Landmarks and scenery of Somalia
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Travel Guide · Africa

Flag of Somalia

Somalia

The ancient Horn — Mogadishu's Italian architecture, Berbera's old pearl trade, and Puntland's frankincense coast.

Entry Requirements

Visa requirements for Somalia depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

Check if you need a visa for Somalia

Emergency Numbers

Police
888
Ambulance
999

Currency

Name
Somali Shilling
Code
SOS
Symbol
Sh

USD is the de facto currency for most transactions above small amounts.

Power Outlets

Outlet type
Type C
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz

Time Zone

EAT (UTC+3) — no daylight saving

Best Time to Visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Major Airports

  • MGQ

    Aden Adde International Airport

    Mogadishu · main international hub

  • HGA

    Hargeisa International Airport

    Hargeisa · Somaliland

  • BSA

    Bender Qassim International Airport

    Bosaso · Puntland

Tipping Customs

Restaurants10%
GuidesUSD 20+ per day; security escorts expected

Dress Code

What "modest dress" usually means

Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).

  • Modest dress essential — Somalia is a Muslim-majority country
  • Women should cover hair in public

Social Etiquette

  • Somali and Arabic are the official languages; English is used in business
  • Somaliland (in the north-west) functions as a de facto independent state and is noticeably more stable than south-central Somalia

Local Laws

Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
  • Alcohol is illegal
  • Photography of government, military and public infrastructure strictly forbidden
  • Khat (a mild stimulant leaf) is widely chewed but illegal in many destination countries

Common Phrases

EnglishLocalPronunciation
Hello (Somali)Iska warranees-ka wa-RAN
Peace (Somali)NabadNAH-bad

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