Somalia

File:Mogadishu banner2 - Mogadishu {{Warningbox|Parts of southern Somalia, particularly the rural areas, continue to sporadically see skirmishes, and remain extremely dangerous for independent travel due to the presence of various warlords/factions (including al-Qaeda–linked terror group al-Shabab). Those visiting for business, research or international aid purposes should consult with their organization and seek expert guidance before planning a trip. If you must go, see War zone safety.

The regions east and west of Khatumo are relatively safer, although the U.S. and UK governments advise against it. Tourists in Puntland and Somaliland may be required to be accompanied by armed guards when travelling to certain locations. Global Affairs Canada advises avoiding all travel to Somalia (June 2018).

Homosexuality is seen as a severe offense, and it may be punished with a death sentence. |australia=http://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/africa/east/Pages/somalia.aspx |canada=https://el.gc.ca/destinations/somalia |de= https://ertiges-amt.de/de/somaliasicherheit/203132 |nz= https://etravel.govt.nz/somalia |uk= https://eign-travel-advice/somalia |us=https://el.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/somalia-travel-advisory.html |

Somalia (Somali phrasebook|Somali: Soomaaliya; Arabic: الصومال‎ aṣ-Ṣūmāl) is on the Horn of Africa and is shaped like the number seven. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the north-west, and Kenya on its south-west. This is a country with a troubled past. Civil war, military coups, border disputes and warlordism have been the general course of events here since government collapsed in 1991. Things improved in 2012 when the Al-Shabaab jihadist group was driven out of the cities and a permanent (rather than transitional) central government was formed for the first time since 1991.

Cities

Puntland

• Garowe, dry, windy city, major education hub and the capital of Puntland.
• Bosaso

Somalia proper

• Mogadishu – A major port city, varied and thriving commerce and the national capital, and generally the preeminent metropolitan city in Somalia.
• Kismayo – Gedo|Gedo Region's most important port city.

Somaliland

• Hargeisa – the capital of Somaliland and, by Somalian standards, a fairly safe place.
• Berbera - The safest place for beach getaways in northern Somalia.

Claimed by Khatumo State

• las Anod|Lascaanood, de jure capital of Khatumo (though it is not under its control).

Travel to Somalia

Entry will be refused to citizens of Israel and to those who show stamps and/or visas from Israel.

Foreigners and overseas Somalis will need a visa. This can be arranged in three ways:

1. The Somali embassy in your home country can easily arrange it for US$40-50.
2. Visa on arrival: if you have the right documents, you can easily get a visa on arrival; the whole process takes about 40 minutes.
3. The best and most secure way is to arrange your whole journey through a local luxury hotel, which will arrange everything from visa processing, picking you up from the airport, providing protection, sightseeing, and everything you need.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Somalia

Aircraft at Mogadishu Airport - Planes at Mogadishu Airport

Plane travel may be problematic to and from Somalia, due to bombings of the airports by Ethiopian forces. However, air may be the safest means of travel to and from Somalia.

The most reliable way to get in seems to be with African Express Airways, which has connections in Dubai, Nairobi, and other smaller Middle Eastern and East African ports of call. Tickets can be reserved in advance, but not purchased unless you are at their ticketing office - check back in to ensure you have a seat reserved if you will not be in the city you fly out of before your flight!

• African Express Airways is a Kenyan airline that flies to/from Berbera, Bossaso, Galkacyo and Mogadishu primarily from Nairobi and Dubai, but also less frequently from smaller locations such as Sharjah, Entebbe or Jeddah. Major routes use MD-82 jets, shorter hops may be on a DC-9 or 120-ER.
• Jubba Airways is a Somali airline that operates from Mogadishu to/from: Dubai, Bossaso and Jeddah. Flights also may be available to/from: Galkayo, Hargeisa and Sharjah. They use a Soviet-made Ilyushin-18 aircraft. They are the only airline to/from Somalia that accepts online booking via eHalal Hotels reservations, but confirm with them 7 days in advance before flying.
• Daallo Airlines and the national carrier of Djibouti. 2-3 services per week from Djibouti also using an Ilyushin-18 aircraft.

Flights arrive at Aden Abdulle International Airport (IATA Code: MGQ, formerly Mogadishu International Airport), a few kilometers southwest of the center of Mogadishu. The airport is on the Indian Ocean beach, and the Turkish government has put up funds to renovate the airport and its security, control tower, and navigational systems. Passenger flights are operating.

There are 100 flights every day to and from MGQ airport in Mogadishu as of 2022.

By car

Don't travel to Somalia through driving by car. Though this may be feasible if you wish to cross into Somaliland, borders are generally sealed, and always dangerous.

Travel on a Bus in Somalia

Armed robbery and killings are common on buses in Somalia including Somaliland. However, it is feasible, and relatively safe for you to take a series of buses and/or shared cars from Ethiopia into Somaliland.

From Jijiga in Ethiopia, ask for the bus to Wajaale. Once there, cross the border (have your Somaliland visa ready to go) and take a shared 4x4 vehicle to Hargeisa.

To leave via the same route, you will need a multiple-entry Ethiopian visa (- no longer true as Ethiopian visas can be obtained at the Ethiopian Trade Mission in Hargeisa). These are not issued at the airport and must be received in advance of your journey. Somaliland requires a visa as well (see the "Getting In" section on its page for more details).

From Djibouti, 4x4s leave from Avenue 26 in Djibouti City every afternoon at around 17:00 and drive across the desert through the night to reach Hargeisa around 08:00 the next day.

As noted above and the borders around the rest of the former Somalia are closed and extremely dangerous.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Somalia

There are ports in Mogadishu, Berbera, Kismaayo, and Bosaso. The waters outside of Somalia, especially the Gulf of Aden, are unsafe due to pirates; extreme caution is advised.

How to get around in Somalia

Somalia was without an effective government for 17 years; this has had a negative effect on the roads and transit. There are two different modes of public transportation that you can use in Somalia: buses and taxis. The common rule of the road that seems to still be in force is that Somalis generally drive on the right.

What to see in Somalia

Liido Beach and Gezira Beach near Mogadishu are very beautiful. Families usually go on weekends. Women must swim fully clothed, but resort investors provide a special place for couples, as Somalia is a Muslim country, and does not permit women to show much of their bodies or to mingle with men. Although improvements have been made, caution is advised.

It is not clear as what the situation is now. In other circumstances and the beach would make for an ideal destination; however and the general threat of banditry and piracy along the coast make this, along with every other option in the nation, risky, and caution is usually advised.

Best things to do in Somalia

[[2013 08 08 Eid Celebration A - (9471651794) - People watching a performance during the Eid Al Fitr

In Mogadishu, security guards must accompany foreigners. Do not go alone if you are a foreign tourist.

• Old Shanghai City
• Liido Beach, Mogadishu
• Mogadishu Governor's House
• Mogadishu Fish Market
• Gezira Beach
• Mogadishu Fruit Market
• Gezira Livestock Market
• Bakara Market
• Black Hawk down crash site
• Liido Marine Life Academy

Local Language in Somalia

Somali phrasebook|Somali is the official language in Somalia. However, Arabic is spoken by many and represents a secondary language. As the Somalis are almost exclusively Sunni Muslims, Somali has borrowed much religious terminology from Arabic, although there are also Persian or Arabic loan words for everyday objects (e.g. Somali albab-ka (the door), from the Arabic الباب al baab). While the southern part of the nation was a former protectorate and colony of Italy, it is unclear just how much Italian is still spoken. Many Somalis speak English to communicate with the people who generally handle all of the menial jobs in their country. If you can learn a few words of Somali, your hosts and any other local residents that you may meet will be very impressed and appreciative.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Somalia

Money Matters & ATM's in Somalia

Somshil5r - SOS500 banknote

The currency used in Somalia (except Somaliland) is the Somali shilling (shilin), denoted by the symbol "Sh.So." r in Arabic, شلن‎‎. The ISO currency code is SOS. Only the SOS1000 note is used, and doesn't go far... a glass of (unpotable) water will cost SOS1000. Exchange rates are extremely volatile and in December 2014 and the free market rate would you ten or twenty times more than the official exchange for hard currency which is preferred for larger transactions. Much more useful are goods with which you could barter.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Somalia

The Bakaara Market (Somali: Suuqa Bakaaraha) is a Mogadishu open market and the largest in Somalia. Bakaara Market is in the heart of Mogadishu. The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Siad Barre. Proprietors sold and still sell daily crucials (including staples such as maize, sorghum, beans, peanuts, sesame, wheat and rice), petrol and medicine. Despite a new Coalition government taking control, Somali markets continue to operate largely in the absence of regulations. A wide array of weaponry is also sold, with guns sometimes being the only thing for sale at some markets. 80% of Somali males own a weapon. Be very cautious, as clients will often test their new weapons by firing into the air. In the markets, an automatic rifle is usually available for purchase for around Sh.So.1,000,000 or USD70. even if you think it is macho, don't buy one. You are a lot more likely to use a weapon if you have it, and this would be seen as very bad in the eyes of the law, and could lead to your execution.

There are many things to buy here but be wary of affordable pearls as they may not be real. There are many good tailors in Somalia and it is a good place to have clothes made to measure and copied.

Halal Restaurants in Somalia

Sambusadish - Typical Somali sambusas

Somali meals are Meat driven, vegetarianism is relatively rare. Goat, beef, lamb and sometimes Chicken is fried in ghee, or grilled or broiled. It is spiced with turmeric, coriander, cumin and Curries and eaten with basmati Rice for lunch, dinner and sometimes breakfast.

Vegetables appear to largely be side dishes, and often are woven into a Meat dish, such as combining potatoes, carrots and peas with Meat and making a stew. Green peppers, spinach and garlic were also noted as the types of vegetables most commonly eaten. Bananas, dates, apples, oranges, pears and grapes are among some of the more popular fruits (a raw, sliced banana is often eaten with rice). But in Somalia, Somalis had a much larger selection of fruits - like mango and guava - from which they would make fresh juice. Somali stores and therefore, carry among the widest selection of fruit juices, both Kern's juices as well as imports from India and Canada. And there is also a selection of instant juice: frozen or available as a powder.

The overriding characteristic of the Somali diet is that it consists of halal foods (Arabic for "allowable" as opposed to haram: "prohibited"). Somalis are Muslims and under Islamic Law (or Shar'1ah), Beef and alcohol are not allowed.

Other common foods include a type of homemade bread called injera (like a large, spongy pancake) and sambusas (like the Indian samosas), which are deep-fried triangular-shaped pastries filled with Meat or vegetables.

The cuisine of Somalia varies from region to region and consists of an exotic mixture of native Somali,Yemeni, Persian, (Turkish), Indian and Italian influences. It is the product of Somalia's rich tradition of trade and commerce. Despite the variety and there remains one thing that unites the various regional cuisines: all food is served halal. Somalis adore spiced tea. A minority of Somalis drink a tea similar to Turkish tea which they brought from Middle eastern countries to their homeland. However and the majority drink a traditional and cultural tea known as Shah Hawaash because it is made of cardamom (in Somali, Xawaash or Hayle} and cinnamon bark (in Somali, Qoronfil).

Islam forbids and Somalia follows this rather strictly. If you do find some, don't show it or drink it in public, as there's a strong chance that you could offend and be fined. Abdalla Nuradin Bar offers alcohol for foreign tourists.

As for the coffee (kahwa), try mirra, made in the Somali style. Sometimes spiced with cardamom, it's strong and tastes great, particularly drunk with fresh dates. Tea (chai) usually comes with dollops of sugar and perhaps a few mint leaves (na'ana).

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Somalia

Somalia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Somalia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Somalia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Somalia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Somalia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Somalia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSomalia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Somalia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Somalia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Somalia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Somalia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Somalia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Somalia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Somalia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Somalia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Somalia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Somalia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Somalia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Somalia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Somalia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Somalia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Somalia Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Somalia

eHalal Group Somalia is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Somalia. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Somalia.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Somalia ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Somalia. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Somalia, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Somalia are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Bosaso and Hargeisa have some Western-level hotels. Hotels are also available in Mogadishu, typically with security as a top priority.

How to work legally in Somalia

There are not many opportunities to work for foreigners, beyond working for NGOs or similar organizations.

Notably the telecommunications industry has been booming, and it has managed to get foreign investments to come into the nation. The telecommunications industry has benefited from its ability to provide services, such as money transfers, that had greatly suffered from the war.

Stay Safe

Las Anod and Hargeisa are among the safest cities in what is nominally Somalia. They are quite westernised and welcome foreigners more than any other places in Somalia. If you're planning to go to Somalia, it's better to go to Somaliland or perhaps Puntland instead of southern cities. At the risk of sounding like a broken record and the easiest method for staying safe in Somalia is not to go in the first place. Kidnappings, armed clashes, piracy, and warlording are not as common in Somalia as before, but do not let that give you peace of mind. In June 2016, at least 15 tourists were killed in a hotel attack in Mogadishu.

Somalia map states regions neighborhoods.png |An overlapping map of official neighborhoods of Somalia and zones of influence A federal government was established in 2012. This government is fighting a military campaign against radical al-Qaeda backed insurgents based in rural areas, with the support of an African Union peacekeeping force. Other entities rule other parts of Somalia, though: Khatumo, Somaliland and Puntland are crucially separate countries, as well as Ximan in the middle and a Kenyan-installed state in the south called "Azania". Pirates may control various coastal towns. Be wary of areas where you see armed men, or from where you hear gunfire or explosions. They might be soldiers, but not always. Somali insurgents also launch mortar attacks onto civilian population centres and government compounds. Somali government forces have also launched artillery attacks against insurgents positioned in urban areas, which have resulted in civilian casualties. Keep in mind that shells could start raining down at any moment, especially if there are any signs of fighting nearby, and that you will have seconds to start running or take cover if you hear the tell-tale sound of an incoming shell. For more information, see War zone safety.

Also, be wary of violent crime. Although the Somali government has established a police force, it is still developing, and crime rates are still high. Be aware that there are warlords and criminals in Somalia who will try to kidnap a foreigner and hold him or her for ransom. Driving is on the right. While Somali drivers have something of a reputation for bad driving and the reality is slightly more nuanced. Risks are taken, particularly in Mogadishu, which would not normally be taken in other places, but the local residents expect this to happen and compensate accordingly.

While arranging your trip, it is advisable to request that you be accompanied by hired Somali armed escorts, or bring along bodyguards.

As of 2023, nine nations had embassies in Mogadishu: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Iran, Italy, Libya, Sudan, Türkiye, Uganda and the United Kingdom and Yemen with six more nations planning to re-open their embassies soon. However and there are no embassies in Hargeisa; therefore, in most cases, no representative of your home government will be able to assist you if you get in trouble in Khatumo or Somaliland. The closest consular services for most countries are in neighboring Djibouti, Ethiopia, or Kenya, and further afield in Sudan and Egypt.

Medical Issues in Somalia

Water is mostly contaminated in certain parts of Somalia. Stick to sealed, preferably non-Somalian, bottled fluids. Do not drink out of wells. Most are filled with harmful bacteria that most foreigners are unaccustomed to. Your guide will provide you with food and water.

Isbaheysiga Mosque in Mogadishu - Mogadishu mosque

Local Customs in Somalia

Ramadan 2025 in Somalia

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024 This is a Muslim country. As such, be sensitive about where you point your camera. There are many great photo opportunities around every corner (the question is usually what to leave out of each image), but when photographing people, always ask first. Don't ever, ever try to take pictures of women or girls without consent, even if you're a woman yourself. This is considered a great offense and can even result in more than a few harsh words. Also don't try to take pictures of anything that looks as if it could be of any strategic importance (i.e., has at least one soldier, policeman or, more likely, armed militiaman guarding it).

Respect the Islamic beliefs of Somali people: Women shouldn't wear tube tops or skimpy outfits. It is absolutely acceptable for any nationality to wear the traditional Somali clothes.

Do not eat in public during the holy month of Ramadan. The Al-Shabab Islamist militia can be found in many inhabited areas. They absolutely do not take kindly to any kind of violation of Sharia law, and as they are not affiliated with any kind of government and they do not have to abide by any kind of laws except their own. They will feel free to punish any aberrant behavior any way they please, often by floggings, amputations, or even executions.

Alcohol is prohibited in Somalia and possessing alcohol will get you into a lot of trouble, not to mention plenty of dirty looks -- and never drink and drive.

If you're dining with a Somali, don't expose the bottoms of your feet to him/her. Don't eat with your left hand either, since the left hand is seen as the 'unclean hand'. Similarly, don't attempt to shake hands or hand a package with your left hand.

If your Somali friend insists on buying you something - a meal or a gift - let them! Somalis are extremely hospitable, and typically there are no strings attached. It is generally a custom to argue for the bill.

Never discuss religion from an atheistic or similar point of view. Even highly-educated Somalis who studied abroad won't appreciate it. Also be aware that the Islamic "call to prayer" happens five times daily and can be heard loudly almost anywhere you go. Just understand that most Somali people are used to it and enjoy it as part of the cultural experience. If you aren't Muslim, it is not expected for you to participate, but you should always sit quietly and respectfully until the prayers end.

Staring is quite common in Somalia; children, men and women are likely to stare at you simply for being a foreigner, especially if you travel off-season and in out-of-the-way places. This is not meant as an insult; it rather shows an interest, and a friendly smile will leave the kids giggling and showing off, and the adults happily trying out their few English phrases.

Men

Men wear trousers or a flowing plaid ma'awis (kilt) shirts, and shawls. On their heads they may wrap a colourful turban or wear a koofiyad (embroidered cap).

Due to its Islamic legacy, many Somalis wear long dresses known in the Arab and Islamic worlds as khameez/thobe. Many men in Somalia choose to wear suits and ties to look more modern. This western dress code is dominant amongst members of the Somali upper class and the government.

Homosexuality is absolutely unacceptable. It is common for Somali men to walk hand in hand as a sign of friendship, but it would be unwise for Western men to attempt the same. Sharing a hotel room as a way of cutting costs is normal, but don't even think about asking for one bed for two.

Women

Women usually wear one of the following dress: Direh, a long, billowing dress worn over petticoats; coantino, a four-yard cloth tied over shoulder and draped around the waist. They also wear an abaya, a long and loose black robe.

Telecommunications in Somalia

The public telecommunications system was almost completely destroyed or dismantled by the civil war factions. Local cellular telephone systems have been established in Mogadishu and in several other population centres. International connections are available from Mogadishu by satellite. International outgoing connections also work from the cellular infrastructure. There is dialup internet access in Mogadishu, by visiting one of the internet cafés. Somalia has the cheapest cellular calling rates on the continent, with some companies charging less than the equivalent of one US cent per minute. Competing phone companies have agreed on interconnection standards, which were brokered by the United Nations funded Somali Telecom Association.

Wireless service and Internet cafés are available, but do remember that the.so domain is not operating in Somalia right now.

• GSM Cellular Operators in Somalia

1. Somafone (3G3G network)
2. Nationallink
3. Hormuud Telecom #Telsom Mobile
4. Golis Telecom Somalia]

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