Britain withdrew from British Somaliland in 1960 to allow its protectorate to join with Italian Somaliland and form the new nation of Somalia. In 1969, a coup headed by Mohamed Siad Barre ushered in an authoritarian socialist rule that managed to impose a degree of stability in the country for over two decades. After the regime’s collapse in early 1991, Somalia descended into turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy. In May of 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence and continues efforts to establish a constitutional democracy, including holding municipal, parliamentary, and presidential elections. The regions of Bari, Nugaal, and northern Mudug comprise the neighboring semi-autonomous state of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998 (but does not aim at independence); it has also made strides toward reconstructing a legitimate, representative government but has suffered some civil strife. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Vaccinations: Proof of yellow fever immunization may be required for those arriving from infected areas.

There are virtually no health facilities or medicines available in Somalia. Travelers must be completely self-sufficient.

Avoid All Travel

The decision to travel to a dangerous location is the sole responsibility of the traveler. Travelers are responsible for their own personal safety.

The security situation in Somalia is highly unstable, particularly in South-Central Somalia and Mogadishu itself. Since late December 2006, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and rebel groups have been fighting over the control of both areas. There are credible reports that, with the support of the African Union, the TFG is preparing a major offensive against rebels to regain control of the region. Civilians are reportedly fleeing the region, as such battles will likely cause significant collateral damage, including death and injury to the civilian population and major property damage. The current situation represents a very serious threat to travelers, who are urged not to travel to Somalia. If travel is necessary, avoiding South-Central Somalia and Mogadishu is highly recommended.

Guerrilla-style attacks against the TFG and Ethiopian targets are very common. These attacks, most frequently by way of mortars, grenades, and improvised-explosive devices, are a near-daily occurrence, particularly in Mogadishu; civilian casualties are not uncommon.

In response to rising food and living costs, protests, civil unrest, and violent incidents occur in Mogadishu. Outbreaks of violence can arise unpredictably, and parties involved are often armed. These violent incidents tend to cause civilian casualties. Travelers should avoid all public gatherings where violence and demonstrations may occur.

The security situation is dangerous and unpredictable across the country, and violent demonstrations, attacks (possibly targeting foreigners,) and armed military activity can occur at any time. Be aware that anti-western sentiments are strong in many parts of the country. Travelers are at risk of kidnapping, murder, or arrest without notice or apparent cause, and there have been targeted assassinations of foreigners, among them journalists, human-rights activists, and humanitarian workers.

The rule of law is virtually non-existent. There is no guarantee of a fair trial, or that local courts will respect diplomatic or United Nations immunities. There is an increasing trend towards the Islamization of local courts, where the Sharia code for proceedings is used in many parts of the country.

Mogadishu International Airport is often closed with little or no warning due to fighting, and travelers who choose to travel despite the advisory may have difficulty leaving the country. There has been an increase in acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships along the Somali coast. The land border between Kenya and Somalia remains closed, and air traffic between the two countries is subject to special procedures by the Kenyan government.

Somaliland and Puntland

Parts of Somaliland (a self-declared republic seeking independence) and Puntland (an administrative region in the northeast operating as a separate entity) have experienced relative periods of stability, compared to the south-central part of the country. However, violent attacks on foreign targets, including both workers and buildings under the auspices of the United Nations, continue to highlight the extremely unstable and unpredictable security situation. Such attacks have been reported in the Sanaag and Sool regions of Somaliland and the area bordering Puntland. Tensions and escalating violence in the south of the country could also spread to Somaliland and Puntland at any time.