Language
Arabic, Somali
The two official languages of Somalia are Somali and Arabic. Many Somalis are multilingual.
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Africa · Eastern AfricaOutline guideCountry in East Africa
Photo: Marco Gualazzini, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Somalia (Somali: Soomaaliya; Arabic: الصومال aṣ-Ṣūmāl) is a country on the Horn of Africa. Once the centre of many powerful sultanates and an Italian colony, the country has been in a state of chaos and turmoil since the 1980s. The country suffers from a myriad of social problems such as warfare, terrorism, corruption, political instability, and general lawlessness, and it isn't exactly your typical family destination.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Somalia.
Arabic, Somali
The two official languages of Somalia are Somali and Arabic. Many Somalis are multilingual.
Mobile networks
Hormuud TelecomWater is mostly contaminated in certain parts of Somalia. Stick to sealed, preferably non-Somali, bottled fluids. Do not drink out of wells. Most are filled with harmful bacteria that most foreigners are unaccustomed to.
Somalis, in general, are humble, hospitable, and welcoming.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Major port city, varied and thriving commerce, the national capital, and generally the preeminent metropolitan city in Somalia.
Gedo Region's most important port city and the second largest city in Somalia proper. Too dangerous for travel.
An important city in central Somalia.
an ancient port city in Khatumo / Maakhir
Home to the capital Mogadishu and the majority of the fighting.
The central portion of the country, around the Galguduud and Mudug regions.
A historic, autonomous region on the Horn with long standing tribal leadership system.
The independent northern region, which has a functioning government and a minuscule tourist sector and similar to Puntland with tribal governership.
Possibly Somalia's most dangerous region, much of it is under control of Al-Shabaab.
Public transport and paid services in Somalia.
Somalia was without an effective government for 17 years; this has had a negative effect on the roads and transit.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Somalia.
Finding apps for Somalia…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Mogadishu · International · MGQ
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Mogadishu
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 33° | 33° | 34° | 32° | 31° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 31° | 31° | 33° |
| Avg. low | 22° | 23° | 24° | 25° | 25° | 24° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 24° | 24° | 23° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 6 | 2 | 20 | 109 | 58 | 34 | 23 | 28 | 16 | 80 | 91 | 24 |
| Humidity | 66% | 66% | 67% | 73% | 77% | 74% | 72% | 72% | 71% | 74% | 75% | 70% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$45
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$130
Per person, per day
Luxury
$345
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $75 | $200 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $65 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities | $5 | $20 | $50 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2021). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 4 of 4Do not travel
Do not travelto Somalia due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health, landmines, systematic mistreatment of women, systematic mistreatment of gay and lesbian individuals, piracy, abuse of residents in rehabilitation centers, and confiscation of passports by family members. Do not travel to Somalia for any reason. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to Americans in Somalia due to the safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Somalia are not allowed to travel outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex, where the U.S. embassy is located, due to security risks. When they do travel within the complex they are accompanied by armed security. Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Somalia. Aviation safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Somalia. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Crime Violent crime is common throughout Somalia, including homicide and kidnapping. Illegal roadblocks by armed individuals are widespread. Kidnapping Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups frequently kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping or to respond to such crimes. Terrorism There is a notable risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity.…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Parts of Somalia, including Somaliland FCDO advises against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland, except for the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil. This 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. Find 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. Support from FCDO Support 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. If you need urgent help from the UK government, for example if you’ve been arrested or you’re concerned about forced marriage, contact: the British High Commission Nairobi, Kenya if you are in Somalia, excluding Somaliland the British Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia if you are in Somaliland If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Somalia, including Somaliland, call FCDO on 020 7008 5000. People of Somali descent, including Somaliland descent The government of Somalia and the authorities in…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Somalia.
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