Document checklist for Somalia

• Visa
• Health declaration
• Valid passport
• Invitation letter

Essential Somalia travel information

Currency – Somali shilling (Sh). $1 is equivalent to approximately Sh 569.

Daily budget for 1 person – 19363 ($34).

Languages – The official languages are Somali, Arabic, and English.

Socket type – The corresponding plug type is C. 50Hz, and a 220V supply voltage are used in Somalia.

Time zone – East Africa Time (GMT+3).

Top 3 landmarks/monuments – National Museum of Somalia, Cave Art of Laas Geel, and Shanghai Old City.

Visa information for Somalia

All visitors, including those from Somaliland, require a visa to enter Somalia. However, you can obtain a single-entry visa when you arrive at the Mogadishu International Airport. Depending on your country, the maximum stay is generally one month.

Typical costs and budget for Somalia

Daily spending per person – Sh 19363 ($34).

Meals – 2850 ($5).

Transport – Sh 569 ($1).

Hotel – One person can stay in a hotel room for as low as Sh 11390 ($20) per night.

Transport and ways to travel around Somalia

It is challenging to move about the nation since many highways outside Mogadishu’s capital are prone to unauthorized checkpoints. You may take a cab throughout the city or to and from the airport, but you should always haggle over the cost.

In Somalia, buses are the most popular kind of public transit.

Must do and see in Somalia

Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, the self-declared state, has a certain charm of its own. Visit the Hargeisa Cultural Centre, peruse the thriving local markets, and visit the Independence Monument, which honors Somaliland’s proclamation of independence.

The spectacular Laas Geel set of ancient cave paintings dates back thousands of years and is situated northeast of Hargeisa. The colorful and well-preserved rock art sheds light on the early human civilizations in the area.

Berbera, situated on the Gulf of Aden coast, is famous for its great beaches and pristine seas. Enjoy the tranquil beach, participate in water sports, and explore the city’s historic colonial structures and fortifications.

Safety in Somalia

Travel to Somalia is not advised due to the country’s alarming level of violent crime, the ongoing conflict in Somalia and Somaliland, the risk of significant terrorist attacks and kidnappings, and more.

Maintain a high level of care and seek expert security counsel if you have to travel to Somalia for business or any other reason. Emergency services may not be available from local authorities due to the lack of medical facilities.

Always adhere to the advised health and safety precautions, and keep an eye on any changes in the media’s recommendations for travel by reviewing both local and international sources.

Weather in Somalia

With two rainy seasons, Somalia is mostly arid. April through June is when the average temperature reaches its peak.

Particularly in July and August, there is plenty of rain. However, the second rainy season is briefer, producing less rain throughout October and November.

Must try foods in Somalia

Cambuulo is a well-known Somali cuisine prepared with softened black-eyed peas or kidney beans combined with fragrant spices like cinnamon and cloves. It frequently comes with rice or bread.

Somali Rice (Bariis): Basmati rice is used to make this delectable dish, along with other ingredients like meat or vegetables and spices like cumin, cardamom, and turmeric. It frequently comes with a side of banana, salad, and chutney made in the style of Somalia.

Muufo: The ingredients for this flatbread from Somalia are wheat, water, and yeast. It frequently goes well with tea, soups, or stews and has a soft, slightly spongy feel.

Vaccine information for Somalia

Before flying to Somalia, it is essential to have travel insurance and have the advised vaccinations. Then, on the CDC website, look through all the guidelines.