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Is Somalia Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Assessment from Multiple Visits

Discover the reality of traveling to Somalia in 2025. Get essential safety tips, regional breakdowns, and firsthand advice from someone who's visited multiple times over the past decade.

An Honest Look at Somalia’s Safety Situation

The first time I landed at Mogadishu International Airport (MGQ) in 2017, my heart was racing. Despite years of traveling through challenging destinations, Somalia represented the ultimate test. The immigration officer smiled as he stamped my passport, saying “Soo dhowow” (welcome). That moment began my complex relationship with this misunderstood country—one I’ve now visited eight times over the past decade, most recently in January 2025.

Somalia’s reputation precedes it. Mention to friends you’re heading to Mogadishu, and you’ll likely be met with raised eyebrows and concerned questions. Is it really safe? Hasn’t it been in a civil war for decades? Aren’t there pirates and terrorists?

The reality, as I’ve discovered through multiple extended stays, is far more nuanced than international headlines suggest. Safety in Somalia varies dramatically by region, fluctuates with political developments, and depends heavily on your preparation and local connections.

In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned through mistakes, successes, and countless conversations with locals and expats about safely navigating Somalia in 2025.

Current Safety Overview (Updated March 2025)

Let me be direct: Somalia remains one of the world’s more challenging travel destinations. However, the security situation has improved significantly in specific areas, especially since the major offensive against Al-Shabaab in 2023-2024.

Quick Assessment: Somalia is NOT recommended for inexperienced travelers or casual tourism. However, with proper preparation, security arrangements, and realistic expectations, parts of Somalia can be visited relatively safely in 2025.

The country essentially functions as separate regions with dramatically different safety profiles:

Region Current Safety Level Notes
Somaliland (north) Moderate risk Most stable region, functioning government, tourism infrastructure emerging
Puntland (northeast) High risk Some stable areas but significant security concerns
Mogadishu Very high risk Improved green zones but frequent attacks, requires security detail
South/Central Somalia Extreme risk Active conflict areas, Al-Shabaab presence

Recent Developments Affecting Safety

Several major developments have impacted the security landscape in Somalia during 2024-2025:

  • The intensified military campaign against Al-Shabaab has pushed the group from several urban centers
  • Increased African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) presence in key regions
  • Improved international coordination on counterterrorism efforts
  • Growing economic investment, particularly in Mogadishu and Hargeisa
  • January 2025 election proceeded with less violence than expected

These positive developments have been countered by:

  • Continued Al-Shabaab attacks in Mogadishu, including the February 2025 hotel bombing
  • Renewed clan conflicts in border regions
  • Severe flooding and drought cycles creating humanitarian concerns
  • Ongoing tensions between federal and regional governments

Regional Security Breakdown

Somaliland: Somalia’s Safest Region

During my three-week stay in Hargeisa in 2024, I was struck by how different Somaliland feels from southern Somalia. This self-declared independent state (though internationally unrecognized) has maintained remarkable stability for decades.

Hargeisa, the capital, now features:

  • Hotels without armed guards
  • Foreigners walking freely in many neighborhoods
  • Functioning cafes, restaurants, and markets
  • Minimal military presence in the city center

As Said, my Somaliland guide, told me over spiced tea near Hargeisa’s central market: “Nabadda waa qayrul wujuud” (peace is our most precious possession). The local population takes great pride in maintaining security.

Tourist activities in Somaliland now include:

  1. Visiting the remarkable Laas Geel cave paintings (7,000+ years old)
  2. Exploring the coastal city of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden
  3. Shopping for traditional handicrafts at Hargeisa Market
  4. Exchanging currency at the fascinating open-air money market
  5. Day trips to Sheikh Mountain and the ancient port of Zeila

Safety Tips Specific to Somaliland:

  • Register with your embassy upon arrival (most maintain consular services in Hargeisa)
  • Obtain proper Somaliland visas in advance (available in Addis Ababa and London)
  • Respect local Islamic customs regarding dress and behavior
  • Avoid the eastern borders with Puntland where territorial disputes continue

Mogadishu: The Complicated Heart

Mogadishu represents the most striking contrast in Somalia. Walking through the newly renovated Lido Beach area in early 2025, watching families enjoy ice cream as the sun set over the Indian Ocean, I found it hard to reconcile with the heavily armed convoy that had transported me there.

The reality of Mogadishu is divided between:

Secure Zones High-Risk Zones
Aden Adde International Airport zone Most residential neighborhoods
Halane Base Camp (diplomatic compound) Markets and commercial centers
Certain hotels (Peace Hotel, Décale Hotel) Government buildings (frequent targets)
Parts of Lido Beach district Road connecting airport to city

My biggest mistake during my second visit in 2019 was underestimating the fluid nature of security in Mogadishu. I had arranged to visit the historic Shanghai Old City district, but my security team canceled just hours before due to intelligence about potential threats. This flexibility saved lives—the area experienced an attack the next day.

Critical Advice: In Mogadishu, you MUST arrange professional security before arrival. This typically costs $80-120 USD per day in 2025 and includes armed guards and secure transportation. Anyone claiming you can safely explore Mogadishu independently is dangerously misinformed.

Security Precautions and Practical Advice

Essential Preparations Before Traveling

From my experience organizing multiple trips to Somalia, these preparations are non-negotiable:

  1. Comprehensive travel insurance with specific coverage for Somalia (increasingly difficult but possible through providers like Battleface)
  2. Registration with your country’s embassy/diplomatic mission
  3. Pre-arranged security in Mogadishu (I recommend Somali Security Services or vetted providers through international organizations)
  4. Multiple copies of all documents (passport, visa, insurance, etc.)
  5. Detailed itinerary shared with trusted contacts outside Somalia
  6. Satellite phone or reliable communication method (mobile service can be interrupted)

Local Transportation Realities

Transportation remains one of the highest risk factors in Somalia. During my 2022 visit, I learned this lesson the hard way when our vehicle broke down on the outskirts of Mogadishu. What should have been a simple fix became a tense two-hour security operation.

Transportation Options and Risks:

Transport Type Availability Risk Level Cost (2025)
Armored vehicle with security Available in Mogadishu Moderate $150-300/day
Regular taxi (unarmored) Available in all cities Very High in Mogadishu
Moderate in Somaliland		 $5-20/trip
Public transport Available but unreliable Extreme $0.50-3/trip
Domestic flights Limited routes Moderate $180-350 one-way

In Somaliland, I’ve successfully used regular taxis in Hargeisa. In Mogadishu, never consider transportation without proper security assessment.

Accommodation Security Considerations

Where you stay dramatically impacts your safety in Somalia. The difference between secure and non-secure accommodation can be life-threatening.

Recommended Secure Accommodations (2025):

  • Mogadishu: Peace Hotel ($120-180/night), Décale Hotel at the airport ($200-250/night)
  • Hargeisa: Oriental Hotel ($70-90/night), Ambassador Hotel ($60-80/night)
  • Berbera: Mansoor Hotel ($50-70/night)

These prices reflect the security premium in Somalia. The Peace Hotel in Mogadishu, for example, operates as a fortress compound with multiple security layers. During my stays, I’ve noted their comprehensive security protocols, including vehicle checks, personal screening, and 24/7 armed guards.

Accommodation Safety Checklist:

  • Multiple layers of physical security (walls, guards, checkpoints)
  • Backup power systems
  • Emergency evacuation plans
  • Communication systems that function during outages
  • Vetted staff with security training

Money-Saving Insider Tips

Somalia is expensive for travelers due to security costs, but I’ve discovered several ways to reduce expenses without compromising safety:

Tip #1: Strategic Scheduling for Security Costs

Security companies in Mogadishu often handle multiple clients simultaneously. By aligning your activities with other clients’ schedules, you can negotiate shared security costs. I saved nearly $400 during my 2023 visit by scheduling my Mogadishu market visit on the same day another client was visiting the same area.

Ask your security provider: “Do you have other clients with similar itineraries during my dates?” If so, request a discount for shared resource scheduling.

Tip #2: The Semi-Official Exchange Rate

Somalia operates with both US dollars and Somali shillings. The official exchange rate versus the street rate can differ by 15-20%. In Hargeisa’s money exchange market, I found that changing exactly $100 bills (no other denominations) with exchangers at the northern end of the market consistently yielded rates 10-15% better than hotel exchanges.

The current exchange rate (March 2025) is approximately 25,500 Somali Shillings to $1 USD officially, but you can often get 28,000-29,000 with the right exchanger.

Tip #3: Telecom Package Arbitrage

Internet and communication costs in Somalia are surprisingly high. However, I discovered that purchasing phone packages through local contacts rather than directly as a foreigner saves significantly. My Hormuud Telecom data package cost $45 when purchased directly, but only $28 when a local contact bought the identical package and transferred it to my phone.

Sustainable Tip: Instead of buying bottled water (which creates plastic waste and costs $2-3/bottle in secure accommodations), I bring a high-quality water purifier (LifeStraw or similar). Most hotels in Somaliland and secure compounds in Mogadishu have filtration systems for their tap water that just need a final purification step. This saves around $10-15 daily while reducing plastic waste.

Cultural Insights for Safer Travel

Understanding Somali culture isn’t just about respect—it directly impacts your safety. Some of my closest calls came from cultural misunderstandings rather than security incidents.

Essential Cultural Awareness

  • Islamic Practices: Somalia follows conservative Islamic traditions. During Ramadan (which falls in March 2025), avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public.
  • Photography: Never photograph people, buildings, or infrastructure without explicit permission. What seems innocent to you could be interpreted as intelligence gathering.
  • Dress Code: Women should wear loose clothing covering arms and legs with a head covering. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.
  • Clan Dynamics: Avoid discussions about clan affiliations or politics unless initiated by trusted local contacts.

Useful Somali Phrases I’ve Found Helpful:

  • “Assalamu alaikum” – Peace be upon you (standard greeting)
  • “Mahadsanid” – Thank you
  • “Caafimaad” – Health (used as a toast or blessing)
  • “Maya, mahadsanid” – No, thank you (respectful way to decline something)
  • “Nabadey” – I come in peace (useful in tense situations)

In 2022, I accidentally wandered into an area of a Mogadishu market my security team had designated off-limits. When confronted by suspicious locals, simply saying “Nabadey, waan ka xumahay” (I come in peace, I’m sorry) diffused tension immediately and allowed my security to catch up.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

Even in high-risk environments like Somalia, ordinary scams affect travelers. Based on both personal experiences and stories from expatriates:

Mogadishu Airport Shuffle

Upon arrival at MGQ, unofficial “helpers” may claim to expedite your immigration process for $50-100. My first visit, I paid $70 unnecessarily. Official immigration fees are clearly posted (currently $60 for visa-on-arrival where applicable), and legitimate airport staff wear identification. Arrange airport pickup through your accommodation or security provider who will guide you through the correct process.

The Security Upsell

Some security providers dramatically escalate your security package after arrival, claiming new threats or changed circumstances. While flexibility is important, major changes requiring significant additional payment should be questioned. Get security recommendations from multiple sources before arrival and establish clear terms in writing.

Currency Switch

Money changers may count out your Somali shillings correctly, then switch some higher-denomination notes for lower ones during the distraction of packaging. Count all money twice and don’t let the notes leave your sight.

Conclusion: Making Your Decision About Somalia Travel

After eight visits over nearly a decade, I’ve developed a nuanced perspective on travel to Somalia. The country contains multitudes—breathtaking coastal beauty, rich cultural traditions, entrepreneurial energy, and genuine hospitality alongside undeniable dangers and complexities.

Somalia is not a destination for the casual tourist or inexperienced traveler in 2025. However, for those with professional reasons, serious interest in the region, or connections to Somalia, parts of the country can be visited with appropriate precautions.

The sound of children playing soccer on Lido Beach at sunset, the taste of perfectly spiced camel meat stew, the intense fragrance of cardamom-infused tea, and the genuine warmth of Somali hospitality are experiences that have profoundly affected me. Somalia gets under your skin in ways both challenging and beautiful.

Your 5-Step Action Plan If You Decide to Travel

  1. Assess Your Purpose: Be honest about why you want to visit Somalia and whether those goals can be achieved safely. Tourism purely for leisure remains inadvisable in most regions.
  2. Select Your Region Carefully: Consider Somaliland as your entry point to Somali culture and territory, as it offers significantly better security conditions.
  3. Budget Realistically: Account for security costs ($100-300/day in Mogadishu), secure accommodation ($70-200/night), and emergency contingency funds.
  4. Establish Local Connections: Develop relationships with trusted locals or expatriates in Somalia before arrival. Their insights are invaluable and often life-saving.
  5. Create Redundant Safety Systems: Multiple communication methods, emergency contacts, copies of documents, and evacuation options are essential.

Somalia in 2025 remains a challenging destination that demands respect, preparation, and realistic expectations. For those who approach it thoughtfully, it offers profound insights into human resilience, complex geopolitics, and cultural richness rarely found elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Somalia

Is any part of Somalia safe for tourists in 2025?

Somaliland (the self-declared independent northern region) maintains significantly better security than southern Somalia and is relatively safe for travelers who take basic precautions. Hargeisa and Berbera can be visited without armed security in 2025, though proper planning remains essential. The rest of Somalia, particularly Mogadishu and southern regions, requires professional security arrangements and cannot be considered conventionally “safe” for tourism.

How much should I budget for a trip to Somalia?

Somalia is surprisingly expensive due to security costs. For Mogadishu, budget $300-500 per day including secure accommodation ($120-200), security ($100-300), transportation, and meals. Somaliland is more affordable at $100-200 per day. A one-week trip combining both regions typically costs $2,000-3,500 excluding international flights.

Do I need a visa to visit Somalia?

Yes. Somalia offers visa-on-arrival at Mogadishu International Airport (MGQ) for many nationalities ($60 USD), though pre-arranged visas are strongly recommended. Somaliland requires a separate visa, which cannot be obtained on arrival and must be arranged in advance through Somaliland diplomatic missions (London, Addis Ababa, Djibouti) or online through the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Can I use credit cards in Somalia?

Credit card acceptance is extremely limited. Carry sufficient US dollars in excellent condition (no tears, marks, or pre-2009 series). Mobile money is widely used domestically—services like EVC Plus (Hormuud) and Zaad (Telesom in Somaliland) can be set up locally. Most transactions are cash-based.

What about piracy? Is it still a threat off Somalia’s coast?

Somali piracy has declined dramatically since its peak in 2011. International naval patrols, armed security on commercial vessels, and improved governance have reduced incidents significantly. However, the threat hasn’t disappeared entirely, and sailing private vessels near the Somali coast remains inadvisable.

How reliable is internet connectivity in Somalia?

Somalia has surprisingly good internet in major cities. 4G services are available in Mogadishu through providers like Hormuud and in Hargeisa through Telesom. Secure hotels generally offer reliable WiFi. Costs are high—expect to pay $10-15 for 2GB of mobile data. Connection speeds average 5-10 Mbps in cities but can be unstable during security incidents.

Is it possible to travel between Somaliland and Somalia proper?

Direct travel between Somaliland and southern Somalia is complicated by political tensions and security concerns. The safest route is flying from Hargeisa to Mogadishu via Addis Ababa or Djibouti, effectively treating them as separate countries. Land crossings through disputed territories are extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

References and Further Reading