Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Somalia.
Somalia Status
DISRUPTION
Commercial flights continue to operate, but travel across Somalia is severely affected by terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping risks, dangerous overland routes, border restrictions and severe official travel warnings.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Commercial flights still operate
Somalia is not completely closed by air. Commercial international services continue to operate through Mogadishu and other airports, but aviation can be disrupted rapidly by security incidents.
Mogadishu Airport
Aden Adde International Airport remains Somalia’s principal international gateway. However, the airport has previously closed with little or no warning because of mortar attacks, fighting, terrorist attacks or security threats.
Severe terrorism risk
Terrorist attacks occur throughout Somalia, including Mogadishu. Attacks have targeted hotels, government buildings, restaurants, markets, airports and other public places.
Kidnapping
Foreign nationals face a very high kidnapping risk. Armed groups have abducted both foreigners and Somali nationals, sometimes holding victims for ransom.
Overland travel
Road travel is extremely dangerous in many parts of Somalia. Armed groups operate checkpoints and security assistance is limited, particularly outside major urban areas.
Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a danger in parts of the country. Travellers should not leave established roads in affected areas.
Kenya border
The land border with Kenya is currently closed because of cross-border terrorist activity. The surrounding border region also carries severe security warnings.
Ethiopia border
Somalia’s border areas with Ethiopia can experience intercommunal violence, criminal activity and armed conflict. Conditions can change rapidly.
Djibouti border
The Djibouti border remains open according to current UK guidance, but there have been reports of foreign nationals being prevented from crossing into Somalia.
Somaliland
Entry arrangements for Hargeisa differ from those used in Mogadishu. Travellers flying to Hargeisa may be required by airlines to show Somalia’s federal eVisa before boarding even though that eVisa is not accepted as the entry visa on arrival in Hargeisa.
Visa for Mogadishu
Travellers entering through Mogadishu International Airport must obtain Somalia’s eVisa before arrival.
E-visa data security warning
Current UK guidance reports an ongoing data breach affecting Somalia’s eVisa system. Personal information submitted through the system may have been exposed.
Limited emergency assistance
Consular and emergency assistance can be extremely limited. The U.S. government says its personnel working in Somalia are not permitted to travel outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex because of security risks.
Latest Travel Changes
U.S. Level 4 warning remains
The current U.S. State Department advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel because of terrorism, kidnapping, crime, unrest, health risks, landmines and other serious security threats.
Canada advises against all travel
Current Canadian guidance advises avoiding all travel to Somalia because of the volatile security situation and high threat of domestic terrorism.
UK warnings remain extensive
The UK advises against all travel to most of Somalia. It advises against all but essential travel to the western Somaliland regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil.
Kenya land border closed
Current UK guidance states that the Somalia-Kenya land border is closed because of recent cross-border terrorist activity.
Visa arrangements remain complicated
Current entry guidance requires an eVisa before travelling to Mogadishu. Different entry procedures operate in Hargeisa, creating additional complications for passengers and airlines.
Before You Travel
Check current official travel warnings and security information before considering travel to Somalia.
Confirm your airline and flight status immediately before departure because security incidents can affect airport operations with little warning.
Confirm the exact visa requirements for your intended airport or point of entry before travelling.
Do not assume that Somalia’s federal eVisa will satisfy entry requirements in Hargeisa.
Do not attempt an international land crossing without confirming that the specific crossing is open and permitted for foreign nationals.
Avoid demonstrations, military installations, government buildings and areas where fighting or security operations are taking place.
Be aware of the risk from landmines and unexploded ordnance, particularly outside established urban areas and major roads.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.