Welcome to Somalia: visas, attractions, cuisine, and traditions

Somalia is an amazing country located on the east coast of Africa. Somalia invites travelers to discover the authentic atmosphere of East Africa, enjoy the warmth of local hospitality, and get acquainted with the cultural heritage that spans millennia. 

In this section, we have prepared all the necessary information about Somalia to make your journey as comfortable and safe as possible. Here you will find information about visa requirements, types of visas, cost of processing, and consular services, as well as useful information on localization, document authentication, apostille, and embassy operations. 

We will explain what documents and conditions are necessary for entering the country, as well as about additional services that can facilitate your travel preparations. For those who want to save time and avoid complications in visa processing, we offer detailed information on support and assistance in filing an application, so that each step is transparent and understandable. 

1. The oldest mosque. Al-Qiblatayn Mosque, or the Mosque of the Two Qiblas, was built in 627 AD and is one of the earliest Islamic architectural monuments on the continent. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that one of its niches (mihrab) was originally oriented towards Jerusalem, and the other towards Mecca, reflecting the historical moment of the change in the direction of prayer in Islam. This mosque serves as material evidence of the spread of Islam in Africa in the first decades after its inception.

2. Las Geel rock art. The Las Geel complex, located in the unrecognized state of Somaliland, consists of a series of granite caves and grottoes adorned with some of the most detailed and vibrant prehistoric paintings in the Horn of Africa. The images predominantly feature scenes with cows, dogs, giraffes, and people in ceremonial attire, indicating the existence of a developed pastoral society. These polychrome drawings, estimated to be about 5000 years old, are a priceless source of information about the life and beliefs of the ancient people of this region.

3. The longest coastline in Africa. The length of the Somali coastline is about 3330 kilometers, which puts the country in first place in Africa in this regard, surpassing states such as Egypt and South Africa. This vast coastline is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Aden to the north, forming a strategically important region. 

4. Kismayo National Park. Kismayo National Park, located in the southern province of Jubaland, encompasses diverse landscapes, including dense forests, savannahs, and coastal dunes. It serves as a critically important refuge for endemic and endangered species such as the Somali wild ass and Somali giraffe. In addition to these, the park is home to typical East African predators, including spotted hyenas, servals, and several populations of leopards.

5. Safari in Somalia. Safari in Somalia offers a unique and authentic experience of observing wildlife in conditions of almost complete absence of tourist crowds. Travelers can explore national parks and reserves where wildlife, including antelopes, zebras, and elephants, exists in its pristine state. This type of ecotourism supports local communities and contributes to the conservation of the region's fragile ecosystems.

6. Somali hospitality. Hospitality, known as «martisoaad», is a cornerstone of Somali culture and is deeply rooted in the traditions of the nomadic society. The guest is invariably offered the best food, drinks, and accommodation that the host can provide, often refusing payment. This hospitality stems from the belief that a guest is a blessing and is aimed at making every visitor feel welcome and protected.

7. Climate of Somalia. The climate of Somalia is classified as semi-arid and arid, with extremely limited rainfall and high temperatures throughout most of the year. The weather in the north of the country is somewhat milder due to the higher elevation, while the southern regions often experience higher humidity. The main amount of rainfall occurs during the two monsoon seasons: «gu» (April-June) and «deyr» (October-November).

8. Religion in Somalia. The overwhelming majority of Somalis (about 99%) profess Sunni Islam, which plays a central role in shaping the public, cultural, and political life of the country. The country's legal system is largely based on Sharia, which regulates many aspects of personal and public life.

9. Official languages. The Somali language (af-soomaali) is the national and most widely spoken language, belonging to the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. Arabic has the status of a second official language, due to historical and religious ties with the Arab world, and is widely used in religious education and business correspondence. English and Italian languages are also common in business and international circles as a legacy of the colonial past.

10. Currency of Somalia. The official currency is the Somali shilling (SOS), which is in circulation in various denominations. Due to a long period of absence of a central government, US dollars are also widely used in the market, often used for major transactions and settlements. The Central Bank of Somalia is gradually regaining control over monetary policy and working on stabilizing the national currency.

11. Historical heritage of Somalia. Before the civil conflict began in 1991, Somalia was a popular tourist destination, attracting travelers with its pristine coral reefs, ancient cities, and unique architecture. The capital, Mogadishu, known as the «Pearl of the Indian Ocean», was famous for its white sandy beaches, Italian colonial buildings, and bustling markets. Historical monuments, such as the Garesa Palace of the Ajuran Sultanate and medieval settlements, testified to the region's rich and multifaceted past.

12. Natural resources of Somalia. The subsoil of Somalia is poorly explored, but data indicate significant reserves of various minerals. Potentially large deposits of oil and natural gas are located in the north and in the Juba River basin in the south. In addition, the country has deposits of uranium, iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, rock salt, and natural gas.

13. Beaches of Somalia. The beaches of Somalia, especially in the capital area of Mogadishu, such as Lido and Jazeera, are renowned for their long stretches of white sand and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. These beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and observing local life, although currently the tourist infrastructure is poorly developed. Coastal waters also offer excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling at coral reefs.

14. Somali cuisine. Somali cuisine is a delicious combination of African, Arab, and Italian culinary traditions, with a predominance of halal meat (especially lamb, beef, and chicken), rice, and aromatic spices. One of the most famous dishes is «baris iskukaris» — a fragrant pilaf with meat and vegetables, seasoned with cumin, cardamom, and cloves. Another popular dish is «hulba» (semolina bread) and «shaah» (Somali tea with cardamom and ginger), which are usually eaten for breakfast.

15. Nomadic culture. Traditionally, a significant part of Somali society led a nomadic lifestyle, moving with herds of camels, goats, and sheep in search of pastures and water. Camels are not only a source of meat and milk but also the main measure of wealth, social status, and family prestige. This deeply rooted nomadic tradition has shaped Somali culture, influencing its social structure, customs, and even poetry.

16. Archaeological findings in Somalia. Numerous archaeological sites have been discovered in Somalia, evidencing an ancient trade and urban civilization that existed here thousands of years ago. For example, places like the Amud Settlement and the Damas Caves have revealed stone tools, rock paintings, and remnants of ancient structures. These findings prove that the region was an important center of prehistoric human activity and trade between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

17. Local markets. Local bazaars, such as the famous Bakara market in Mogadishu, are the beating heart of economic and social life, where one can buy everything from fresh produce and spices to traditional fabrics and handmade goods. These markets serve not only for trading but also as meeting places where people socialize, exchange news, and conduct negotiations. The atmosphere here is lively and colorful, filled with the aromas of eastern incense, spices, and roasted coffee.

18. Music and dance of Somalia. Somalia has a rich oral musical tradition, where a special role is given to poetry and improvised songs, often accompanied by drums and handclapping. Traditional Somali dance often includes smooth movements of the shoulders and arms, and the famous «dhaat» is a ceremonial dance performed at festivals. Music and dance are an integral part of weddings, religious holidays, and other important public events.

19. Nature reserves of Somalia. Despite the complex situation, there are nature reserves in Somalia, the purpose of which is to protect unique ecosystems and biodiversity. One such is the Lag Badana National Park (also known as Bushbush) in the south of the country, where coastal forests and dunes have been preserved. These protected areas have great potential value for the development of ecotourism and the conservation of endangered species such as the Somali elephant and dik-dik antelope.