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TRAVEL REPORT
Somalia

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 10 has been updated (severe drought).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Somalia

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel in Somalia. Canadians in this country should leave. There is no resident Canadian government office in Somalia, and the Government of Canada cannot provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens in distress in Somalia. Canadians who are in Somalia despite this warning and who are confronted with an emergency will have to make their way to the nearest embassy or consulate of Canada (see section 5) or rely on their own resources.

The security situation in Somalia is very volatile, particularly in South-Central Somalia. In late December 2006, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), supported by the Ethiopian military, launched an offensive against the Union of Islamic Courts, who had controlled much of South-Central Somalia. The UIC was defeated; however, clashes between TFG, the Ethiopian military, and rebels continue to occur.  The security situation remains highly unstable and could represent a very serious threat to travellers.

Guerilla-style attacks against TFG and Ethiopian targets are very common. These attacks, frequently in the form of mortar/grenade and improvised-explosive device attacks are a near daily occurrence, particularly in Mogadishu and civilian casualties are not uncommon.

Recent protests and violent incidents occurred in the capital, Mogadishu, in response to rising costs of food and living. There is a possibility of further unrest and protests. Travellers should be especially vigilant, avoid all public gatherings where violence and demonstrations may occur and follow the advice of local authorities.

The airport and seaport are operating commercially; however, Mogadishu International airport is often closed with little or no warning due to fighting and Canadians who choose to travel despite the advisory may have difficulty in departing the country. Acts of piracy and armed robbery against shipping off the Somali coast have also increased. The land border between Kenya and Somalia remains closed and air traffic between the two countries is subject to special procedures by the Kenyan government.

The security situation is dangerous and unpredictable across the country. Travellers are at risk of kidnapping, murder, or arrest without notice or apparent cause. There is no guarantee of a fair trial or that local courts will respect diplomatic or United Nations immunities. There is an increasing trend towards Islamization of the local courts in many parts of the country, which utilize the Sharia Code for proceedings. You should be aware that anti-Western sentiments are strong in many parts of the country. Violent demonstrations, attacks (possibly targeting foreigners) and armed military activity can occur at any time.

There is a high security threat in Somalia. Killings and kidnappings continue to occur in all areas of the country and there have been targeted assassinations of foreigners including journalists, human rights activists, and humanitarian workers. The rule of law is virtually non-existent. Outbreaks of violence can arise unpredictably and parties involved are often armed. These violent incidents have resulted in civilian casualties.

Somaliland and Puntland

We also advise against all travel to Somaliland, a self-declared republic seeking independence, and to Puntland, an administrative region in the northeast operating as a separate entity. Parts of these regions have had periods of slightly more stability than the south-central part of the country. However, recent violent attacks on foreign targets, including workers and buildings under the auspices of the United Nations, continue to highlight the extremely unstable and unpredictable security situation. Tensions and escalating violence in the south of the country could also spread to Somaliland and Puntland at any time. There continues to be tension between Somaliland and Puntland over the regions of Sool and Sanaag.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia does not exercise control over the entire region defined to be under its authority and is unable to guarantee security or police protection.

Fighting has increased among various groups in the past months, including among local militias and clans, and all forms of violent crime, including murder, kidnapping, looting, and banditry, are common. Protected humanitarian missions and workers, including those working for the United Nations, have also been subject to attack. Security escorts, even the Special Protection Unit (SPU) made available to international visitors by the Somaliland and Puntland authorities, are not a guarantee of safety.

Do not show signs of affluence, and do not venture out alone after dark.

Tourist facilities are not available. Electricity and water provisions are not assured. International telephone services and Internet access are limited to larger cities.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

There is no diplomatic/consular mission of Canada currently operating for Somalia. Entry and exit requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check these requirements with the authorities below for the most up-to-date information:

The Permanent Representative of the Somali Republic to the United Nations:

425 East 61st Street, Suite 702
New York, United States, NY10021
Telephone: (212) 688-9410/5046
Fax: (212) 759-0651

The Embassy of the Somali Republic in Kenya:

Jabavu Road, Hurlingham
Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: (254) (20) 273-6618
Fax: (254) (20) 273-6619

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Somalia. Canadians should always carry identification, preferably a certified true copy of their passport's identification page. Passport theft is common in Somalia; safe storage is highly recommended.

A visa is required to visit those areas under the authority of the Transitional Federal Government. The visa should be obtained in advance from the Embassy of the Somali Republic in Kenya. Visas are also required for Somaliland and Puntland and it is recommended to obtain the visa in advance. Enquiries regarding visas for Somaliland and Puntland should be directed to the person/organization that will be visited as there is no office in Kenya for the issuance of these visas.

Proof of yellow fever immunization may be required for those arriving from infected areas.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Somalia. The Canadian government's ability to provide consular assistance is severely restricted due to insecurity. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, Nairobi, 00621, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900
E-Mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.kenya.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

There are virtually no health facilities or medicines available in Somalia. You must be completely self-sufficient.

Only drink bottled water. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

There are reports of female Canadian citizens being forced into marriage without their prior knowledge or consent. Parents, relatives and the community may use relentless pressure and emotional blackmail, threatening behaviour, abduction, imprisonment and physical violence to coerce young people to enter into marriage. While both men and women experience forced marriages, it is a form of violence most commonly perpetrated against women. They have been unable to return to Canada, and their passports and money have been retained by family members. Canada opposes the practice of forced marriage and urges all countries to respect their international human rights obligations relating to free and full consent to marriage. Forced marriage constitutes a human rights violation under several legal instruments, including international human rights law, to which Canada is a signatory.

If you are in Canada and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities and your local police. You may also contact the Emergency Operations Centre (tel.: 1 800 267-6788) or the nearest Canadian government office (see Section 5 above).

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are poor and dangerous. Flash floods can occur during the rainy season, making some roads impassable. Landmines or other explosive devices may be present in some areas. Roadblocks are frequent.

Piracy

Activities of extremist groups in Somalia are a growing concern. There has been a significant rise in piracy off the coast of Somalia during the past months and it is considered among the world’s most dangerous coastlines with regards to piracy. Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Somali schilling (SOS), except in Somaliland, which uses the Somaliland schilling. U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are not accepted in Somalia. There are no automated banking machines (ABM) available.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Drought

Due to below-average rainfall over the last four years, many regions of eastern Africa are currently afflicted by severe drought, including Somalia. Travellers should expect difficulties travelling overland. Local services and the availability of water and basic food may be affected. An increase in water-borne diseases has also been reported in these areas. Travellers should take preventive measures and exercise extreme caution.

Monsoon Season

The climate is very hot and dry. However, there is a monsoon season extending from May to October in the southwest and from December to February in the northeast. There are also short rainy seasons in other parts of the country. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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