Requirements for entry into Somalia: main features of trip preparation

Entry into Somalia requires careful compliance with local rules and features. The main requirement for most foreign nationals is to have a valid foreign passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of border crossing. It should be noted that entry rules may vary depending on the region: this is especially true for Somaliland and Puntland, which declare their own regulations. For example, in Somaliland, a separate residence permit is sometimes required, although formally the republic is recognized as part of Somalia.

In addition to a passport, tourists and business travelers need to obtain a visa in advance, as entry into Somalia without it is practically impossible. You can find all the detailed information about visa requirements on the 'Visas' page of our website.

We also provide a full range of related services:

• Visa processing for Somalia
• Legalization and translation of documents
• Medical and tourist insurance

Contact our managers — and be at ease during your trip.

Special attention should be paid to security issues: Somali authorities strictly control the entry of foreigners, checking for a return ticket, confirmation of accommodation booking, and purpose of the visit. Citizens of some countries may be subject to special requirements, including mandatory health certificates.

For entry into Somalia, most foreign citizens must obtain a visa in advance, and this process is far from as simple as it may seem. From September 1, 2025, an electronic visa (eVisa) system is in effect, which allows you to apply online, however, even the slightest mistake in the application form, a missing document or inaccurate information can lead to a visa denial. The electronic visa is suitable for short-term tourist and business trips, but its issuance requires attention to every detail.

Our visa agency takes full responsibility for the correctness of the processing. Managers carefully check each document, recheck all data and guarantee that the application is submitted without errors, minimizing the risk of refusal. With us, the traveler can be fully confident that the process will go smoothly and safely. 

You can learn more about visas in Somalia on the page «Visas».

Before traveling to Somalia, it is important to take care of vaccination. The minimum set includes vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio and tetanus, as well as current vaccines against diphtheria and whooping cough. It is also recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever, especially if the traveler is arriving from a country where it is prevalent.

Additionally, doctors may recommend malaria prophylaxis, as there is a risk of infection in some regions of Somalia. When traveling through rural and border areas, it is advisable to have repellents, mosquito bite protection and first aid medications on hand.

Before departure, it is important to get a medical consultation and arrange an international vaccination card, which may be required at the border or when visiting medical facilities within the country.

• Documents and visas:
  
  • Each child must have a separate passport and visa.
  • For minors traveling with one parent or guardian, notarized consent from the other parent is required.
• Medical preparation:
  
  • Gather a first aid kit with necessary medications for children, dehydration remedies, and insect protection.
  • Pay attention to vaccinations and disease prevention relevant to regions of Somalia.
• Climate and clothing:
  
  • The temperature often exceeds 30°C, so be sure to take sunglasses, headwear, and light breathable clothing.
  • Regularly provide the child with drinking water and light snacks.
• Medical infrastructure:
  
  • In major cities, such as Mogadishu, there are hospitals and clinics.
  • In remote areas, access to qualified medical help is limited — plan your routes considering this.
• Safety and transport:
  
  • Choose official transportation companies for travel.
  • Avoid night trips and movements in unsafe areas.
• Education and child preparation:
  
  • Explain the rules of behavior, local culture characteristics and precautions when contacting animals or unfamiliar people to children.
  • Plan excursions and long trips considering the age characteristics to maintain an optimal rest regime.

Traveling with pets in Somalia requires careful planning and compliance with veterinary requirements. First of all, it is necessary to have an animal passport confirming vaccinations, including rabies vaccination, as well as information on deworming and parasite treatment.

Animals must be transported in certified containers, conforming to IATA international standards, especially for air travel. Airlines require prior agreement for transportation, especially for large animals. Pets can be transported in the cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on the size and breed.

Upon arrival in Somalia, pets undergo veterinary control, and in the absence of necessary documents, temporary detention is possible until the health of the animal is confirmed. It is recommended to clarify the rules of the specific airport and airline in advance.

In addition, travelers should consider the conditions for keeping the pet in the country, including hotels, private homes, or specialized kennels. It is important to have a sufficient supply of food and water, as well as first aid supplies for animals in case of unforeseen situations.

The customs regulations of Somalia are quite strict, and non-compliance can lead to fines or detention. Any mistake in declaration, exceeding limits, or importing prohibited items can cause denial at the border. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements in advance and carefully prepare all documents and items.

Main customs rules of Somalia:

• Prohibited items for import:
  
  • Weapons and explosives.
  • Some medications controlled by law.
  • Materials of extremist nature, religious literature not complying with local laws.
• Personal items:
  
  • Permitted are clothing, cosmetics, laptops, photographic equipment for personal use.
  • Restrictions on alcohol and tobacco: usually no more than 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes per adult; excess is subject to duty.
• Money and valuables:
  
  • Import and export of cash over 10,000 US dollars must be declared.
  • Jewelry, antiques, and art objects are also subject to mandatory declaration.
• Documents and formalities:
  
  • Customs declaration is mandatory for foreign nationals when entering and leaving.
  • It is recommended to have copies of documents, receipts for purchased goods, and contacts of local representatives.
• Regional specifics:
  
  • In Somaliland and Puntland, additional fees and restrictions on certain goods may apply.

Compliance with these rules helps avoid troubles at the border and makes travel safe and calm.

Direct flights to Somalia are not available in all countries, and most flights require transfers at major hub airports, such as Dubai, Istanbul, or Nairobi. The duration of the flight depends on the departure point: from Europe to Mogadishu, the flight takes about 9–12 hours with one stopover.

Somalia has several international airports, among which Aden Abdullah Mohamed Mogadishu Airport is the largest and receives regular flights from the Middle East and East Africa. Flights from Europe are most often made through transfer points, but sometimes charter flights for tourist or humanitarian programs are possible.

When planning a trip, it is important to consider seasonality: during the monsoon period, some flights may be canceled or delayed. It is also recommended to check the current flight schedule on the airline's website, as routes and flight frequencies may change.

To optimize flight time, travelers may choose routes with minimal waiting time at transit airports. Clarifying flight information in advance helps avoid long layovers and delays.

It is important to note that air travel to Somalia requires a visa or electronic visa, as well as the appropriate documents for transfer if the route includes international transit.

Transit zones in Somali airports have their own characteristics. The main international airports of the country, including Mogadishu and Hargeysa, are equipped with transit zones for passengers transferring to international flights. Passengers in transit usually do not undergo border control and may stay in the waiting area until the next flight.

When transiting, it is important to consider that the transfer time may be limited by the airline's rules. In some cases, a valid Somali visa is required for a transfer, especially if the transfer is long and requires leaving the transit area.

Basic services are provided in transit zones: duty-free shops, cafes, rest areas. However, the infrastructure is not always up to the international standards of major airports in Europe or the Middle East, so it is recommended to stock up on water, snacks, and communication means in advance.

Special attention should be paid to security issues: Somali airports are controlled by enhanced security, so it is necessary to strictly comply with the rules of movement and storage of personal belongings. Passengers must have boarding passes and documents confirming the next flight.

For international transfers, it is useful to clarify the rules of the specific airport, especially if the transfer involves domestic flights within the country. Travelers with pets or large luggage should clarify the conditions of transportation and storage during transit in advance.

Knowing the specifics of transit zones helps save time, avoid delays, and make the transfer more comfortable.

German citizens are advised to know the contacts of diplomatic missions to receive up-to-date information and support in emergency situations. 

The consular interests of Germany in Somalia are represented by the Embassy of Germany in Nairobi, Kenya. There is no separate consular representation in Somalia.

Embassy address: Ludwig Krapf House, Riverside Drive 113, Nairobi, Kenya

Contact information:

• Phone: +254 20 426 21 00
• Emergency contact phone (for German citizens outside working hours): +254-(0)721 322 443
• Fax: +254 20 426 21 29

Consular and visa department hours:

• Monday - Friday: from 8:00 to 12:00
• Monday - Thursday: from 13:30 to 15:00

The only official representation of Somalia in Germany is the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Berlin.

Consular issues are resolved at this same embassy. There are no separate consulates in other German cities.

Contact information:

• Address: Rheinstraße 10, 12159 Berlin, Germany
• Phone: +49 30 23 63 00 10
• Fax: +49 30 23 63 00 11
• Email: somaliembassyberlin@gmail.com

To obtain information about consular services and working hours, it is recommended to contact the embassy using the provided contacts.