Practical information Somalia

246201  sq.mi

The easiest way to get to Somalia is to go via Dijibouti and then take a flight to Hargeysa,Burao or Muqdisho the following day. Due to recent events, flights may be cancelled at any time. London-Djibouti: 10 hrs 30 mins (1 connection in Paris). Djibouti-Hargeysa: 30 mins Djibouti-Burao: 3 hrs Djibouti-Muqdisho: 2 hrs 30 mins. Time difference: +2 hrs in the summer/ + 3 hrs in the winter.

8950000 hab.

The International airport is 4 miles from the centre of Muqdisho. Due to the political situaton, bus services are generally uncertain. Taxis are available at the country's various airports. Agree to the fare in advance.
There is an airport tax of 20 USD for international flights.

Somalia is an unadvisable destination irrespective of the reason for the visit.

Half of the south and centre are not under control. There are armed conflicts between factions (over 40!) and all sorts of crimes. Muqdisho, its outskirts and the regions of Bay, Bakool, Gedo and Kismaayo are extremely dangerous areas. Though seemingly calm, the central region, Hiran, Galguduud, Mudug and Nugaal are equally unadviseable except when attended by local authorities capable of ensuring minimum order and security. Lastly, piracy is frequent along the shores.
However, Somaliland (northwest) and Puntland (northeast) regions are relatively safe, thanks to structured local administrations. But incidents involving tourists do occur. Moreover, the Las Anod of Somaliland and few other parts of the Bari district in Puntland are virtually inaccessible.
It is thus difficult and unadvised to travel to most of the country alone, where no protection is systematically guaranteed.
For security purposes, NGO missionaries are urged, prior to their departure, to get themselves registered at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (Kenya) and British embassies in Kenya or Ethiopia (see useful contacts).

Official languages are Somali and Arabic. Swahili is spoken in the south. English is widely spoken in the North and Italian in the South.

There is no Somalian representation outside the country allowing the issuing of visas. You can get one upon arrival in some of Somalia's airports. In any case, you must hold a valid passport.

99% of the population is Muslim (Sunni). There are a few Christians (mostly Catholic) and animists.

The Somali shilling (SOS) is the local currency.
£1 = approximately 2.321 SOS.
You must change your money on entering the country. Bring dollars in cash, if possible. Travellers cheques are not recommended. Credit cards (Diners Club) are very seldom accepted, and there are no cash machines here. Keep the receipts when you change your money as you might be asked to present them when you leave the country. Banks are open from Saturday to Thursday, from 8:00am to 11:30am.

The following information is simply indicative, for travelling possibilities depend on the hazards of the civil war.
The country's major cities have an airport for local flights served by Somalia Airlines.
It is extremely difficult to travel out of Muqdisho. Buses shuttle between the major urban centres south of the country. The country's two major roads connect Hargeysa in the north to Kismaayo in the south. The other roads are either gravel-covered or footpaths. It is possible to rent a 4x4 in Muqdisho (international driver's licence required). Right-hand drive.
Since the roads do not extend far and are in a poor state, the coast, maritime circulation, is the most used form of transport.
There is no railway network. Minibuses and shared taxis travel round Muqdisho from 7:00 to 14:00, Saturday to Thursday. Outside these hours, service is limited.

Even though it is not required upon arrival in the country (except if you are arriving from an infected area), the vaccine against yellow fever is essential. Vaccines against tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitises A and B, typhoid, and meningitises A and C are also recommended. Vaccine against rabies is recommended for long stays or for adventurous travellers. Somalia is listed in zone 2 in terms of paludism: plan a chemoprophylaxis (go and see a doctor).
The threat that constituted the "Rift Valley fever" in 1998 has totally disappeared. It is necessary to follow all basic hygiene measures: wash your hands, sterilise the water you drink, eat fruit and vegetables that have been washed, peeled and cooked. The vaccination against cholera is only justified for people exposed to it through their work.
Avoid dairy products: they are not pasteurised. It is essential to subscribe to good sanitary repatriation insurance.

220 V (230 V, in Berbara). No need of an adapter, except in Merca (110-220 V).

To call Somalia from the UK: 00 +252 (country code) + town code (Hargeysa : 1, Muqdisho : 61) + number you are calling.

To call the UK from Somalia: 00 +44 + the number you are calling without 0.