Travel advice for Somalia

Australia advises avoiding all travel for Somalia.

Avoid all travel to Somalia because the security situation can change at any time, and the warning reflects a general danger to life and personal safety. Consular assistance for Austrians in distress would be extremely limited, and insurers may exclude coverage even when a policy remains valid.

Avoid all travel to Somalia because security is poor and unpredictable nationwide, with frequent attacks, armed conflict and civilian deaths. Belgian authorities cannot provide consular assistance to Somalis holding Belgian residence permits, who must have a valid return document because a Somali passport is not recognised. Young people also face risks of forced placement in re-education camps, marriage or female genital mutilation; above-average rainfall may disrupt infrastructure and mobility.

Avoid all travel to Somalia because insecurity, domestic terrorism and countrywide landmine hazards threaten travellers. Suicide bombings, armed attacks, kidnapping and murder occur. Mogadishu's political situation is unpredictable, demonstrations can turn violent, and attacks may target public places and transport hubs. Somaliland and Puntland face civilian attacks and fighting in Sanaag and Sool, while the Kenya border has terrorist activity and the Ethiopia border has intercommunal violence and cross-border crime.

Avoid all travel to Somalia because terrorist attacks, armed robberies and kidnappings pose a high risk throughout the country. The western half of the autonomous region of Somaliland has a generally more favourable security situation, but serious security risks still affect travellers.

Avoid all travel to Somalia because of the unstable situation. Estonian citizens require a visa, and entry or stay conditions may change without immediate notice. Estonia has no representation in Somalia, so consular assistance is available through the Italian embassy.

Germany advises avoiding all travel for Somalia.

Hungary advises avoiding all travel for Somalia.

Avoid all travel to Somalia because the security environment is extremely unpredictable, with a high threat of domestic terrorism, armed conflict and crime. Terrorism is particularly concerning in south central Somalia and Mogadishu, while piracy affects the Somali coastline and kidnappings have targeted Westerners and Western organisations. If already there, leave if safe and otherwise exercise constant caution, avoid public gatherings and military sites, and avoid night travel.

Japan advises avoiding all travel for Somalia.

Avoid all travel to Somalia, with the exception of essential travel to Berbera and Hargeisa; do not travel outside or between those cities. In the rest of the country, attacks, armed conflict, Al-Shabaab, terrorism, severe crime, armed roadblocks, abduction and piracy make conditions dangerous. Dutch consular assistance is unavailable in Somalia, and arbitrary detention and harsh punishments are possible.

Avoid all travel to Somalia and Somali waters, and anyone in the country or its waters should leave because security conditions are serious and uncontrolled. Risks include armed crime, kidnapping, frequent terrorist attacks by Al Shabaab and other groups, especially around Mogadishu, and piracy along Somali and neighboring coasts. Food shortages, disease outbreaks and limited medical care are additional concerns, while Hargeisa has basic hospital capacity.

Avoid all travel to Somalia due to crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, limited rural health care, landmines, piracy, mistreatment of women and gay and lesbian people, rehabilitation centre abuse and passport confiscation by relatives. U.S. emergency support is limited, and employees may move only within the Mogadishu International Airport complex. Landmine risk is greatest where security forces are fighting, attacks occur without warning, and pirates operate off the Horn of Africa.

Avoid non-essential travel to Hargeisa in Somaliland because of the security situation. Avoid all travel to the rest of Somalia, and Swedes in those areas are urged to leave the country.

Avoid non-essential travel to Somalia and all travel to parts of the country. An ongoing visa application data breach may expose applicants’ personal information, and emergency numbers are unreliable. Visa arrangements differ for Mogadishu and Hargeisa, while it is unclear whether visas are issued on arrival at other entry points.