Country guides
Africa
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets are of type C.
Language
The official languages of Somalia are Somali and Arabic, but many other languages are spoken.
Money
Credit cards are not accepted and it is not possible to obtain currency advances against a credit card. Visitors should take hard currency; US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are not usually available.
Tipping
In many African countries, leaving 10 to 15 percent is a normal tip for good service in restaurants, as is rounding up the bill in bars. Passengers usually round up the final fare when tipping taxi drivers.
Health
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for all travellers and malaria medication is recommended for travel to all regions. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for some parts of the country and is required for those arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers should also be up to date on vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria; all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Medical facilities are extremely limited and most doctors and hospitals will expect immediate cash payment regardless of medical insurance policies. Serious illness or injury is likely to require evacuation out of the country for treatment.
Safety
High levels of crime are conducted by armed militias throughout the country, and there have been murders, armed robbery and a number of incidents of kidnapping. There is also ongoing violence between opposing factions in many regions that often involves heavy weapons. The political situation is unpredictable and there is a threat of terrorism, particularly in south-central Somalia and in the capital, Mogadishu.
Local customs
It's important to offer a seat to an older person and to stand up when someone older enters a room. It's very disrespectful to tell an elder what to do or to openly disagree with them. If someone offers to pay for a meal, it's polite to initially refuse but to accept graciously once they insist. Lateness is common among friends and does not imply rudeness or disrespect. Locals tend to be extremely patient and have a more relaxed approach to timekeeping.
Somalia practises very strict and conservative Islamic cultural traditions. Travellers should avoid religious debates and respect Islamic traditions such as the call to prayer and fasting during Ramadan. Alcohol is prohibited in Somalia, and dress should be conservative, meaning that men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms and legs covered. Homosexuality is illegal and penalties can be extreme. In greeting, only members of the same sex exchange handshakes or kisses.
Doing business
It's best to arrive on time out of respect for Somali counterparts, though they may not be as punctual. Local business people may prefer not to attend meetings or events at certain days or times due to religious reasons, and practising Muslims may interrupt meetings for prayer sessions.
Duty free
Travellers are allowed to bring in 400 cigarettes or 40 cigars or 400 grams of tobacco; one bottle of wine or spirits; and a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal duty free. A landing fee of USD 50 is levied on foreign passengers arriving at Mogadishu Airport who are older than 12.
Communications
The international access code for Somalia is +252. Visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards.
Passport & Visa
Upon arrival all visitors over 18 years of age must exchange USD 100 or equivalent of other freely convertible foreign currencies into local currency. Some nationalities can obtain visas on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days, at Bosaso Airport, Abdullahi Yusuf Airport, and Aden Adde Airport. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
A US passport valid for six months and visa are required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
A UK passport valid for six months and visa are required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
A Canadian passport valid for six months and visa are required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
An Australian passport valid for six months and visa are required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
A South African passport valid for six months and visa are required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
An Irish passport valid for six months and visa are required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
A New Zealand passport valid for six months and visa are required. Visas can be acquired on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.