COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Somalia (23 July Update)

*Can a resident enter the country? *

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

*Can a foreigner enter the country? *

• Yes

• Foreigners are allowed to enter Somalia.

*Is a test required on arrival? *

• Yes with exceptions

• All travellers will have their health and temperature screened on arrival at air or land borders.

• Travellers without a valid pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test certificate may be required to undergo a PCR test on arrival at their own expense.

*Is a test certificate allowed? *

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside Somalia are accepted. The test certificate must be in English.

*Test certificate required? *

• Yes

• A negative COVID-19 PCR test report obtained no more than 72 hours before arrival to Somalia (excluding Somaliland) is required for all travellers.

• Departing passengers are required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate obtained no more than 72 hours before travel.

• Somaliland: Inbound travellers are required to present a negative PCR test certificate not older than 96 hours before entering Somaliland.

*Is quarantine required on arrival? *

• No with exceptions

• Arriving travellers will be exempted from quarantine if they have a negative PCR test certificate no older than 72 hours.

• Travellers without a valid negative PCR report may be required to enter a 14-day quarantine at a government-designated facility. A quarantine unit has been established at Aden Adde International Airport (AAIA) in Mogadishu for the isolation of passengers with COVID-19 symptoms.

• Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will be required to spend between 0 and 14 days in quarantine.

Is vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Entry Form required?

• No

• Arrivals are not required to fill any entry form upon arrival.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• International and commercial flights have resumed, including to Somaliland.

• Domestic flights are operating.

• Egal International Airport (HGA) in Somaliland has put in place some additional measures to screen all passengers arriving into Hargeisa by air, including temperature checks.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• All land borders are closed except for Somaliland–Ethiopian border. The Somaliland-Djibouti border is open only for commercial trade. The Kenya-South Somalia (Madera) land borders remain closed for commercial trade. Central Somalia-Ethiopia (Dolow) border also remains closed, however, certain points may periodically be opened for trade.

• Seaports are open.

• Somalia has suspended visa-on-arrival service for Kenyans.

• Ordinary passport holders must apply for a travel permit at Somalia’s embassy before departing Nairobi. Diplomatic passport holders must get approval from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Government.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• A night-time curfew is in effect in Mogadishu from 20:00 to 05:00 (local time). Hospitals, pharmacies, and shops that sell dry goods are exempted from the curfew measures. Restrictions may vary in some locations outside of Mogadishu.

• No restrictions are in place in Somaliland.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Social distancing measures are enforced.

• The government has banned large gatherings.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Public transportation for inter and intra-city travel is restricted during curfew hours.

*Accommodations open? *

• Yes

• Hotels are open with public health safety measures in place.

*Restaurants open? *

• Yes

• Restaurants are open with public health safety measures in place.

*Bars and cafes open? *

• Yes

• Bars are open.

*Beaches and tourism sites open? *

• Yes

• Beaches are open with social distancing measures.

*Museums and heritage sites open? *

• Yes

• Museums have reopened.

*Personal care services open? *

• Yes

• Salons, beauty parlours, and all other personal care services are open.

*Places of worship open? *

• Yes

• Mosques are open with strict protocols. Friday prayers are allowed with restrictions.

Events allowed?

• No with exceptions

• Large gatherings are not allowed, however, rallies and demonstrations have been observed throughout Somalia.

*Masks required in public? *

• Yes

• All inbound passengers must wear a mask while travelling.

Other

• Businesses are allowed to resume services, however, they must maintain a strict protocol of physical distancing.

• Schools and universities have resumed.

• Gyms, sport centres and playgrounds are closed.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.