Somalia
Somalia has the longest coastline of mainland Africa, and its rare visitors mostly head to Somaliland in the north: the painted cattle of Laas Geel, Berbera's coral-stone old town, Hargeisa's livestock market and the ruins of Zeila. Travel is complex and conditions change, so read the FCDO advice first and travel with a trusted local fixer.
Overview
Somalia curves around the Horn of Africa along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, but its political map shapes any trip more than its geography. Somaliland in the north-west declared independence in 1991 and runs its own government and currency, though the UK and almost every other country do not recognise it; it receives most of the country's few tourists. A typical route starts in Hargeisa, visits the rock art of Laas Geel, then heads to the coast at Berbera, adding Zeila or the Golis mountains around Sheikh with more time. Mogadishu, the federal capital, sees very few leisure visitors.
There is little tourist infrastructure in the usual sense: a handful of decent hotels in Hargeisa and Berbera, guides arranged by phone, and an expectation that foreigners travel with a local fixer, often with an armed police escort outside Hargeisa. Costs build up through drivers and escorts rather than rooms or food. Hospitality is warm, sweet spiced tea and camel milk flow freely, and almost everything runs on mobile money. It suits seasoned travellers who are comfortable with conservative customs, close supervision and plans that can change at a day's notice.
Map of Somalia
Top 5 highlights
- 1History
Laas Geel
Rock shelters outside Hargeisa painted with remarkably vivid cattle, people and dogs, thought to be at least 5,000 years old and among the best-preserved rock art in Africa. Permission, a guide and an escort are arranged in Hargeisa.
- 2History
Berbera
Somaliland's main port has a crumbling old quarter of Ottoman-era coral-stone houses and mosques, a busy fish market and the long sandy beach at Batalaale. The coast is fiercely hot from June to September.
- 3Culture
Hargeisa livestock market
Thousands of camels, goats and sheep change hands at this sprawling market, one of the largest in the Horn of Africa, as traders haggle over animals bound for the Gulf. Go early with a local guide and ask before photographing.
- 4History
Zeila
One of the oldest ports on the Gulf of Aden, a medieval Islamic trading centre close to the Djibouti border. Its ruins include the ancient Masjid al-Qiblatayn and coral-stone houses, with offshore islands and mangroves nearby.
- 5Beach
Lido Beach, Mogadishu
Mogadishu's wide city beach, lined with seafood restaurants and crowded with families and swimmers on Friday afternoons; it is the capital's best-known leisure spot. Check the FCDO advice before considering any visit to Mogadishu.
Biggest cities
Mogadishu
The federal capital, once called the White Pearl of the Indian Ocean, has a long seafront, the Hamar Weyne old quarter and Lido Beach. Any visit needs careful planning; read the FCDO advice first.
Hargeisa
Somaliland's capital and the usual entry point: a low-rise city with a huge livestock market, money changers behind stacks of banknotes and a MiG fighter jet war memorial in the centre.
Bosaso
Puntland's port on the Gulf of Aden has grown fast on livestock exports, fishing and trade; few travellers come, but it is the region's commercial hub and main air link.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Somalia
Best time: Dec–Feb.
Average climate in Hargeisa
Festivals & events
- MarEid al-Fitr
The end of Ramadan brings family feasts, new clothes and visits to relatives; many businesses close for several days and flights fill with returning diaspora.
- MaySomaliland Independence Day
Somaliland marks its 1991 declaration of independence on 18 May with parades, flags, music and speeches in Hargeisa and other towns.
- Jul–AugHargeisa International Book Fair
Founded in 2008, this week of books, poetry, music and debate is one of the Horn of Africa's liveliest cultural events, with a different guest country each year.
How much does Somalia cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Bariis iskukaris
Fragrant rice cooked with cumin, cardamom, cinnamon and raisins, served with goat or camel meat and often a banana on the side.
Canjeero
A spongy, slightly sour flatbread, also called laxoox, eaten at breakfast with ghee and sugar or alongside leftover stew.
Baasto
Pasta, a legacy of Italian colonial rule in the south, served with a spiced meat sauce, often with a banana eaten alongside.
Getting around
Local airlines link Hargeisa, Mogadishu, Garowe and Bosaso, and regional carriers connect via Addis Ababa and Dubai. In Somaliland, most visitors travel by hired car with a driver and fixer; foreigners leaving Hargeisa have typically been required to take an armed police escort, which hotels and fixers arrange. Shared minibuses run between towns but are rarely used by visitors. In cities, use drivers or taxis arranged by your hotel.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CG220V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
- 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.
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +252
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Not traditionally expected, but drivers, fixers, guides and escorts should be tipped in US dollars at the end of a trip; round up in restaurants.
- Etiquette
- Dress conservatively: long, loose clothes for men and women, with women covering their hair. Always ask before photographing people, never photograph military or government sites, and use your right hand.
- Main airports
- Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ), Mogadishu; Egal International Airport (HGA), Hargeisa
Visas & entry for Somalia
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BMeaslesPolioRabiesTuberculosisYellow fever
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in Somalia: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Somalia
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Tue 5 Jan 2027 | Isra' and Mi'raj (date may shift) |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Sun 6 Jun 2027 | Islamic New Year (date may shift) |
| Tue 15 Jun 2027 | Ashura (date may shift) |
| Sat 26 Jun 2027 | Independence Day |
| Thu 1 Jul 2027 | Republic Day |
| Sat 14 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday (date may shift) |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Somali
| English | Somali | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Iska warran | IS-ka WAR-ran |
| Thank you | Mahadsanid | ma-had-SA-nid |
| Please | Fadlan | FAD-lan |
| Excuse me | Iga raalli ahaw | i-ga RAA-li a-HAW |
| How much is this? | Waa imisa? | waa IM-i-sa |
Know before you go
- Read the FCDO travel advice before planning anything, and check whether your insurer will cover you; many standard policies exclude Somalia, including Somaliland.
- Carry clean US dollar notes. Daily life runs on mobile money, Zaad in Somaliland and EVC Plus further south, and your fixer can help you set it up with a local SIM.
- Friday is the weekly day of rest, when offices and many shops close; arrange permissions, money changing and escorts for Laas Geel on other days.
Somalia travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Somalia?
The best time to visit Somalia is generally Dec–Feb. Peak months are January, February and December. Average highs in Hargeisa range from 24°C to 31°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Somalia cost per day?
Roughly £45 a day on a tight budget, £100 mid-range and £220+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Somalia?
Somali shilling (SOS).
What plug type does Somalia use?
Type C and G sockets at 220V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Somalia?
Traffic drives on the right in Somalia, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Somalia?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Somalia?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Somalia before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/somalia/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Somalia?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles, Polio and Rabies sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
