Capital: Mogadishu
Time zone: GMT + 3
Telephone services: Country Code: 252 Outgoing Code: International calls must go through the operator
Emergency telephone numbers: Emergency Telephone Numbers: – All travellers are advised to consult the foreign office in their country of residence before departure regarding emergency assistance
Tourist information: Not present.
Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure
Visa information: Visa required by all. Transit visas are not required by visitors with reserved onward travel
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in the Falciparum variety. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported
Yellow Fever: Vaccination is strongly recommended to all travellers. A vaccination certificate is required by those arriving from infected areas
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera ( VACCINATION REQUIRED) and Rabies
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.
Currency: Somali Shilling (SoSh) = 100 cents NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to SoSh 200.
Diners Club has limited acceptance. US dollars cash is preferred to traveller’s cheques
ATM availability: Unavailable
Cost of living: Economy decimated by political strife and drought, resulting in high inflation and a scarcity of products.
Languages: Somali and Arabic
Weather: Jan – Feb Hot and Dry, Mar – June is the 1st raining season, monsoon winds occur between Jul and Aug . The 2nd raining season occurs between Sept and Dec
Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50 Hz
Post: Up to 2 weeks
Transport: ROAD: It is difficult to travel outside of Mogadishu by car because of poor road conditions. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required
Special information: EXTREME RISK: We advise against all but essential travel. Many parts remain insecure especially in the south and the situation could suddenly change in the rest of the country Informal wear is acceptable. PHOTOGRAPHY: People with cameras must have permit.