Somalia

Översikt

Capital: Mogadishu (pop. 2.610 million)
Population: 19,654,739 (2025 est.)
Other Urban Areas: Hargeysa (pop. 1.127 million)
Religions: Sunni Muslim
Languages: Somali, Arabic, Italian, English
Time Zone: UTC+3
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +252
Electrical plug(s): Type C

Pengar

The local currency in Somalia is Somali shillings (SOS). As of 6 October 2026 100 SOS is equal to 0.18 USD. In addition to the local currency, USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at hotels.

Travellers should be prepared to use cash to make payments. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are not an accepted method of payment. ATMs are not widely available.

Banking hours, in the limited facilities available, run from 0730-1130 (Monday to Friday). There is a major problem with counterfeit local currency, which also generates levels of unrest amongst the local population.

Tipping is not obligatory. For exceptional service, an additional tip is always welcome. Hotels and restaurants tend to include a tip of 5-10%, but luxury hotels and high-end restaurants may charge 10-15% of the total bill in the form of a service charge.

El

The power supply in Somalia is not reliable. Electricity operates on 220V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C. The country is prone to frequent power outages even in Mogadishu. Outside the capital power is highly unreliable and often absent. Surge protection equipment is advised.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Somalia. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.

Visum

A visa on arrival scheme is in place for select travellers, but often depends on nationality, purpose of travel and port of entry. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

e-Visas

E-visa (eTAS): Foreign nationals may apply for an entry eVisa for tourism, business and transit purposes. Authorities do not specify the maximum length of stay allowed.

This visa may not be recognised in Somaliland and Puntland, which have their own visa systems.

There are reports of a data breach affecting the country's eVisa system. Leaked data from the breach includes visa applicants' names, photos, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status and home addresses. Consider the risk before applying.

Visas on Arrival

Somaliland Visa on Arrival: To enter Somaliland, foreign nationals may obtain a visa on arrival (VoA) at Hargeisa's Egal Airport (HGA/HCMH) or Berbera's Silanyo Airport (BBO/HCMI), or an Entry Permit visa at the nearest Somaliland Embassy. Holders of a valid Somaliland Entry Permit or Residence visa are also allowed entry. It was unclear how many days foreign nationals may stay in Somaliland with the VoA.

Puntland Visa on Arrival: All foreign nationals entering Puntland may apply for a visa on arrival (VoA). It was unclear how many days foreign nationals may stay in Puntland with the VoA. Puntland consists of the administrative regions of Bari and Nogal.

Lokal resor

Overview

Criminal activity by armed militia remains widespread across the country due to the general state of insecurity. Rates of piracy off the coast of Somalia are among the highest in the world and harassment of western aid agencies at false roadblocks set up across the country threaten travellers seeking passage on overland travel routes.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Somaliland officials announced that, effective from 1 December 2025, travellers departing from Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport (HGA/HCMH) to third-country destinations, as well as passengers flying into Hargeisa from abroad, will no longer be permitted to transit through Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ/HCMM), due to security reasons.

Somaliland officials suspended Air Djibouti flights to Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport (HGA/HCMH), where the airline previously operated four times a week.

The Federal Government continues to suspend commercial flights in parts of Jubaland, including Kismayo Airport (KMU/HCMK) in Lower Juba due to safety concerns amid ongoing tensions and clashes with Jubaland authorities. Authorities recently allowed the resumption of flights to Bardera Airport (BSY/HCMD) and Doolow Airport (GIA/HCDL) in Gedo.

The South West State authorities grounded all flights in the region indefinitely as of 18 March in response to the Federal Government suspending flights between Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ/HCMM) and Shatigadud International Airport (BIB/HCMB) in Baidoa, Bay region.

The country's main airport, Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ/HCMM) in Mogadishu, operates domestic and international flights, but there are long-standing concerns about the safety of the facility and its airspace as Islamist militants have launched attacks at and near it in recent years and are believed to have access to anti-aircraft weaponry with a range of 7.6km (25,000 ft).

Despite improvements in the security situation in recent years, there remains a persistent threat to airports and commercial flights. On 31 January 2021, at least six people were killed and 14 others were injured in an al-Shabaab attack at Mogadishu's Afrik Hotel near Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ/HCMM). On 19 February 2021, a similar attack killed and injured roughly 20 people.

The country does not have airlines that operate outside of the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.

Borders and Entry

Border closures: The borders between Kenya and Somalia have been closed since 2011 due to security concerns linked to al-Shabaab.

Visa ban: The visa-on-arrival service was suspended for Kenyan nationals. Kenyan citizens seeking to enter Somalia must obtain a travel permit from the Somali Embassy in Nairobi before departure.

Health-related surveillance measures: Authorities implemented Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s entry ports, effective until further notice, to prevent the entry of the disease.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Somalia. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Somalia might face legal and social difficulties.

Road Travel

Traffic moves on the right side of the road. Security checkpoints are present throughout the country and can trigger long traffic delays. New checkpoints may also be erected randomly, especially following an attack. False checkpoints have been used by militants and criminals in the past to launch terror attacks, kidnapping and robberies. At checkpoints, drivers should ensure they have all documentation and be patient and polite. Checkpoints, particularly those in Mogadishu near hotels, busy intersections and government infrastructure, are often the target of attacks by militants.

Road travel continues to be highly dangerous, with deadly attacks on civilian vehicles as well as security convoys taking place regularly across the country. Attacks are unpredictable, and have previously involved the use of roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and guns. Road travel at night should be avoided.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recognised and recommended for driving in Somalia. Driving standards are poor with speeding, tailgating and a lack of respect for traffic rules common practices. Accidents occur frequently and often result in fatalities. The quality of roads is poor across the country. The speed limit in cities is 60kph (37mph) and 100kph (62mph) in rural areas.

Criminal activity by armed militia remains widespread across the country due to the general state of insecurity. Rates of piracy off the coast of Somalia are among the highest in the world and harassment of Western aid agencies at false roadblocks set up across the country threaten travellers seeking passage on overland travel routes.

Public Transport

Buses: Both urban and inter-city bus services run irregularly and frequently change routes. Poorly maintained vehicles compounded by erratic driving habits mean road accidents occur frequently. The use of buses is currently in decline in Mogadishu and economic hardships are forcing more and more people to opt for motorcycle-taxis, which are even more dangerous.

Public transportation is generally unsafe and unreliable, and vehicles are poorly maintained.

Taxis: Registered taxis across Mogadishu and other cities are blue and yellow. They are generally safer than private vehicles with taxi signs that operate according to different rates. Waryaa Taxi is a ride-hailing application also available in Mogadishu.