Somalia Travel Risk

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

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.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Parts of Somalia, including Somaliland

FCDO advises against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland, except for the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil.

This is due to the threat from terrorist groups and continuing violence. If you choose to remain in Somalia, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. There has recently been an increase in fighting between al-Shabaab and the Somali Government close to the capital Mogadishu. Please see the Terrorism section for more information.

Support from FCDO

Support from FCDO is severely limited in Somalia, including Somaliland, with no support in person from staff at the British Embassy Mogadishu or the British Office Hargeisa.

If you need urgent help from the UK government, for example if you’ve been arrested or you’re concerned about forced marriage, contact:

• the British High Commission Nairobi, Kenya if you are in Somalia, excluding Somaliland
• the British Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia if you are in Somaliland

If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Somalia, including Somaliland, call FCDO on 020 7008 5000.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Somalia, including Somaliland.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Somalia

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Somalia, including Somaliland.

The terrorist group Al Shabaab, and other groups opposed to the Federal Government, continue to carry out frequent attacks, including in the capital Mogadishu. Terrorist groups operating in Somalia have made threats against westerners and those working for western organisations in Somalia, including Somaliland.

Attacks could be indiscriminate and occur at any time, including in places visited by foreigners such as:

• embassies
• government buildings
• military bases
• hotels and restaurants
• transport hubs including the international airports and ports
• crowded places
• at high-profile events

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. The Somali Security Forces regularly carry out counter-terrorist operations against Al-Shabaab, mainly in central and southern Somalia. There has recently been a significant increase in conflict between al-Shabaab and Somali Security Forces in the Middle Shabelle region, and increased threats against Mogadishu security.

Examples of previous significant attacks include:

• In April 2025, there were multiple rocket attacks targeting Mogadishu International Airport and other sites.
• In March 2025, there was a significant improvised explosive device (IED) attack on the President’s convoy in Mogadishu. 16 people were reportedly killed but the President was unharmed.
• In February and March 2025 it was notable that two rocket attacks against Mogadishu Airport took place in daylight hours (historically, rocket attacks are more common at night).
• In March 2025 there was an attack on Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne with more than six people killed.
• in August 2024, there was an attack on Lido Beach in Mogadishu with more than fifty civilians killed and over 200 injured
• in July 2024, there was an attack on Top Coffee Restaurant in Mogadishu with many civilians reported killed and injured
• in June 2023, there was an attack on the Pearl Beach Hotel at Lido Beach in Mogadishu with at least 9 civilians reported killed and 10 injured
• in 2022, 2 large improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were used to attack the Somali Ministry of Education, with over 100 civilians reported killed and 300 injured

While attacks occur less frequently in Somaliland, terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out attacks.

The risk of attacks in Somalia, including Somaliland, may be further heightened during religious holidays.

Terrorist kidnaps

There is a high threat of kidnapping throughout Somalia, including in regions bordering Kenya and Ethiopia, and in Somaliland. Terrorists and criminal groups, including piracy groups, are involved in kidnapping. A number of western nationals, including British nationals, have been kidnapped in Somalia and some have been killed.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

If you are working or travelling in Somalia, including in Somaliland, you should be aware of the risk of kidnapping. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, including:

• when travelling and at transport hubs
• in crowded public places
• in camps for displaced people
• at religious gatherings and places of worship
• in markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars and restaurants

Make sure you have carefully considered the threat and have reasonable, proportionate mitigation measures in place.

This section has safety advice for regions of Somalia. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Togdheer, Sanaag and Sool

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to the regions of Toghdeer, Sanaag and Sool in eastern Somaliland. There has been an increase in violent clashes in recent months and the situation remains volatile, so if you do travel, exercise extreme caution.

Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the 3 western regions of Somaliland – Awdal (including Boorama), Maroodijeh (including Hargeisa) and Sahil (including Berbera).

Border areas

Check with local authorities before travelling to the border, and monitor travel advice for your destination: Ethiopia, Kenya or Djibouti. If you try to cross the border without the correct documents, officials may stop you.

Land borders with countries neighbouring Somalia may close at short notice. You may get a fine or detention for illegally crossing borders. The land border with Kenya is currently closed due to recent cross border terrorist activity. There have been reports that foreign nationals have been prevented from crossing the Djiboutian border into Somalia, though the border remains open.

The rest of Somalia

FCDO advises against all travel to the rest of Somalia. There is ongoing, serious violence between opposing factions in many parts of the country. Civilians of all ages have been killed in fighting, which often involves heavy weapons.

Risk level

SOMALIA - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Somalia due to the volatile security situation and the high threat of domestic terrorism.

If you choose to travel to Somalia despite this advisory, be aware that you may have difficulty leaving the country should the situation deteriorate suddenly.

Despite improvements in some part of the country, your safety and security are at great risk in Somalia. The Canadian government does not have an office in Somalia. This means the Government of Canada cannot provide consular assistance if you are in distress while in the country. In such cases, you would have to rely on your own resources or travel to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

Authorities have limited capacity to maintain security across the country and violent incidents occur regularly. These include:

• suicide bombings
• armed attacks
• military operations
• demonstrations

The current situation represents a very serious threat to travellers. Anti-Western sentiment can be strong and foreign nationals can be targeted. Journalists, human rights activists and humanitarian workers are at very high risk of kidnapping, murder and/or arrest without notice or apparent cause.

Political situation and demonstrations

The political situation is unpredictable, especially in Mogadishu. Demonstrations can occur with little warning and turn violent at any time. Security forces have used excessive force to disperse crowds, including live ammunition.

If you are in Somalia:

• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• monitor the local media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the advice of local authorities

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

索马里风险等级为红色（极高风险）。

外交部提醒中国公民近期暂勿前往索马里，已在当地的人员和机构尽快撤离或转移至安全地区。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。