Before you go to Somalia: what to know
Must know
- FCDO advises against all travel except Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil, where it advises against all but essential travel.
- UK official advice reports a continuing breach of Somalia's e-visa system; personal information entered may be exposed.
- Somalia and Somaliland have distinct entry and local-currency arrangements; confirm the exact itinerary.
- Do not assume bank cards will be accepted.
Entry and visas
British citizen passport: An e-visa is required before travel to Somalia. UK advice reports an ongoing e-visa data breach; assess the privacy and security risks. Somaliland entry arrangements must be checked separately. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.
Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival, including travel to Somaliland.
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- US dollars are widely used. Cards are generally not accepted; Somaliland uses a different local shilling. Arrange funds and payment methods for the exact destination.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs or alcohol.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.
Clothing: Respect local Islamic practices and ask hosts about appropriate clothing and conduct.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Climate
Main rainy seasons generally occur April–June and October–December, with significant local and yearly variation.
Month by month
- January: Jan: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
- February: Feb: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
- March: Mar: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
- April: Apr: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- May: May: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- June: Jun: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- July: Jul: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
- August: Aug: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
- September: Sep: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
- October: Oct: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- November: Nov: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- December: Dec: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
Best season: No tourism recommendation while official advice is against travel; check the linked regional restrictions.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
What to pack
- Copies of travel documents
- An adapter compatible with your accommodation
- Medicines with their prescription documents
Practical
Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.
Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tcs.ch ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.