Somalia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 888 for police or 999 in Puntland.
• Dial 999 or 446 (Somali Red Crescent, toll-free 24/7) for ambulance services.
• Dial 555 for fire emergencies, or if in Somaliland dial 990 via Somtel or Telesom.
• Dial 992 for toll-free domestic violence hotline.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Beaches
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)
• Checkpoints
• Government authorities and facilities
• African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) personnel and bases
• Airports
• Seaports

Terrorist organizations

Al-Shabaab is a foreign organization linked to al-Qa’ida and based in Somalia. It has attacked Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport (AAIA) and other locations in Somalia using: 

• Mortars
• Rockets
• Small arms and light weapons
• Grenades
• Person-borne improvised explosive devices
• Suicide vest improvised explosive devices

Attacks by Al-Shabaab 

• October 4, 2025: Attack on Godka Jilaow prison in Mogadishu that injured 25 people
• May 18, 2025: Suicide bombing outside the gates of a Somali military base in Mogadishu killing 20 people at an army recruitment drive. 
• March 18, 2025: Attempted assassination of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a roadside bombing. 
• August 2, 2024: Attack on Lido Beach in Mogadishu that killed more than 50 people.

Attacks on Aden Adde International Airport (AAIA)

• Between 2024 and 2026, al-Shabaab fired approximately 50 rockets at the AAIA compound. 
• Rockets were fired across 10 separate incidents.
• The most recent incident occurred on March 12, 2026.
• These attacks have resulted in multiple deaths and numerous injuries.

While some areas of Somalia have experienced less terrorist activity, terrorist attacks can happen anywhere in Somalia. Attacks can occur at any time without warning. Terrorists use explosive devices and other weapons.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Many past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Violent crimes occur throughout Somalia. Crimes include kidnapping, bombings, indirect fire attacks, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, and illegal roadblocks by armed individuals in uniform. 

• Crimes also occur in the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland.
• Somali authorities have limited capacity and resources to investigate and prosecute criminal activity.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Somalia. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who attempt to initiate a romantic relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers may pretend to be Americans in need of help. 

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Too good to be true purchases or sales
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers
• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel, doctors, or international aid workers
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries

If using dating apps or websites in Somalia:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 888.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

For consular services for crime victims in Somalia, please contact the U.S. embassy in Nairobi.

The U.S. embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

American victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy in Nairobi and local law enforcement for assistance. 

• Dial 992 to report crimes to the local police.
• Dial +254-20-363-6000 for the U.S. Embassy Nairobi.
• Dial 999 or 446 (Somali Red Crescent, toll-free 24/7) for ambulance services.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, consider contacting a medical provider for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it is safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.
• GPS applications such as Google Maps can be unreliable.
• It is best to follow major roads and highways.
• Confirm your route with locals before traveling to unfamiliar locations.

Tourism safety

Limited formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk.
• Emergency response and medical treatment are not available.
• Americans are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• Americans must follow local laws. 
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• The police may take you in for questioning if you cannot show proof of identification.
• Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs result in long prison sentences and big fines.
• Local courts operate under a combination of Somali customary and Islamic law. Some of these laws may be hostile toward foreigners.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Somalia, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy in Nairobi immediately.

• Somali law enforcement officials often delay or block access to foreign and dual nationals in detention. 
• The U.S. embassy may not receive notification or be allowed access to you if you are detained. 
• Dual U.S.-Somali citizens are recognized as Somali citizens by authorities. This blocks our ability to provide consular assistance. 
• If you are arrested or detained, ask Somali police or prison officials to notify the U.S. embassy in Mogadishu or the U.S. embassy in Nairobi immediately. 

The U.S. government’s ability to provide consular services across Somalia is limited. This is due to ongoing security concerns and the lack of a permanent consular presence in Somalia, including the Somaliland region.

Detention conditions

• Detainees in Somalia often cannot get their prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
• Detainees in Somalia may not have access to emergency and routine medical care.
• Detainees in Somalia often struggle to access quality, affordable legal services.
• Investigations can be slow, leading to long pretrial detentions. 
• The U.S. embassy will not be able to conduct prison visits. Any communication with detainees will be limited to telephone calls.
• Detainees must obtain their own food, medicine, and hygiene items.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by a prison sentence of 3 months to 3 years.

• Under some local interpretations of sharia law, consensual same-sex sexual conduct is punishable by death.
• Gay and lesbian individuals face social stigmatization, harassment, and discrimination.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Somalia prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is not enforced. 

• Expect accessibility to be limited or non-existent in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure.
• Few government buildings, schools, banks, or grocery stores have accessible facilities, including in Mogadishu.
• Some hospitals and clinics are inaccessible to people with disabilities and lack wheelchair ramps or lifts, including some of the hospitals travelers commonly use.
• Much of the disability equipment for sale locally is refurbished rather than new. You can find replacement parts in local informal markets, but these are also generally refurbished parts. 
• Imported higher-end equipment such as electric wheelchairs and lifting equipment can be purchased from a very limited number of medical equipment suppliers in the major cities. Almost all supplies must be purchased and imported from abroad.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

Some boarding schools in Somalia engage in abusive practices such as corporal punishment, physical restraint, and confiscation of travel documents.

• 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. Sexual assault, beatings, withholding of food and water, and physical restraint by chains are well-documented abuses in such facilities. 
• Residents, including U.S. citizens, 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.  
• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

There are documented patterns of rape. Those responsible usually don’t 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.
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Significant human rights issues include credible reports of:

• Arbitrary or unlawful killings
• Forms of torture or cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment
• Arbitrary arrest or detention
• Serious abuses in conflict
• Unlawful recruitment or use of children in armed conflict by the government and nonstate groups
• Restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association
• Enforced disappearances by nonstate armed groups
• Significant presence of any of the worst forms of child labor.

The government took credible steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses, but impunity generally remained the norm.

Conflict-related abuses and terrorist violence

Ongoing conflict involves the government, militias, U.S.-designated terrorist organizations al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia, and regional military forces. This conflict has resulted in death, injury, and displacement of civilians. 

Al-Shabaab committed most severe human rights abuses, including:

• Terrorist attacks on civilians and targeted killings, such as summary executions and religiously and politically motivated killings.
• Enforced disappearances.
• Physical abuses and other inhuman treatment.
• Rape.
• Attacks on employees of nongovernmental organizations and the United Nations.
• Blocking humanitarian assistance.
• Recruitment or use of child soldiers.
• Restricted freedom of expression.

The government investigated some human rights abuses committed by al-Shabaab.

• Journalists can view information about the risks of practicing journalism abroad.
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Somalia Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism Information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 888 for Amin Hospital ambulance services in Mogadishu. 
• Dial 999 for general ambulance services. 
• Outside Mogadishu, contact a hospital near you for ambulance services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not present or unreliable in most areas except Mogadishu.

• Response times are slow. Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.
• Somalia Red Crescent Society services may be available in some areas in case of disasters or emergency

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Hospitals and doctors in Somalia do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Somalia. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most health care providers in Somalia require cash payment. Credit card payment is rarely available.
• Most health care providers expect payment in U.S. dollars prior to treatment.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Polio 

If you stay in Somalia for more than 4 weeks, the Somali government may require you to show proof of polio vaccination when you are exiting the country. 

• If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, speak with your doctor about getting vaccinated. 
• If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. 
• You must receive a polio vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months before the date you are leaving Somalia to meet the country’s requirement. Talk to your doctor about whether this requirement applies to you.

Stay up to date with recommended vaccines:

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Mogadishu and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• Health care in many areas is below U.S. standards.
• Public medical clinics may lack basic resources and supplies.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Hospitals and doctors generally require payment up front prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.
• Before agreeing to any medical care, gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.  

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

• Be sure to bring enough of your prescription medication (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the entire duration of your trip.
• Check with the nearest Somali embassy to ensure the medication is legal in Somalia.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• Americans have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Somalia. 
• We strongly recommend against participating in non-traditional medicine. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy is illegal in Somalia. 

Water quality and food safety

• In many locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve bottled water unless tap water is specifically requested.
• You may choose to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Somalia.  
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu prohibits its employees from traveling outside the AAIA compound or using public transportation due to security concerns.

• Road conditions are poor.
• Night driving is particularly dangerous due to the absence of lighting and terrorist- or militia-operated checkpoints. 
• Traffic conditions are dangerous due to lack of traffic lights.
• Traffic conditions are dangerous due to pedestrians and animals in the road.
• Outside of major cities, you should travel with extra fuel, food, and water, as well as a reliable means of communication. Consider a satellite phone or radio, as mobile phone coverage is limited. 
• Professional roadside assistance service is not available. Carry spare tires and tools.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Traffic laws

• A U.S. driver’s license is not recognized in Somalia, including Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, and Bosaso. 
• Foreigners must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to use along with their national license. This must be used to drive, rent vehicles, and avoid issues with local traffic authorities.
• Traffic officers may ask for bribes.

Taxis and ride-shares

U.S. government employees are restricted from using taxis and ride-shares. The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu prohibits its employees from traveling outside the AAIA compound or using public transportation due to security concerns.

• Rideshare apps such as Rikaab and Dhaweeye exist in Mogadishu. 
• Taxi services are available. However, taxis are not metered. 
• Always negotiate a taxi rate upfront or book through hotels or trusted contacts. 

Public and commercial transportation

Avoid all travel by public transportation. Hire private transport from a reliable source.

• All forms of public transportation are unregulated, unreliable, and generally unsafe.
• Mini-buses, buses, trains, and ferries are in poor mechanical condition. They are often overcrowded.
• Make sure any car you hire is adequately insured, preferably by written confirmation from the insurance company, rather than the car hire firm.
• If you are hiring a driver and car, check the contract to make sure you are not liable for any accident or damage.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.
• The 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 Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
• The U.S. embassy prohibits its employees from using commercial airlines originating from or arriving in Somalia due to security concerns.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Somalia should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

The U.S. Coast Guard is unable to determine if effective anti-terrorism measures are in place in Somali ports as required by 46 U.S. Code § 70108. Mariners and passengers in Somali ports should be careful and use stronger security measures. 

Weather and Natural Disasters

Drought

• Somalia experiences recurrent droughts. This leads to food insecurity, livestock losses, and population displacement.
• Drought can occur year-round. It is most severe during a failed rainy season. Multi-year droughts are particularly devastating

Flooding

• Gu season occurs from April to June. This is the main rainy season.
• Deyr season occurs from October to December. This is the secondary rainy season.
• Flash floods and riverine flooding, particularly along the Shabelle and Juba rivers, are common. They can cause displacement, infrastructure damage, and waterborne disease outbreaks.

Tropical storms

• Coastal areas are vulnerable to tropical storms from the Indian Ocean. They can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges.
• Tropical storms occur from May to June and from October to December. This coincides with the rainy seasons.

Helpful resources

• Somalia National Meteorological Agency
• Somalia Disaster Management Agency
• Famine Early Warning Systems Network
• IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre: regional climate monitoring for East Africa

Americans Living Abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates