Photo: Mheidegger, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

East Africa · Country guide

Somalia

The longest mainland coastline in Africa, currently off-limits.

Flag of Somalia
Capital
Mogadishu
Region
East Africa
Languages
Somali and Arabic
Currency
Somali shilling
Best time to visit
Dec to Mar

Travel advice: most governments advise against travel. Check your government’s current advice before considering a trip.

Most governments advise against all travel to Somalia. The self-declared region of Somaliland in the north, home to the Laas Geel rock paintings, has its own separate advice.

Did you know? Somalia has the longest coastline of any country on mainland Africa.

Travel advice: Most governments currently advise against all or most travel here. Check your government’s advice before considering a trip.

Known for

  • Laas Geel rock art
  • Long Indian Ocean beaches
  • Mogadishu’s Lido Beach
  • Frankincense trees

Did you know?

Somalia has the longest coastline of any country on mainland Africa.

Before you go

  • Visas: rules depend on your passport and change often. Check Somalia’s official immigration website and see our visa guide.
  • Health: see a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria. Read our health guide.
  • Safety: read your government’s current travel advice for Somalia.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Somalia?

Mogadishu.

What currency does Somalia use?

Somali shilling.

What languages are spoken in Somalia?

Somali and Arabic.

When is the best time to visit Somalia?

Dec to Mar.

Have you been to Somalia?

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