Somalia

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Somalia’s current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Somalia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Somalian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Somalia, including Somaliland, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland.

E-Visa data breach 

There are reports of a data breach affecting Somalia’s eVisa system 

Leaked data from the breach includes visa applicants’ names, photos, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. This data breach is ongoing and could expose any personal data you enter into the system,  

An eVisa is required before travelling to Somalia. Consider the risks before applying. 

US Embassy in Somalia have also issued an alert to US citizens. See - Alert: Federal Republic of Somalia (FGS) Electronic Visa (E-Visa) Data Breach - U.S. Embassy in Somalia.

If you are travelling to Mogadishu International Airport, you will need to apply for an eVisa prior to your arrival.

If you are travelling to Hargeisa International Airport, you may still be asked to present this eVisa in order to board your flight but it will not be considered valid for entry when you arrive in Hargeisa.

You will need to purchase a single-entry visa upon arrival at Hargeisa International Airport, which will be valid for one month.

It is not clear if you’ll be given a visa on arrival at other points of entry. Get confirmation from local authorities or your sponsoring organisation.

You may also need to provide a letter of invitation when you arrive, outlining the reason for your visit. You can usually get this from your place of work. Without this letter, you may not be allowed to enter.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Somalia guide. 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Somalia, including Somaliland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Khat is a legal drug in Somalia, but it is an offence to take it out of the country. Officials regularly search bags at Hargeisa and Mogadishu airports, and anyone found to be in possession of khat is likely to face criminal prosecution.

Taking money into and out of Somalia (including Somaliland)

In Somaliland you must declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Somalia

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.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers and translators and interpreters
• dealing with a death in Somalia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Somalia
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

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