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If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to Somalia, including Somaliland (level 4 of 4). New Zealanders currently in Somalia are advised to leave. There is a significant threat from terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and a high level of violent crime throughout the country.

New Zealanders who decide to travel to Somalia against our advice should ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times. We strongly recommend you consult a reputable security company with experience in Somalia for advice on security arrangements. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely. No part of Somalia can be considered safe. This includes large cities such as Mogadishu and Kismayo.

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Somalia

Terrorism
There is an extreme threat from terrorism throughout Somalia. Terrorist attacks could occur without warning at anytime, anywhere in Somalia and often involve car bombs, multiple explosions and heavily armed gunmen.

The threat is particularly high in the capital Mogadishu, where terrorist group Al Shabaab continues to conduct attacks on a regular basis. Previous attacks have specifically targeted foreigners and personnel from international organisations.

• On 29 October 2022, two large bombs were used to attack the Somali Ministry of Education. Reporting indicates that over 100 were killed and 300 injured in the attack.
• On 23 October 2022, an attack on the Tawakal Hotel in Kismayo reportedly killed 13 people and injured 47.
• On 29 August 2022, an attack at the Hayat Hotel in central Mogadishu left a reported 21 killed and 117 injured.
• On 22 April 2022, a bomb attack at the Pescatore Seafood restaurant in south Mogadishu reportedly killed 8 and injured 27.
• On 19 February 2022, a bomb attack inside Hassan Dhiif restaurant in Beledweyne city reportedly killed 18 and injured 30.
• On 16 August 2020, an attack on the Elite Hotel in central Mogadishu, which is popular with foreigners, reportedly killed 15 and injured at least 15.
• On 14 October 2017, a large truck bomb exploded in central Mogadishu, killing 358 people and injuring 228.

Other attacks have targeted government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, public transport, places of worship and airports. The Mogadishu international airport is a high-priority target for terrorists due to the presence of Westerners. Further attacks are likely and may target crowded places, high-profile events and events involving government officials. Days of national or religious significance may see more attacks than usual.

New Zealanders in Somalia should monitor local information sources for information on new safety and security risks as the security situation can change very quickly.

Kidnapping
There is an ongoing, very high threat of kidnapping throughout Somalia, including in Puntland and Somaliland. Kidnappers may be motivated by financial gain or terrorism. The threat to foreigners is high and a number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Somalia in recent years, and some have been killed.

In addition to taking professional security advice, you should vary your routines to avoid setting predictable patterns of movement, particularly around travel routes.

Violent Crime
Levels of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery and banditry are very high in Somalia and there is no effective police force in place to enforce the rule of law. Anti-western attitudes are strong in parts of Somalia, there have been incidents of foreigners being violently harassed. 

Some schools and facilities acting as “cultural rehabilitation” centres operate throughout Somalia without oversight. There are reports that minors and young adults may be abused or held against their will at these facilities.

Civil Unrest and political tensions
The political situation in Somalia is unpredictable, particularly in Mogadishu. 

There is ongoing, serious violence between opposing factions throughout the country. Fighting often involves heavy weapons.

Demonstrations do occur and there have been clashes between security forces and demonstrators. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings in Somalia. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should leave the area if it is safe to do so, or find a safe location, remain indoors and heed any local advice.

Piracy
Piracy against all forms of maritime traffic is a significant issue in the coastal waters off Somalia, including at some distance from the coast. Mariners are advised to exercise a heightened degree of vigilance and take appropriate precautionary measures in Somali waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau's piracy report. 

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Somalia, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens who require consular assistance is severely limited.  

We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Somalia should consider.

Thousands of people have been displaced due to both conflict and environmental problems (such as droughts and flooding). This has led to an increase in health issues and crime, and a heightened security threat to foreigners. Many areas of Somalia suffer from food shortages.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Somalia to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour. Same-sex relations are illegal.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Somalia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel in Somalia – exclusions may well apply. Only very limited medical facilities are available in Somalia and there are shortages of even the most basic medical supplies.

New Zealanders who decide to travel or live in Somalia against our advice are strongly advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

See our regional advice for Africa