Travel Vaccines and Advice for Somalia

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Somalia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Somalia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Malaria is present and can be a serious risk in Somalia. Antimalarials are key to make sure you stay protected during your trip. Mosquito repellents and netting will also help you avoid diseases like malaria and Dengue.

Healthcare in Somalia is extremely limited with very low stocks of prescription medicine. Make sure to bring enough prescription drugs for your stay. Most medical facilities need payment before a procedure (costs not covered by Medicare).

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

Due to recent drought conditions, cholera has spread quickly in parts of Somalia. Health organizations recommend cholera vaccination for travelers to the area.

The best protection against cholera is through vaccination. Passport Health clinics offer the cholera vaccine. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today!

A valid passport and visa are required to travel to Somalia. It is important to prepare these documents long in advance as Somalia’s changing political climate can affect document processing times.

Somalia Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Somalia?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Somalia and U.S. State Department

Somalia tends to generally have a hot and tropical climate. Heat and humidity are to be expected.

Somalia remains hot year-round, due to its proximity to the equator.

Temperatures range from 82 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the region, dryness can vary. In the northeastern and central regions of Somalia, the climate is arid. In the northwestern and southwestern regions of Somalia, the climate is semiarid.

There are four main seasons, defined by wind patterns. They include the rainy season of Gu (April-June); the dry season of Xagaa (July-September); a short, rainy season named Dayr; and the tangambili periods that are in-between the two monsoons.

Due to increased terrorist activity from the al-Qaida affiliated group al Shabaab, the U.S. government strongly cautions against travel to Somalia.

There is a large threat of kidnapping of Westerners, especially in Somaliland and Puntland.

Attacks are most common at hotels, restaurants and airports (especially the Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport).

U.S. citizens should avoid the coasts and sailing due to the high-risk of pirate attacks.

Don’t walk alone at night, dress conservatively and don’t openly display cash or valuables while in Somalia. Do not eat in public during the holy month of Ramadan.

Alcohol is prohibited in Somalia.

The U.S. does not have an embassy in Somalia, which further increases U.S. citizen’s risks.

In Laas Geel, you will find Neolithic rock paintings throughout a large network of caves, recently discovered in 2003. It is now a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Many travelers claim that if Somalia was more safe, this would be a popular tourist attraction.

These cave paintings on the outskirts of Hargeisa, Somaliland, are some of the earliest cave paintings in Africa. It is a good day trip from the city and would take a couple of hours to view the caves.

The paintings depict cattle, dogs and giraffes.

Somalia is a dangerous place to travel to due to ongoing conflict and security concerns. The US Department of State has issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Somalia, which means that it is not recommended for travelers to visit. If you must go to Somalia for essential reasons, it is important to pack appropriate clothing and items to ensure your safety and comfort.

When packing, consider the conservative culture and hot, dry climate in Somalia. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and dresses to cover exposed skin, especially for women. Choose loose-fitting clothing made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. Comfortable and durable shoes are also important. It is advisable to bring PPE such as bulletproof vests, helmets, and masks to protect yourself from potential harm.

Bring all necessary travel documents including your passport, visa, and any other required permits or documents. Pack any essential medications and a first aid kit, as medical facilities may be limited in Somalia. Bring enough cash for your trip as ATMs and banks may be inaccessible or unavailable. It is also important to bring a mobile phone and charger to stay in contact with others in case of an emergency. Research the current situation in Somalia before your trip and follow any safety guidelines provided by your government or travel advisory.

All Americans visiting Somalia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Unfortunately, there is not currently an embassy nor consulate in Somalia. The U.S. government has put Somalia under the jurisdiction of the Kenyan Embassy:

U.S. Embassy Kenya
United Nations Avenue
Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: (254) (20) 363-6451 (Monday through Thursday, 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (254) (20) 363-6000
Email: kenya_acs@state.gov

If you have any questions about traveling to Somalia or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now! and protect yourself today.