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Somalia
Risk:
Very High
Health Overview
Somalia is Level 4 where Al-Shabaab carries out lethal attacks (Lido Beach 50+ killed Aug 2024; May 2025 bombing 20 killed). Embassy at airport compound. No permanent consular officer. Piracy active.
Key Health Risks
Very High
Terrorism / Al-Shabaab
Attacks with no warning. May 2025 bombing killed 20. Lido Beach Aug 2024 50+ killed.
Very High
Kidnapping / Piracy
Kidnapping widespread. Pirates off Puntland. FAA SFAR. Illegal roadblocks.
High
Malaria
P. falciparum chloroquine-resistant throughout. High-intensity southern basins.
Health Risk Callout
Somalia on poliovirus list. No consular officer. FAA SFAR. RVF periodic — fever with hemorrhagic features.
Other Health Risks
Cholera; Typhoid; Rabies; TB; Polio (circulating); Leishmaniasis; Schistosomiasis; Rift Valley Fever | 2026 UPDATE: Cholera: Active, rising cholera outbreak through 2025 into 2026 tied to displacement and flooding; WHO EMRO and Save the Children report continuing cases and deaths. Reinforces existing cholera-vaccine recommendation in dossier. (https://www.emro.who.int/somalia/news/cholera-cases-on-the-rise-in-somalia-amid-rising-displacement-of-people.html, 2026)
Regional Information
Regional Risk Callout
Risk extreme throughout. Mogadishu primary target. Somaliland somewhat less. Puntland piracy. Central/southern Al-Shabaab strongholds.
Regional Healthcare Callout
Outside Mogadishu hospitals do not exist. Medevac to Nairobi (AMREF).
Vaccine and Malaria Prevention
💉 Entry Vaccine Required
No YF required. Yellow fever does not occur in Somalia.
🛡️ Recommended Vaccines
Routine; Hep A; Hep B; Typhoid; Cholera; Rabies; Polio booster (required); Meningococcal for northern areas
🦟 Malaria Information
- Risk Level: High
- Areas: All areas; highest in southern river basins (Jubba, Shabelle)
- Recommended Drug: Atovaquone-proguanil; doxycycline; mefloquine; tafenoquine
- Drug Resistance: Yes
P. falciparum with chloroquine resistance throughout. Do not use chloroquine. All travelers require prophylaxis.
High
Physician Note
Dr. Robert
Emergency Medicine · 25+ Years · 40+ Countries
Somalia most dangerous. Al-Shabaab recent attacks. AMREF realistic medevac.
RVF underappreciated on differential.
Pre-Departure Checklist
8+ Weeks
- DO NOT TRAVEL HERE
Trip Type Guidance
No trip types appropriate. Only authorized humanitarian/UN.
Notes
Special Evacuation Notes
No consular officer. Emergency through Embassy Nairobi. FAA SFAR. AMREF for medevac.
Safety Notes
Al-Shabaab without warning. FAA SFAR. Piracy. Embassy cannot provide services outside airport.
partner recommendation
Medical Evacuation & Assistance
A medical crisis far from home can cost $50,000+ to evacuate. Global Rescue — the partner we personally trust — provides worldwide evacuation and round-the-clock medical assistance.
Good For
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