Packing list for Somalia, travel insurance for Somalia and taking your belongings

What to take to Somalia: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and money: a passport that is valid for at least another 6 months on arrival, with at least 2 blank pages, and a valid e-visa or electronic travel authorisation (eTA). A visa on arrival is currently only possible at Hargeisa Egal International Airport. Bring both a printed and digital copy of your passport, visa, invitation letter, vaccination records and travel insurance. Also bring enough cash. The official currency is the Somali shilling (SOS), tourists mainly use US dollars. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
• Clothing: lightweight clothing is comfortable in the heat, but choose clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. This is not only because modest clothing is important locally, but also because lightweight long trousers, a long skirt or dress and tops with sleeves are practical in protecting you against sun and mosquitoes. A warm layer is important for cooler evenings, especially in drier or higher-altitude areas.
• Shoes: comfortable closed shoes or sturdy sandals are suitable for cities. For travelling outside cities, hiking or areas with rocky or unpaved terrain, sturdy shoes with good grip that can handle dust, sand and heat are useful.
• Toiletries and hygiene: bring enough sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitiser, tissues and personal toiletries for your entire trip.
• Packing and protecting your belongings: resealable bags and a dry bag are useful for protecting electronics, documents and medication from dust and sand. A rain cover is particularly useful during the rainy season, but in many areas protection from dust is at least as important.
• Insects and animals: a strong insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
• Sleeping: an insecticide-treated mosquito net if you are staying in basic accommodation or sleeping outdoors.
• Medication and travel first aid kit: bring enough of your personal medication, as well as ORS, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers, medication for diarrhoea, hand sanitiser and a thermometer.
• Outdoor and useful items: sunglasses, a sun hat or cap, a reusable water bottle, a small daypack and a headlamp. When travelling outside urban areas, make sure you carry enough water. A lightweight scarf or buff is also useful for protection from the sun, dust and wind.
• Technology and equipment: a universal travel adapter, power bank and headlamp.
• Safety and theft: safety is perhaps the most important consideration when travelling to Somalia. Check the latest travel information. It is sensible to keep your passport and visa with you at all times. Photographing military, government or other sensitive locations is prohibited.

To consider:

• A large reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
• Offline maps and other important information, as mobile networks can be unreliable outside urban areas.
• Extra (veggie) snacks and non-perishable food for longer journeys.
• An offline translation app, especially for Somali and Arabic.
• Binoculars for nature and birdwatching, where appropriate and safe to do so.

Are there mosquitoes in Somalia?

• Yes, unfortunately mosquitoes are present throughout Somalia all year round. There is a high risk of malaria, but dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and other infections also occur.
• Malaria mosquitoes are mainly active between dusk and dawn. Dengue and chikungunya mosquitoes, on the other hand, can bite during the day. Protection is therefore important both during the day and at night.
• Picaridin or DEET and loose, lightweight long clothing provide protection during the day. At night, sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net or in a well-screened room is important.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Somalia?

• Yes. Several species of sandflies occur in Somalia. They can transmit leishmaniasis, and visceral leishmaniasis in particular is a known health problem in Somalia.
• Sandflies are very small and their bites often go unnoticed. They are active from dusk onwards and tend to stay close to the ground.
• Long clothing, insect repellent and an insecticide-treated mosquito net can help prevent bites. Avoiding spending too much time sitting directly on the ground can also help.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Are DEET or other insect repellents available in Somalia?

• Insect repellent may be available in larger cities and at some hotels or shops, but supplies are often limited, and it can be very hard to find. Outside urban areas, it can be even more difficult to find specific products.
• The easiest option is therefore to bring enough picaridin or DEET with you to last for your entire trip. This way you can also choose your product of choice.
• More about DEET.

Is it legal to buy a beer or wine in Somalia or bring it with you to Somalia?

• The sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in Somalia. Bringing beer, wine or other alcoholic drinks into the country can be a fun thought, but can also lead to serious conversations with customs.
• During Ramadan, additional rules apply to eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours.

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Somalia or bring it with you to Somalia?

• No. The use, possession and trafficking of drugs are illegal and can result in lengthy prison sentences. This also applies to cannabis and CBD products. Do not bring cannabis, CBD or other drugs into Somalia.
• Khat, a local natural stimulant,is legal in Somalia and widely used, but taking it out of the country is prohibited. The active substances also lose their effects after around 48 hours. Baggage is checked at some airports, and violating the rules can have legal consequences.