Somalia, including:
\n\nThe humanitarian situation in Somalia has led to a large displacement of people, and a growth in refugee camps which are overpopulated. This has led to health insecurity and an increase of exposure to disease, particularly around the refugee camps.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere are basic hospital facilities in Hargeisa. Elsewhere, medical facilities are extremely limited and often at great distances. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Somalia where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 999
\n\nFire: 555
\n\nPolice: 888
\n\nThese emergency numbers can be unreliable. The Somali Red Crescent operates a free number for all emergency services on 446.
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n