Somalia has launched a new e-visa system for tourists.
Previously, visitors from any country were able to acquire a 30-day visa on arrival at five of the country’s airports, including Aden Adde International Airport in the capital Mogadishu, but now all travellers must apply in advance.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against travel to all parts of Somalia, as does the U.S. State Department. The country has been gripped by civil war for more than three decades, with the government facing continued attacks from Al-Shabab, an Al Qaeda-aligned militant group.
However, the ongoing conflict didn’t stop more than 10,000 international visitors flying into the country in 2024 – a 50% increase on 2023.
The government has been courting investment in its tourism industry, having attended ITB Berlin earlier this year. During the conference – which is the world’s largest tourism trade fair – Somali tourism leaders highlighted the country’s “pristine beaches, historical sites, and diverse cultural heritage”, as per the Somali National News Agency report.
Untamed Borders, an adventure travel company that specialises in taking small group trips to inaccessible countries such as Libya, Central African Republic and Yemen, has also seen an uptick in interest in the beleaguered nation.
Untamed Borders founder James Willcox, said, “Somalia is experiencing a degree of relative stability compared to years gone by. The country still has enormous challenges, but the fierce fighting of recent decades has reduced markedly.
“We think a lot of people are trying to visit the nation now, during this period of relative lull. We particularly are seeing many of the country counting community visiting this year.”
Willcox also noted that elections are scheduled for next year, which may lead to an increase in tensions once again.
Untamed Borders has 13 group trips to Somalia planned for the next six months, a big uptick from the two run over the entirety of 2024. Trips to Mogadishu include visits to local markets, beaches, harbour and Italian colonial ruins.
Attractions highlighted by Somalia’s tourism board elsewhere in the country include Laas Geel, one of the most important rock art sites in the region, and Iskushuban, which is known for its seasonal waterfalls.
It should be noted that your travel insurance may be invalid as some providers will not cover high risk destinations.
More information: evisa.gov.so
