Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
- employer
- airline
We continue to advise:
Do not travel to Somalia due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
We continue to advise:
Do not travel to Somalia due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.
Do not travel to Somalia.
Do not travel to Somalia due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorist attacks occur frequently in Somalia, and can take place anywhere, at any time. Targets include Somali government officials, foreigners and UN workers. Recent attacks have occurred in Mogadishu, Beledweyne, Baidoa, Galkayo and Kismayo and have resulted in hundreds of fatalities and injuries.
Somali militants have threatened attacks throughout the country.
Aden Adde International Airport is a high-priority target because of the large number of foreigners present.
Common targets
Deadly attacks against government targets, including buildings, are common.
Foreigners and Somalis working for international organisations and the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) are also targeted.
Attacks could involve explosions, car bombs and armed gunmen.
Other targets for attacks include:
There have been more attacks during days of national significance and religious festivals, including Ramadan.
Somalia isn't safe. It doesn't have an effective police force.
Do not travel to Somalia. If you're already there, leave Somalia as soon as possible.
If, despite our advice, you decide to stay, you should:
If there's an attack, you should:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped while travelling overseas. Kidnapping can occur anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically considered at lower risk. The kidnapping risk is very high in all parts of Somalia, including Puntland and Somaliland.
Several active terrorist groups have the intent and capability to kidnap foreigners. Many foreigners, including those of Somali descent, have been kidnapped in Somalia.
Kidnappers may be motivated by crime or terrorism. Armed groups in Somalia have held foreigners kidnapped from Kenya.
Do not travel to Somalia. If you're already in Somalia, leave as soon as possible.
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, you should be aware that our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited.
To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
The political situation is unpredictable, particularly in Mogadishu. Demonstrations can occur and turn violent without warning.
Residential areas and markets in south-central Somalia have experienced shootings and grenade attacks.
If you're in Somalia despite our advice:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
More information:
Pirate attacks in and around Somalia's waters, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden are an increasingly frequent and serious threat. This includes far off the Somali coast.
Pirates are heavily armed, have attacked vessels and held foreigners hostage for ransom in the Gulf of Aden.
Attractive targets for pirates include:
Don't travel in Somali waters or surrounds, or you face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom.
If you need to travel by boat in Somali waters or surrounds, you should:
More information:
The Australian High Commission in Kenya has received reports that some schools and institutions acting as 'cultural rehabilitation' centres operate in Somalia without oversight. The reports claim that minors and young adults may be abused and held against their will in these facilities.
There's no effective police force in Somalia. There's a breakdown in law and order. Lawlessness, clan violence and looting are common.
Anti-Western attitudes are strong in some parts of Somalia. Foreigners are sometimes violently harassed, including people of Somali descent.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Extreme weather conditions in southern and central Somalia have added to the unstable security environment. Areas bordering Ethiopia and Kenya are also affected.
Food shortages and population displacements have left thousands of people homeless and vulnerable. This has led to more disease and more crime.
If you're in Somalia despite our advice, you should:
There are cases of HIV/AIDS in Somalia. If you're a victim of violent crime, including rape, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Somalia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including tsunamis and floods.
If, despite our advice, you travel to or stay in Somalia and a natural disaster occurs:
If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised to by local authorities, or if you:
Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.
Severe weather
Somalia's weather can be extreme. There are regular droughts and floods.
Because of severe weather, many areas of Somalia suffer from food shortages. Thousands of people are left without a place to live, leading to more disease and higher security threats to foreigners.
Somalia is often very hot. The average maximum temperature can be more than 45˚C.
Stay out of the sun and drink water to avoid dehydration.
The monsoon season runs from May to October in the south-west. It's from December to February in the north-east.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
You'll need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Somalia.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Somalia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Insect-borne diseases
Malaria occurs throughout the year in all parts of Somalia. Current treatments aren't effective against some strains.
Other insect-borne diseases also occur. These include:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get vaccinated against yellow fever before you travel.
Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
Polio
Outbreaks of polio have occurred in Somalia.
Check your polio vaccination status with your doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you travel. You may need a booster dose.
If you aren't vaccinated, complete the full course of vaccinations before you leave.
If you're staying in Somalia for longer than 4 weeks, you'll need to show proof when you exit that you've had the polio vaccine or a booster within the past 12 months. If you don't, you may need to be vaccinated before leaving Somalia.
More information:
HIV/AIDS
There are cases of HIV/AIDS in Somalia.
Protect yourself from infection if engaging in activities that expose you to risk.
If you're a victim of violent crime, including rape, get medical help as soon as possible.
Other health risks
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Medical facilities in Somalia are extremely limited.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. It can also be difficult to organise.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Somalia hasn't signed the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic and consular relations.
If you're arrested or detained, you may not be able to contact the Australian Government or access consular services.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They may include prison and heavy fines.
More information:
Courts operate under both Somali and Sharia law.
Strict sharia law is in force in areas under al-Shabaab control. Sentences include physical punishments such as flogging and the death penalty.
Get professional advice on local legal matters, particularly about:
Be aware of your rights and responsibilities.
Criminal laws are inconsistently enforced in Somalia. Due process isn't always followed.
Same-sex relations are illegal in Somalia. Punishments under strict Sharia law include flogging or death.
It's also illegal to preach a religion other than Islam in Puntland or Somaliland.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
Australia implements UN sanctions on Somalia, including an arms embargo.
More information:
If you're an Australian-Somali dual national, Somali officials will treat you as Somali.
You may not be able to contact the Australian Government if you're arrested or detained. Consular help may be limited.
More information:
Somalia has strict conservative standards of dress and behaviour. If in doubt, ask for local advice.
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Somalia. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Entry and exit requirements can change. Contact an Embassy or Consulate-General of Somalia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Consulates and other diplomatic missions of Somalia have connections with the central government. However, the central government's authority isn't recognised everywhere.
Visas might not be valid in areas where the central government's authority is challenged, particularly in Somaliland and Puntland. If you're visiting these areas, direct your visa enquiries to the person or organisation you will be visiting.
More information:
Permanent Representative of the Somali Republic to the United Nations
425 East 61st Street, Suite 702
New York, 10021, United States
Phone: (+212) 688 9410/5046
Fax: (+212) 759 0651
Border measures
International and domestic flights are operating.
Check requirements with local authorities before making any travel arrangements.
Passengers must arrive at the border checkpoint at least 3 hours before departure for health and safety procedures.
Land borders with countries neighbouring Somalia may close at short notice. Check with local authorities before travelling to the border. You should also monitor Travel Advice for Ethiopia, Kenya or Djibouti. Don't cross the border without the correct documents.
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Somalia. You may need to show proof of vaccination if you're coming from a country where yellow fever occurs.
Find out about returning to Australia if you've been exposed to yellow fever.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the Somali Shilling (SOS). US dollars are widely accepted.
The government regulates currency transfer and exchange.
Australian currency, credit cards and traveller's cheques aren't accepted.
ATMs aren't usually available.
Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance are a danger throughout Somalia.
Road travel
Road travel in Somalia is dangerous.
Hazards include terrorism, poor road conditions, landmines and criminal activity.
Illegal roadblocks are common. See 'Safety' section for more information.
If you need to travel by road:
More information:
Air travel
Aden Adde International Airport is a high-priority target for attack due to the presence of foreigners. Due to security threats, it's often closed with little or no warning.
Other airports and aircraft are also possible targets for terror attacks.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Somalia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
The security situation in Somalia limits the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular help.
Australia doesn't have a diplomatic mission in Somalia. Contact the Australian High Commission in Kenya for consular help.
You may consider registering for updates from other missions in Somalia.
Limuru Road, Rosslyn
Nairobi, Kenya
PO Box 3008 - 00
Phone: +254 20 427 7100
Email: australia.hc.kenya@dfat.gov.au
Website: kenya.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Kenya
Twitter: @AusHCKenya
Instagram: @AusHCKenya
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.