What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Somalia, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
No numbered levels
Updated 4 June 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Updated information about the political situation ('Safety and security' page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Level 4 of 4
Updated 21 May 2026
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Avoid all travel
Level 4 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in Somalia” of the UK government's travel advice for Somalia, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance: 999
Fire: 555
Police: 888
These emergency numbers can be unreliable. The Somali Red Crescent operates a free number for all emergency services on 446.
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Somalia, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Always carry your passport and visa with you as ID. Somali nationals should consult local authorities in Somalia on personal ID requirements.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
Somalia has adopted Sharia law but is yet to implement it throughout the country. Al-Shabaab and other insurgent groups often have an extreme view on how to apply Sharia law.
It’s illegal for Somali Muslims to convert to another religion or promote any religion other than Islam.
The drinking and sale of alcohol is banned in Somalia.
Drug offences, including drug use, possession and trafficking, are treated seriously in Somalia and are punishable by law. Possible punishments include a lengthy prison sentence without bail.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Somalia. LGBT+ partners should not show affection in public.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Somalia and it is not possible to get currency advances using a credit card. You should take cash with you into the country. The US dollar is the main currency for exchanging in Somalia.
In Hargeisa you can withdraw US dollars from ATMs using international credit and debit cards.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Somalia, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Somalia, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
The main rainy season in Somalia takes place between April and June, followed by lesser rains in October and November.
Localised flooding may prevent you from getting to some parts of Somalia, including Somaliland.
Flooding increases humanitarian need by forcing people to move or cutting them off from possible support. The end of 2023 saw widespread flooding in south-western Somalia, leading to significant internal displacement and disruption to travel.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Somalia.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.