Somalia travel advice

Risk level

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

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Somalia travel advice

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

Safety and security

Despite improvements in some part of the country, your safety and security are at great risk in Somalia. The Canadian government does not have an office in Somalia. This means the Government of Canada cannot provide consular assistance if you are in distress while in the country. In such cases, you would have to rely on your own resources or travel to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

Authorities have limited capacity to maintain security across the country and violent incidents occur regularly. These include:

• suicide bombings
• armed attacks
• military operations
• demonstrations

The current situation represents a very serious threat to travellers. Anti-Western sentiment can be strong and foreign nationals can be targeted. Journalists, human rights activists and humanitarian workers are at very high risk of kidnapping, murder and/or arrest without notice or apparent cause.

Political situation and demonstrations

The political situation is unpredictable, especially in Mogadishu. Demonstrations can occur with little warning and turn violent at any time. Security forces have used excessive force to disperse crowds, including live ammunition.

If you are in Somalia:

• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• monitor the local media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the advice of local authorities

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism throughout the country, including in Mogadishu. Fighting over the control of areas between the government and terrorist groups has been ongoing. Attacks against government and civilian targets involving the use of heavy weapons are frequent, including in Mogadishu. Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport has closed with little or no warning due to mortar attacks, fighting, terrorist attacks or threats.

Civilian casualties are common. Further attacks are likely.

Attacks are unpredictable and can be both targeted and indiscriminate. They often involve the following types of weapons and/or devices:

• suicide vests
• improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
• vehicle-borne IEDs
• rockets and mortars
• assault weapons

Targets could include:

• hotels
• diplomatic missions and NGO offices
• government buildings, including police stations and military bases
• schools, including universities
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant:

• around dates of prior attacks, such as August 7, September 11
• around Somalia’s Independence Day on July 1
• at sporting events
• during religious holidays
• at public celebrations
• at major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Somaliland and Puntland

Tensions and violence are affecting Somaliland and Puntland, semi-autonomous regions within the Republic of Somalia, where violent attacks targeting civilians have occurred. Conflicts often erupt into fighting in the Sanaag and Sool regions of Somaliland along the border with Puntland.

Border areas

Somalia’s borders with Kenya and Ethiopia remain porous despite being officially closed. Terrorist groups are active along the border with Kenya and continue to carry out cross-border attacks. Some incidents have involved the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), resulting in casualties.

Border areas with Ethiopia experience inter-communal violence and cross-border criminal activity.

Kidnappings

Foreigners and Somali nationals are at very high risk of being kidnapped throughout Somalia. Both residents and foreigners have been abducted, often by armed groups, and held captive, until ransom was paid. In some cases, the victims have been executed or reported missing.

Crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs mostly in urban cities. The ability of local authorities to respond may be limited.

Violent crime conducted by armed militias occurs throughout the country. Incidents include:

• armed robberies
• burglaries
• home invasions
• carjackings
• assaults

During your stay:

• stay in accommodations with robust security measures
• keep doors and windows locked at all times
• keep valuables out of sight and reach
• avoid isolated areas
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs
• do not resist an attack

Landmines

Despite clearing efforts, landmines and unexploded ordnance from past armed conflict still pose hazards across the country.

• Be extremely vigilant, especially in remote areas  
• Stay on paved and main roads 
• Cross only at official border crossings
• Pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of unexploded ordnance

If you encounter unexploded ordnance:

• do not get close to or touch them
• move away immediately
• contact the relevant authorities

Road

Overland travel is extremely dangerous due to the presence of various armed groups controlling checkpoints.

If you must undertake overland travel:

• ensure to be accompanied by vetted and armed security guards
• always travel in groups
• follow the instructions of security forces
• do not travel at night

Road safety

There are major safety issues in Somalia. The number of road accidents is high and often involve pedestrians. Police and emergency services assistance is limited, particularly in rural areas.

Road conditions

Roads are in poor condition and can be dangerous due to:

• insufficient lighting
• potholes
• unpaved roads
• poorly maintained vehicles
• lack of traffic signs
• the presence of animals, pedestrians and cyclists on the road

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Women are typically expected to wear traditional Islamic dress, though it is not a legal requirement.

Advice for women travellers

Forced marriage and forced to travel and remain abroad

Some Canadians have been forced into marriage against their will and without their consent in Somalia. Family and/or community members have used emotional pressure, threats, abduction, or even physical violence to coerce individuals to marry in Somalia. Sometimes, the affected individual doesn’t know in advance about the planned marriage, but once they arrive in the country, their passport and money may be taken to prevent them from returning to Canada.

While both men and women experience forced marriage, it is a form of violence most commonly perpetrated against women and girls.

Some Canadians have reported being forced to travel or to remain in Somalia against their will. Once abroad, family members have confiscated the person’s passport and cellphone and withheld money to prevent them from returning to Canada. In some cases, family members have used deception or coercion to admit individuals and forcibly confine them in certain facilities claiming to offer medical, religious, or cultural "rehabilitation" services. These facilities may operate with little or no licensing or oversight, and incidents of abuse have been reported.

If you’re in Canada

If you’re in Canada and believe that you’re being forced to travel to Somalia to marry and/or to be left abroad against your will, you may want to consider the following safety measures:

• try to avoid or delay your travel
• share your concerns and travel details with a trusted person, such a teacher, counselor, friend or neighbour who can help you find support
• maintain control over your passport and other important documents
• contact your local police for immediate assistance

If you’re in Somalia

If you’re in Somalia and believe that you’re being forced to marry or are being kept abroad against your will and prevented from returning to Canada:

• contact the nearest office of the Government of Canada
• contact the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Forced marriage

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Somalian law criminalizes sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, as well as any act deemed “offensive to modesty” by the local authorities. Persons accused of homosexuality risk harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty. 2SLGBTQI+ persons can be victims of discrimination, harassment and acts of violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Somalia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Power outages

Power outages occur regularly throughout the entire country.

Power outages often impact essential services, such as:

• public lighting and traffic lights
• public water supply
• telecommunications

Telecommunications

International telephone services and Internet access are limited to larger cities and unreliable.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

We don't make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Somalian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid upon entry.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

You must have an electronic visa (e-visa) to visit Somalia.

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Previously, Somalia’s e-visa platform experienced a breach involving sensitive personal data of travellers. Be aware that there is a potential risk of your data being exposed if you use this platform.

The Somali e-visa might not be recognized as valid in certain areas where the central government’s authority is contested, particularly in Somaliland and Puntland. If you intend to visit, confirm with local authorities or direct your visa inquiries to the person or organization you will be visiting.

Get an electronic visa – Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medication

Most prescription medications are not available in Somalia.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country you’re visiting.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication for the duration of your stay
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage

Medical services and facilities

Health facilities are extremely limited and there is a lack of resources and supplies. You must be completely self-sufficient. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, will be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs and alcohol

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs and alcohol are severe.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Local authorities may request to see your identification at any time.

• Always carry photo identification
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your identification and travel documents 

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities: 

• dress conservatively 
• avoid kissing in public
• behave discretly
• respect religious and social traditions 

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Somalia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Somalia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

Ramadan

In 2026, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 17.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

• airports
• ports
• military sites
• government buildings
• uniformed service people

Always ask permission before photographing official buildings or individuals.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Somalia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Somalia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Somalia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Money

The currency is the Somali shilling (SOS), except in Somaliland, which uses the Somaliland shilling. U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are generally not accepted in Somalia. ATMs are available in major cities and are usually located in hotels, malls and other secure areas.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Somalia. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Rainy season

The rainy season usually extends from April to June and then again from October to December. This can vary from year to year due to climate change. Seasonal flooding, including flash flooding, can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services, even in larger cities. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Infrastructure may be damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest information including road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders