There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Do Not Travel to Somalia due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health, landmines, systematic mistreatment of women, and systematic mistreatment of gay and lesbian individuals, piracy, abuse of residents in rehabilitation centers, and confiscation of passports by family members.

Advisory Summary

Do not travel to Somalia for any reason.

The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to Americans in Somalia due to the safety risks.

U.S. government employees working in Somalia are not allowed to travel outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex, where the U.S. embassy is located, due to security risks. When they do travel within the complex they are accompanied by armed security. Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Somalia.

Aviation safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Somalia. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Crime

Violent crime is common throughout Somalia, including homicide and kidnapping. Illegal roadblocks by armed individuals are widespread.

Kidnapping

Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups frequently kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping or to respond to such crimes.

Terrorism

There is a notable risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. Terrorists attack without warning. They may target:

• airports
• seaports
• checkpoints
• government buildings including police stations and military bases
• hotels and restaurants
• shopping areas
• beaches and other public places that attract large crowds and tourists
• government, military, and other convoys
• house of worship and religious sites

Attack methods can include car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers, and rocket or mortar fire.

Unrest

Protests and demonstrations occur throughout Somalia. They can turn violent quickly.

Health

Medical services in Somalia are extremely limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas. The health care system lacks sufficient pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medical professionals. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at your expense.

Other – Landmines

Landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Somalia. Areas of greatest risk are where Somali and regional security forces are fighting al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.

Other – Systematic mistreatment of women and gay and lesbian individuals

There are documented patterns of rape. Those responsible usually do not face consequences. Local authorities rarely prosecute these cases. Survivors struggle to get medical care or other help they need. Survivors are often discriminated against and stigmatized.

Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is practiced throughout the country. Up to 98 percent of Somali women have undergone FGM/C. This takes place even though circumcision of girls is illegal in Somalia.

Young women, sometimes even minors, are often forced into marriage against their will.

Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Somalia. Penalties range from 3 months to 3 years in prison. Under some local interpretations of sharia, same-sex relations are punishable by death.

Other – Piracy

Pirates are active in the waters off the Horn of Africa.

Other – Abuse of residents in rehabilitation centers

Some schools and other facilities claim to “rehabilitate” people but operate with little or no government supervision. Physical and emotional abuse is common in these places. Beatings, withholding of food and water, and physical restraint by chains are well-documented abuses in such facilities. Residents, including Americans, have been held in these facilities against their will. Americans or residents who lure individuals to Somalia under false pretenses or forcibly place Americans into such facilities may be subject to legal repercussions in the United States.

Other – U.S. passports confiscated by family members

Americans are frequently encouraged to visit family members in Somalia, including relatives who are sick or dying. However, once they are in Somalia, their U.S. passports are confiscated by family members, preventing them from leaving the country. In many cases, their activities are monitored and they have difficulty leaving their family home.

For Americans in Somalia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government. Enrolling helps the U.S. government contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review our information Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay alert in tourist spots.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. List how and when you will confirm you are safe (text or call). Specify how often you’ll do this.
• Prepare a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or powers of attorney.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
• Review the Country Security Report for Somalia.
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Somalia.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.