Entry Requirements & Visas
Important Note for 2026: Security Clearances Required
Due to ongoing security concerns, all travelers to Somalia must obtain a security clearance from the Somali government or relevant embassies before applying for a visa. This process can take 7-14 days and involves submitting travel itineraries and proof of purpose. Always check the latest advisories from your home country's foreign office, as non-essential travel is discouraged in many areas.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Somalia, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Ensure it is in good condition without any damage, as damaged passports may be rejected at entry points like Mogadishu International Airport.
Children and minors require their own passports, and parental consent letters may be needed for unaccompanied travel.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a few countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Turkey, may qualify for visa on arrival for short stays up to 30 days, but this is subject to change and requires prior approval. Most other nationalities, including those from the US, UK, EU, and Canada, must apply for a visa in advance through a Somali embassy or consulate.
Visa-free access is limited and often tied to diplomatic or business relations; always verify with official sources.
Visa Applications
Standard tourist or business visas cost around $50-100 and require an application form, passport photos, proof of yellow fever vaccination, return tickets, and accommodation details. Applications are processed through embassies in countries like Kenya, UAE, or Turkey, with fees varying by visa type and processing time of 5-10 working days.
For longer stays or work visas, additional documents like invitation letters from Somali hosts and police clearance certificates are mandatory.
Border Crossings
Entry is primarily via airports in Mogadishu, Hargeisa (Somaliland), or Bosaso, with strict security checks including baggage scans and interviews. Overland borders with Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti are risky and often require armed escorts; avoid unofficial crossings due to potential conflicts.
Upon arrival, expect biometric registration and possible quarantine if health alerts are in place.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is mandatory and must cover medical evacuation, as healthcare facilities in Somalia are limited. Policies should include coverage for political risks, kidnapping, and trip interruptions, starting at $10-20 per day from specialized providers experienced in high-risk destinations.
Ensure your policy explicitly mentions Somalia, as many standard plans exclude it due to security risks.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 days can be applied for at the Immigration Office in Mogadishu, requiring a fee of about $50 and justification like business needs or family emergencies. Processing takes 3-7 days, and overstaying can result in fines up to $100 per day or deportation.
Always apply well before expiration and carry proof of onward travel.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Somalia uses the Somali Shilling (SOS), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in major cities. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Mogadishu or Hargeisa by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially on regional flights from Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street vendors or local eateries for affordable meals under $5, skipping upscale spots to save up to 60% on food costs. Traditional dishes like bajiye (bean fritters) and canjeero (pancakes) are both delicious and budget-friendly.
Visit bustling markets in Mogadishu for fresh fruits and ready-to-eat snacks at rock-bottom prices.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses (bajaj) or taxis for inter-city travel at $10-20 per leg, avoiding expensive private hires. In safer areas like Hargeisa, daily transport cards can reduce costs by 40% for multiple rides.
Coordinate with local guides for group travel to split fares on longer journeys.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches in Djibouti border areas, ancient ruins in Puntland, and vibrant souks in Berbera, which are cost-free and offer authentic cultural immersion. Community-led walking tours in stable regions provide deep insights without fees.
Many historical mosques and nomadic campsites allow free access with respectful entry.
Card vs Cash
Cash in USD or SOS is king, as cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels; ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Exchange at local hawala systems for better rates, but carry small bills to avoid change issues in remote areas.
Always have backup cash hidden securely due to limited banking infrastructure.
Local Deals & Bargains
Haggle at markets for souvenirs and services, potentially saving 50% on crafts like woven baskets or camel saddles. Join community events or festivals for complimentary tea and cultural experiences that enhance your trip without extra cost.
Bundle transport and guiding services through local operators for discounted packages.
Smart Packing for Somalia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton layers for the hot climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and cultural modesty in conservative areas. Include a headscarf or hat for dust storms and quick-dry fabrics for occasional rains.
Opt for neutral colors to blend in, and bring extra socks for dusty roads.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Types C/G), solar charger for unreliable power, satellite phone for emergencies, and offline maps like those from Maps.me. Download language apps for Somali phrases and a VPN for secure internet access.
Keep devices in waterproof cases to protect against sand and heat damage.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with antimalarials, rehydration salts, and antibiotics, plus proof of vaccinations like yellow fever. Include a personal water filter for safe drinking in remote areas and high-SPF sunscreen.
Pack insect repellent with DEET and a mosquito net for overnight stays outside cities.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack with lockable compartments, reusable water bottle, multi-tool knife, and cash in waterproof pouches. Bring a money belt or hidden pouch for valuables, and copies of all documents in a cloud backup.
Include a lightweight sleeping bag for potential nomadic camp visits.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy sandals or closed-toe boots for desert treks and rocky terrains in places like the Laas Geel caves. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for urban exploration in Mogadishu, with extras for blister prevention.
Dust-proof gaiters help during windy travels across arid landscapes.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, wet wipes for water shortages, lip balm with SPF, and a compact fan for extreme heat. Pack electrolyte tablets and a small towel for hygiene in areas with limited facilities.
Don't forget feminine hygiene products and any personal medications in sufficient supply.
When to Visit Somalia
Dry Season (October-May)
The best time for travel with sunny days and temperatures of 25-35°C, ideal for exploring coastal areas like Berbera beaches and ancient rock art sites. Lower humidity makes hiking in the Golis Mountains more comfortable, with fewer rain disruptions.
Festivals like the Berbera International Cultural Festival in late summer draw crowds for music and arts.
Hot Dry Period (January-March)
Peak warmth around 30-40°C suits desert safaris and nomadic encounters in the north, though midday heat requires early starts. Wildlife viewing improves with migratory birds, and safer roads facilitate travel between regions.
Avoid southern areas if security alerts are high during this stable weather window.
Short Rains Transition (April-May)
Milder temperatures of 25-30°C with occasional showers that green the landscapes, perfect for photography in the Shebelle Valley and cultural immersions. Fewer tourists mean more authentic experiences, but pack for sudden downpours.
Harvest seasons bring local markets to life with fresh produce and community events.
Wet Season (June-September)
Budget-friendly with heavy rains cooling temps to 20-28°C, but flooding can isolate areas; best for indoor cultural studies in Hargeisa libraries. Monsoon winds create dramatic coastal scenes, though travel is challenging in rural spots.
Focus on urban areas like Mogadishu for business or resilient community visits.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Somali Shilling (SOS), but USD widely used. Exchange rates fluctuate; ATMs rare, so carry cash.
- Language: Somali and Arabic official; English spoken in business/tourist areas, but local dialects common in regions.
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Various plugs (C, D, G, I, J, K, L); generators common in remote areas
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, ambulance, or fire; international +252 for mobile access
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% in USD for guides/drivers, small amounts for porters
- Water: Not safe to drink from taps; boil or use bottled/filtered water. Dehydration risk high in heat
- Pharmacies: Limited; stock up on essentials in advance. Look for "farmashii" signs in cities