Somaliland Travel Risk Level

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 . Crime Violent crime is common throughout Somalia, including homicide and kidnapping. Illegal roadblocks by armed individuals are widespread. Kidnapping Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups frequently kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping or to respond to such crimes. Terrorism There is a notable risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. Terrorists attack without warning. They may target: airports seaports checkpoints government buildings including police stations and military bases hotels and restaurants shopping areas beaches and other public places that attract large crowds and touri (Somaliland is administered separately from Somalia, but the US State Department and UK FCDO publish a single advisory covering the entire territory of Somalia. The level shown reflects that source advisory.)

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. People of Somali descent, including Somaliland descent The government of Somalia and the authorities in Somaliland will consider any British national of Somali (including Somaliland) descent to be a dual national. FCDO can offer only limited consular support in these cases. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ t (Somaliland is administered separately from Somalia, but the US State Department and UK FCDO publish a single advisory covering the entire territory of Somalia. The level shown reflects that source advisory.)