Somalia
Last update 05 November 2025Travel advice
Risk index
Level 4: Avoid all travels (except in case of extreme necessity)
4
Select passport type
Federal Republic of Somalia
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in Mogadishu. Bulgarian citizens residing in Somalia on a short-term or long-term basis may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, for consular matters.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Address: Bole KK, Kebele 04/06/07, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; P.O.Box 987
Tel.: +251 91 125 2514
Emergency telephone numbers outside working hours: +251 91 125 2514;
Working hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Reception hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (by appointment via email)
E-mail: Embassy.AddisAbaba@mfa.bg ; bul.addis@gmail.com
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/ethiopia
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Moscow (accredited to Bulgaria)
Address: Simferopolsky Boulevard 7a, 117556 Moscow, Russian Federation
Tel.: +7 499 317-15-72
Email addresses: somembassymoscow@gmail.com ; handulerussia@yahoo.com
Website: https://web.facebook.com/SomaliainRussia/?_rdc=1&_rdr#
General information
Security level:
Do not travel to Somalia. Somalia is a conflict zone.
The security situation in the country is extremely unpredictable, with a continuing high threat of terrorism, particularly in south-central Somalia and Mogadishu. Foreigners are particularly at risk in Somalia.
Terrorist acts are carried out in Somalia. Targets may include Aden Abdulle International Airport, government officials and buildings, hotels, restaurants, foreigners, and international organization staff and buildings. Embassies in Somalia issue frequent warnings about possible terrorist attacks in Somalia.
The risk of kidnapping is very high in all parts of Somalia. This includes Puntland and Somaliland. Several active terrorist groups plan to kidnap foreigners. Do not travel on predictable routes.
There is a risk of pirate attacks along the Somali coast and in Somali waters.
Healthcare:
Before you leave, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers all medical expenses abroad, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains, and legal expenses. Check that the policy covers all the activities you plan to do. The insurance company should have a 24-hour helpline.
Hospital services do not meet European standards. Particular attention should be paid to food hygiene, including the consumption of fresh fruit and salads. Water should be drunk bottled or, as a last resort, boiled.
An international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers who have transited through an airport in a country with such a risk.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccinations, as well as health risks, please contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country.
Local legislation:
Local laws apply to visitors and it is your responsibility to comply with them. Respect local conservative norms, customs, and traditions.
The law strictly prohibits the photographing of military sites, police and military personnel, industrial facilities, government buildings, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams, airports, etc.). Photographing prohibited areas may result in confiscation of the camera and repressive measures.
The import and use of plastic bags is prohibited in Somalia. Visitors may be asked to surrender them upon entering the country.
In Somalia, homosexuality is punishable by law and the penalties are severe.
Customs requirements:
There are strict rules about what you can bring into and take out of Somalia, including Somaliland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or taxable, including cash.
https://mof.gov.so/publications/customs
Qat (Catha edulis) is a legal drug in Somalia, but exporting it from the country is a crime. If the plant is found in a passenger's luggage, they are likely to face criminal prosecution.
Road traffic:
In Somalia, traffic drives on the right. Road conditions are poor.
To drive in Somalia, you need a local or international driver's license and a Bulgarian driver's license. Drinking alcohol while driving is prohibited.
Vehicle doors must always be locked and windows rolled up.
Practical advice:
Somali Red Crescent emergency number: 446
Police number: 888
Fire department: 555
Emergency medical assistance: 999
Always carry a copy of your passport's personal page and any visas with you. Keep your passport in a safe place.
Do not carry large amounts of cash with you and do not display expensive jewelry and watches. Avoid showing large amounts of cash in public places and do not use ATMs after sunset, especially if you are alone. Check to see if anyone is following you.
When traveling on city roads, keep the doors of your vehicle locked and your bags and phones hidden.
Do not carry your bank card, travel tickets, and money together—keep spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
Local currency:
The local currency is the Somali shilling (SOS).
Information about the banking system and exchange rates can be found on the website of the Central Bank of Somalia: https://centralbank.gov.so/
Travel papers and visas
A visa is required to visit Somalia.
Applications can be submitted via the portal https://etas.gov.so/
Further information can be found on the Immigration Service website: https://immigration.gov.so/en/visa/
According to a directive from the federal government in Mogadishu, the visa regime also applies to those wishing to visit the Somaliland region.
You should ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after entering Somalia, even if you do not intend to stay that long. Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps and visas. Border authorities may request proof of a return ticket.
Consular service
Certification and legalization
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to be accepted by Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the Somali authorities must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia. They must then be certified by the Embassy of Somalia in Moscow, accredited for Bulgaria. The third and final step is to have the documents certified by the Embassy of Bulgaria in Moscow.
Once completed, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by a translation agency in Bulgaria and certified by the "Certification and Legalization" department of the "Consular Relations" directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Preparation of personal documents
In case of damage, loss, or theft of a passport, the Bulgarian Embassy in Addis Ababa can assist Bulgarian citizens in obtaining an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the embassy of another EU member state in Mogadishu.