Washington (Hornpost) — The US State Department has issued an immigration warning stating that we cannot travel to Somalia. The alert level is very high compared to the given number which is the fourth, according to some security experts.
A statement posted on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there are several reasons why we cannot go to Somalia.
Possible crimes warned by the United States include acts of terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. And they said that if the necessary services happen, they will not be able to get them for their people.
Due to the dangers, the US government has banned its employees working in Somalia from traveling outside Mogadishu airport where the US embassy is located. The US Embassy in Mogadishu is carrying out its duties normally.
Read the statement:
Updated with changes to security information.
Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping, piracy, and lack of availability of routine consular services.
Country Summary
Due to security risks, U.S. government employees working in Somalia are prohibited from traveling outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex where the U.S. Embassy is located. The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu maintains normal staffing.
Crime
Violent crime is common throughout Somalia, including kidnapping and murder. Illegal roadblocks are widespread.
Terrorism
Terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. They may attack with little or no warning and target:
- Airports
- Seaports
- Government buildings
- Hotels and restaurants
- Shopping areas
- Public places that attract large crowds and tourists
- Government, military, and other convoys
Attack methods can include car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers, and rocket fire.
Some areas, like the Somaliland region, have seen less terrorist activity. However, violence and explosive attacks can happen anywhere in Somalia, at any time.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur throughout Somalia. They can sometimes turn violent.
- Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Health
Medical facilities in Somalia have limited capacity. They are often absent in rural areas. The health care system lacks sufficient pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medical professionals. Hospitals do not meet U.S. standards.
- Bring enough supply of over the counter and prescription medicines, along with copies of their prescriptions, including the generic name for the medicines.
Piracy
Pirates are active in the waters off the Horn of Africa, specifically off the coast of Puntland.
Kidnapping
Violent crime, including kidnapping, is common throughout Somalia. Illegal roadblocks are widespread.
Lack of availability of consular services
The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Somalia. There is no permanent consular officer in Somalia, not even the Somaliland region. If a traveler’s passport is lost, stolen, expires, or if they become destitute, the U.S. government may not be able to help.
Other issues
Some schools and other facilities act as “rehabilitation” centers. These facilities exist throughout Somalia with little or no licensing and oversight. Reports of physical abuse are common. People also report being held against their will in these facilities.
There are frequent reports of U.S. citizens who have their passports taken by family members, leaving them unable to leave Somalia. This often occurs when U.S. citizens travel to Somalia to visit family or attend an event. Some adult U.S. citizens cannot leave the international airport because they need explicit consent from their family.
Due to risks to civil aviation from extremist and military activity, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation that bans certain U.S. flights within or near Somalia. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.
Read the Country Information Page for additional information on travel to Somalia.
Hornpost staff Reporter
