Eastern AfricaSomalia is a country on the Horn of Africa, with Mogadishu as its capital. It has historic sites, beaches and a strong tradition of hospitality. Travel is extremely dangerous because of civil war, terrorism, violent crime and kidnapping. Many governments advise against all travel, and embassies have little or no ability to help in an emergency.
Why go
Liido Beach and Gezira Beach are near Mogadishu, but coastal crime and piracy make visits risky.
Historic Dhulbahante forts include those at Taleh and Las Anod. Las Anod is especially dangerous because of shelling.
Somali food includes spiced meat, rice, pancake-like bread and filled pastries.
Somalis are generally hospitable and welcome efforts to speak Somali.
Best time to go: For milder weather in Mogadishu, May to October is the mildest period, and December to February is also relatively mild. These weather conditions do not make travel safe.
Getting there
By air
- Flying may be the safest way to enter or leave Somalia, although air travel can be difficult.
- African Express Airways serves several Somali cities, mainly from Nairobi and Dubai. Tickets can be reserved in advance, but must be bought at a ticket office; check that your seat remains reserved.
- Jubba Airways serves Mogadishu from Dubai, Bossaso and Jeddah. The source says it accepts online reservations and advises confirming your flight seven days before departure.
By land
- The source advises against driving into Somalia. Borders are generally closed and dangerous.
- Armed robbery and killings occur on buses, including in Somaliland.
- The source describes a route from Jijiga in Ethiopia by bus to Wajaale, followed by a border crossing and a shared four-wheel-drive car to Hargeisa.
By sea
- Ports include Mogadishu, Berbera, Kismaayo and Bosaso.
- Waters off Somalia, especially the Gulf of Aden, are unsafe because of pirates. Extreme caution is needed.
Customs
- Foreigners and Somalis living overseas need a visa. The source lists embassy applications and arrival applications with the right documents.
- A local luxury hotel can arrange visa processing, airport collection, protection and sightseeing.
- The source states that entry is refused to Israeli citizens and people with Israeli stamps or visas in their passports.
Getting around
Buses
Buses are a form of public transport, but armed robbery and killings are common. The warning also applies to buses in Somaliland. Roads are often in poor condition, and landmines may be present in parts of the country.
Taxis and cars
Taxis are another form of public transport. Traffic is dangerous, especially around Mogadishu and Jowhar. Vehicles generally drive on the right. The main roads from Hargeisa to Borama, Berbera and Sheikh have been resurfaced and cleared of mines.
Sightseeing with security
Foreigners in Mogadishu must be accompanied by security guards. Do not go sightseeing alone. Arrange hired Somali armed escorts or bodyguards when planning a trip. A local luxury hotel may arrange airport transfers, protection and sightseeing.
What to see and do
Liido Beach
A beach near Mogadishu where families often go at weekends. Security risks remain serious, and women must swim fully clothed.
Gezira Beach
Another beach near Mogadishu, described as beautiful. Banditry and piracy along the coast make visits risky.
Taleh Dhulbahante garesa
A historic fort built during the era of the Darawiish sultan Diiriye Guure.
Las Anod Dhulbahante garesa
Another fort from the era of Sultan Diiriye Guure. Las Anod regularly experiences shelling and is especially dangerous.
Visit Mogadishu's food markets
The source lists Mogadishu Fish Market, Mogadishu Fruit Market and Gezira Livestock Market as places to visit. Foreign visitors must have security guards with them.
Explore Bakaara Market
Somalia's largest open market sells daily essentials, but weapons are also sold and buyers may fire them into the air. Be very cautious.
Food and drink
Spiced meat and rice
Goat, beef, lamb or chicken is served with basmati rice. Common spices include turmeric, coriander, cumin and curry.
Canjeero or laxoox
Homemade bread similar to a large, spongy pancake.
Sambusas
Deep-fried triangular pastries filled with meat or vegetables.
Fruit
Popular fruits include bananas, dates, apples, oranges, pears and grapes. Raw sliced banana is often eaten with rice.
Vegetables and dietary needs
Meals usually centre on meat, and vegetarianism is uncommon. Vegetables are often side dishes or cooked into meat stews.
Halal food
Somali food is halal, meaning allowed under Islamic rules. Pork is not allowed.
Money
Somali shilling (SOS), except in Somaliland.
- As of April 2026, many businesses accepted only US dollars and refused Somali shillings.
- The source lists the 1,000-shilling note as the only shilling banknote in circulation. There are no shilling coins.
- Exchange rates change. Rates listed for August 2026 were about 570 shillings for one US dollar, 660 for one euro and 770 for one British pound.
Language
- Somali and Arabic are the official languages.
- English is widely taught in schools and used for classes at many universities. The source says visitors should generally be able to get around using English.
- Italian is now spoken by relatively few people, mainly older or well-educated Somalis.
- Attempts to speak Somali are warmly received.
- Albab-ka
- Door.
- Kahwa
- Coffee.
- Na'ana
- Mint.
Staying safe
- The safest option is not to travel to Somalia. Civil war, terrorism, violent crime and kidnapping remain serious threats.
- Embassies and consulates have little or no ability to provide emergency help. There are no embassies in Hargeisa.
- Foreigners may be kidnapped for ransom. Arrange armed escorts or bodyguards, and never go alone as a foreign tourist in Mogadishu.
- Avoid areas with armed men, gunfire or explosions. Shelling can begin with very little warning, especially near fighting.
Local customs
Do
- Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands and handing things to people.
- Accept a host's offer to buy a meal or gift. Hospitality usually comes without strings attached.
- Respond to curious staring with a friendly smile. Staring often shows interest rather than insult.
- Women must swim fully clothed at the beaches described in the source.
- Remember that Somalis are not Arab, even though Arabic is an official language.
Don't
- Do not show the bottoms of your feet to someone while dining.
- Do not eat or drink in public during daylight hours in Ramadan. Non-Muslims do not have to fast, but public eating and drinking are considered very impolite.
- Do not display alcohol or drink it in public.
- Do not assume men holding hands are a couple. This can be a sign of friendship in Somalia.
Staying healthy
- Water is contaminated in some parts of Somalia. Drink sealed bottled fluids, preferably from outside Somalia.
- Do not drink well water. It may contain harmful bacteria.
- A guide may provide food and water.
- Hargeisa and Mogadishu have hospitals offering basic services. Health services elsewhere are mostly very poor.
Phone and internet
- Mobile phone systems operate in Mogadishu and several other population centres.
- Listed operators include Somafone, Nationallink and Hormuud Telecom.
- Other listed operators include Telsom Mobile and Golis Telecom Somalia.
- International outgoing calls work through mobile networks.
Where to stay
- Bosaso has some hotels described as meeting Western standards.
- Hargeisa also has some hotels described as meeting Western standards.
- Mogadishu has hotels where security is usually a main priority.
- Some local luxury hotels can arrange protection, airport collection and sightseeing as part of a stay.
Outdoor adventures in Somalia
Somalia has beaches, mountains, waterfalls and national parks, but travel remains extremely dangerous because of violent crime, terrorism and armed conflict. Liido Beach and Gezira Beach near Mogadishu are named coastal attractions, though their current conditions are unclear. Many governments advise against all travel, and embassy help is very limited.
Liido Beach
BeacheSouthern Somalianear Mogadishu
Visit from Mogadishu with accompanying security guards. Foreign visitors must not go alone.
- Banditry and piracy threaten the coast.
- Current beach conditions are unclear.
Gezira Beach
BeacheSouthern Somalianear Mogadishu
The beach is near Mogadishu. Arrange hired Somali armed escorts when planning the trip; foreign visitors must have security guards with them in Mogadishu.
- Banditry and piracy threaten the coast.
- Current beach conditions are unclear.
Airports, metros and trains in Somalia
Airports with scheduled flights
- MGQAden Adde International AirportMogadishuMain international airport
- BSABender Qassim International AirportBosasoMain international airport
- HGAEgal International AirportHargeisaMain international airport
People and safety in Somalia
Religion
Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.
- Muslim100%
LGBT+ travellers
Illegal, with the death penalty in law
- The law allows death penalty.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Women travellers
Ranked #170 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
82% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 14 of 198 countries can visit Somalia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required1
- Visa on arrival11
- eTA required2
- eVisa182
- Visa required1
- Admission refused1
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Africa7 of 53 countries
- Americas3 of 35 countries
- Asia4 of 50 countries
- Europe0 of 46 countries
- Oceania0 of 14 countries
Questions
Is Somalia safe for a first-time visitor?
Somalia is extremely dangerous because of civil war, terrorism, violent crime and kidnapping. Many governments advise against all travel, and the source says the safest option is not to go.
When is the weather mildest?
Mogadishu is mildest from about May to October. December to February is also relatively mild, but weather does not remove the security risks.
Can I arrange a flight without booking online?
African Express Airways takes advance reservations, but tickets must be bought at its ticket office. Check with the airline that your seat remains reserved.
Can I go sightseeing on my own?
Foreigners in Mogadishu must be accompanied by security guards. The source advises arranging armed escorts or bodyguards when planning a trip.
Should I bring Somali shillings or US dollars?
The Somali shilling is the official currency outside Somaliland. As of April 2026, many businesses accepted only US dollars and refused shillings.
Will I be able to use English?
English is widely taught in schools and used at many universities. The source says visitors should generally be able to get around using English.
What food should a vegetarian expect?
Vegetarianism is uncommon, and meals usually centre on meat. Sambusas can have vegetable fillings, but vegetables are also often cooked into meat dishes.
Can I drink water from a well?
No. The source warns that well water may contain harmful bacteria and advises drinking sealed bottled fluids.
What changes during Ramadan?
Most restaurants close until dusk, and working hours are shorter. Non-Muslim visitors should avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
Where can I find a hotel?
Hotels are available in Mogadishu, Bosaso and Hargeisa. Mogadishu hotels usually make security a priority, and some luxury hotels arrange protection and airport collection.
Reviewed by @snuck