We will start our Somalia Travel tips by talking about this country. The official name of this nation is the Federal Republic of Somalia. It is most eastern nation on the African continent. It is on the peninsula which is famous as the Horn of Africa.
The region has borders with Kenya in the southwest, the Gulf of Aden in the north, Ethiopia in the west & Djibouti in North West. Whereas its borders with the Indian Ocean in the North and maintains territorial boundaries with Yemen as well.
The country covers a total area of 637,657 km². Somalia has a total population of around 12 million. The capital and largest city is Mogadishu.
After the discomfiture of President Siad Barre in 1991, the country is running without a central government. Many areas of the country are prone to serious civil unrest.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Somalia
- Laas Geel
- Masjid al-Qiblatayn
- Ras Hafun
- Mosque of Islamic Solidarity
- Mount Bahaya
- Golis Mountains
- Liido Beach
- Lag Badana National Park
- Naasa Hablood
- Bardaale
- Zeila Archipelago
- Saryan Museum
- Mount Shimbiris
- Mareerey
- Monument of the Unknown Soldier
Languages
The two official & primary languages of Somalia are Somali and Arabic. English is Somalia’s most populous international tongue. It’s taught around the region in several schools. Although Italian was the official tongue when it was Italian Somaliland.
According to Somalia Travel Tips, Bravanese, Kibajuni, and Mushunguli are minority languages spoken in this country. The Somali Sign Language is used by the Deaf people in Somalia. Many tourist areas have English signage but much of the road doesn’t have it.
Currency & Banking
Somalia’s national & primary currency is the Somali Shilling. The currency code is SOS. The Bank issues notes in denomination of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 shillings. Whereas, Coins come in the denomination of 1, 5, 10, 50 Senti, 1, 5, 10, 25 Shillings.
MasterCard is the most famous card in Somali. Both big towns and cities have ATMs. According to Somalia Travel Tips, Cash is actually the best way to keep the money, as always the easiest way to change.
Somalia Tourist Visa
Indian needs a Visa to Travel Somalia.
Documents Required for Somalia Visa
- Valid passport
- Two visa forms
- Two passport-size photo
- A Covering Letter from the traveler
- Confirmed Return air ticket
- Yellow fever certificate
- Sufficient funds
- 6 months Bank statements
- ITR for the last 3 years
- A valid Polio (OPV) Certificate
Best Time to Visit
The Perfect time to fly Somalia is during the colder months between June and August. This season comes after the wet months in Somalia and appears to witness milder conditions with slightly less heat and humidity. This is a decent time for tourism relative to the rest of the year.
Conditions during the cooler dry season are more satisfying because the temperature is just 86 ° F warm. However, You will also fly from January to early February. It is also a healthy season for visitors.
Time Zone
Time zone in Somalia is GMT+3.
Emergency Numbers
- Ambulance 999
- Police 888
- Fire 555
Internet
Internet speed in Somalia is Slowest and rates are affordable. You can buy SIM cards for your phone from the airport or one of many retailers all over Somalia. All you need is the passport to get the sim card in this country.
SomNet Telecom, Telcom, Somtel, NationLink, Hormuud, Netco, and Golis Telecom Somalia are the main internet service providers in Somalia. Places with free Wi-Fi connections are airports, restaurants, hotels, coffeehouses.
Electricity
The maximum voltage is 220 V and the normal frequency is 50 Hz. The electric plugs and sockets are of form C in this country. Type C is also popular as the normal Euro plug. This plug also works with type E and type F.
According to Somalia Travel Tips, You can use your electric equipment in this country if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 240 V. Although it is advisable to carry a travel adapter to stay connected with the world.
Climate
The Atmosphere of Somalia has a tropical climate. However, there is a small difference in the season to season temperatures. Basically, Depending on the geographic topography the climate of this region can be described as arid to semi-arid.
While Temperatures will reach altitudes of about 47 C in the coastal areas. The area around the plateau is colder at about 28 C. During the wet season the country remains hot and humid.
Whereas conditions are not only warm during the dry summer season, but temperatures are sweltering up to 104 ° F. Conditions become more pleasurable during the dry winter season because mercury only hits 86 ° F.
While The rains start to cool down the area, and the rainfall also carries with it a lot of humidity.
Reasons to Travel Somalia
- Laas Geel
- Lag Badana National Park
- Arba’a Rukun Mosque
- National Museum of Somalia
- Mogadishu Cathedral
- Bakaara Market
- Hadful Mosque
- Gezira Beach
- Borama
- Merca
- Delicious Food
- Wildlife
- Historical place
- God’s Land
History
Somalia has a history stretching far back from the 7th to the 10th century. Arab and Persian trade posts were set up along Somalia’s present-day coast. While The region was populated by nomadic tribes, Pushing into Ethiopian territories from time to time.
Turkish influence spread to the northern coast in the 16th century, and the Zanzibar sultans retained control of the southern region. However, By 1920, the British and Italian Protectorates controlled what is now Somalia. Following the British invasion of Aden in 1839, the Somali coast was its food source.
In 1960, Britain and Italy has given the freedom to their respective parts of the region. It helps the both of the parts to unite on 1 July 1960 as the Republic of Somalia. In 1963, Somalia severed diplomatic ties with Great Britain.
Packing Tips for Somalia
- Passport & Travel map
- Day Bag or Backpack
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Comfortable Clothes
- Breathable tees
- Power Charger
- Travel Adapter
- Insect Protection
- Toiletries
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Tickets and travel documents
- Prescription drugs
- Malaria medication
- Medical kit
Is it safe to Travel Somalia?
No, Somalia is not at all a tourist destination as of now. Crime levels are high in this country. You will face both petty and violent crime inside this region. It is really dangerous to enter inside nowadays. The roads are in bad condition & Bus and taxi Both are unsafe.
Especially buses that can get road blocked and passengers are robbed or worse. Petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, camera snatching, and other forms of theft are common in Somalia. Terrorism risk is also very high in Somalia.
The biggest Terrorist group Al Shabaab and some other groups, who opposed to the Somali government. They persist in carrying out deadly attacks on an almost daily basis. Whereas, Scams are the least of your problems if you travel to this country. However, they happen in Somalia as well.
It is not at all a Destination for Solo Women Travelers. While if you still travel, Do not go alone anywhere. Please keep in mind that it is best not to move around in this country. Muggings, robberies, rapes, and kidnappings are very common in Somalia.
Conclusion
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FAQs
Good Things about Somalia?
1. It's among Culturally Homogeneous nation. 2. Laas Geel Cave Paintings 3. Wildlife
Bad Things about Somalia?
1. Crime 2. Bad healthcare 3. Economic Crisis
Weird Things about Somalia?
1. Somali Pirates are Popular around the globe. 2. The nation has Lowest Life Expediencies 3. It has minimum HIV Infection Rates in Africa.
Somalia Travel Restrictions?
You need a COVID-19 negative test within 96 hours or you need to stay in quarantine for 2 weeks.
How many states in Somalia?
There are 5 states in Somalia.
