Somalia

Always carry your passport and visa with you as ID. Somali nationals should consult local authorities in Somalia on personal ID requirements.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
• be patient and show tolerance

Somalia has adopted Sharia law but is yet to implement it throughout the country. Al-Shabaab and other insurgent groups often have an extreme view on how to apply Sharia law.

It’s illegal for Somali Muslims to convert to another religion or promote any religion other than Islam.

The drinking and sale of alcohol is banned in Somalia.

Drug offences, including drug use, possession and trafficking, are treated seriously in Somalia and are punishable by law. Possible punishments include a lengthy prison sentence without bail.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Somalia. LGBT+ partners should not show affection in public.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Somalia and it is not possible to get currency advances using a credit card. You should take cash with you into the country. The US dollar is the main currency for exchanging in Somalia.

In Hargeisa you can withdraw US dollars from ATMs using international credit and debit cards.

The main rainy season in Somalia takes place between April and June, followed by lesser rains in October and November.

Localised flooding may prevent you from getting to some parts of Somalia, including Somaliland.

Flooding increases humanitarian need by forcing people to move or cutting them off from possible support. The end of 2023 saw widespread flooding in south-western Somalia, leading to significant internal displacement and disruption to travel.