The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Somalia, maintaining a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning due to ongoing concerns about crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, piracy, and the limited availability of routine consular services.
According to the advisory, security conditions in Somalia remain unstable. U.S. government employees are restricted to the Mogadishu International Airport complex where the U.S. Embassy is located and are not permitted to travel elsewhere in the country. The embassy continues normal staffing operations.
Violent crime such as kidnapping and murder is prevalent throughout Somalia. Illegal roadblocks are widespread and pose additional dangers for travelers.
Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks including kidnappings and bombings that can target airports, seaports, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, public places with large crowds or tourists, as well as government and military convoys. Attack methods may include car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers, and rocket fire. While some regions like Somaliland have seen less terrorist activity than others, violence can occur anywhere in Somalia at any time.
Civil unrest is another concern cited by the State Department. Protests and demonstrations take place across the country and sometimes become violent. Travelers are advised to monitor local media for updates on breaking events and be prepared to change their plans quickly if needed.
Medical facilities in Somalia have limited capacity—especially outside urban centers—and often lack pharmaceuticals and trained professionals. Hospitals do not meet U.S. standards of care.
Piracy remains a threat off the coast of Puntland in northern Somalia along the Horn of Africa.
The risk of kidnapping is significant throughout Somalia; illegal roadblocks contribute further to this danger.
Consular support for U.S. citizens in Somalia is extremely limited because there is no permanent consular officer stationed anywhere in the country—not even in Somaliland. If travelers lose their passports or encounter other emergencies such as financial destitution while in Somalia, assistance from the U.S. government may not be available.
Other issues highlighted include reports of unlicensed “rehabilitation” centers where individuals may face physical abuse or be held against their will; incidents where family members confiscate passports from visiting U.S. citizens; and cases where adults cannot leave international airports without explicit family consent.
The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed restrictions on certain flights within or near Somali airspace due to threats from extremist groups and military activity; more information can be found through official FAA resources.
Travelers who choose to visit Somalia despite these warnings are urged by officials to review personal security plans thoroughly; prepare evacuation strategies independent of U.S. government help; avoid sailing near Somali coasts; draft wills; designate insurance beneficiaries; communicate plans with loved ones regarding property or custody matters; share important documents with trusted contacts; develop communication protocols with employers or host organizations if traveling for business purposes; identify sources of emergency assistance locally and abroad; establish proof-of-life protocols with family members in case of hostage situations; leave DNA samples with medical providers for identification purposes if necessary; remove sensitive materials from electronic devices before travel; avoid bringing sentimental belongings into the country; enroll trips in programs like STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program); update all relevant vaccinations—including those for Cholera, Hepatitis A/B, rabies and Polio boosters—and take malaria prophylaxis given high risk levels across Somalia.
Further details about traveling safely can be found on official State Department resources as well as health guidance from agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control.