Located on the horn on Africa, Visit Somalia with the longest coastline in Africa, meaning that there are lots of beaches in the country. It’s also a country that we recommend that you not visit. 

Decades of turbulence, caused by both natural and man-made factors, have made this culturally rich nation extremely volatile and unsafe, with foreigners in particular a favorite target of warlords and terrorists. 

So, if you’re planning on organizing a trip to explore Somalia country, our advice is, shelve those plans indefinitely and visit neighboring countries instead of Somalia. 

Safety Concerns To Visit Somalia

Safety and security are far from guaranteed when you visit Somalia, especially for visitors. 

After several decades of lawlessness in the country, the newly elected government has belatedly attempted to wrest control of the country back from the hands of terrorist groups, but their efforst have yielded little fruit so far. 

Violence is always imminent in the country, especially in the capital Mogadishu. Living in the country, you can practically expect trouble at any moment, and should plan for it. You’re definitely asking for trouble if you travel independently in the country, with no armed escort. 

There’s no established police force in the country, so violent crimes are rife, particularly against foreigners. Warlords and criminals are going to attempt to kidnap you for ransom, or rob you of your properties. 

Health Concerns To Visit Somalia

The weather in the country is very harsh, so try to stay hydrated at all times. However, don’t try to drink tap water anywhere in the country; it is hardly ever clean. Drink bottled water instead. 

Somalia country has a high rate of HIV/AIDS, so be very careful about this. Also, meningitis, hepatitis, polio and Yellow Fever are still prominent in the country. Ensure that you’re vaccinated against all of these if you absolutely need to visit the country. 

Malaria is another illness that the country struggles with. Try to avoid getting sick by covering your skin very well and using repellents. The condition of medical facilities in the country is deplorable and if you get sick, you’ll have to be evacuated from the country in order to receive adequate treatment. 

Visa Requirements To Visit Somalia

You’ll need a visa, passport and proof of recent vaccination against Covid19, polio and meningitis. 

Israeli nationals are not welcome in Somalia and their applications will not be approved. As a matter of fact, if you’ve visited Israel or there are Israeli stamps on your visa, your application will not be approved. Even when it gets approved, the validity of your visa may be questioned in certain areas where the central government’s authority is in dispute. 

Your passport must be valid at least six months before your arrival in the country. 

People 

For the most part, Somalis are friendly people who derive pleasure in being generous. However, you must be careful not to contravene their rules. 

Islam is very prominent in the country and as such, dressing immodestly is seriously frowned upon and is punishable under Sharia law. Drinking alcohol, either publicly or in private, is highly prohibited. 

Avoid public displays of affection in the country, and when greeting or eating, use your right hand. The left hand is considered to be a dirty hand.