Travel Insurance for Somalia

Country Risk Code: Extreme

There is ongoing terrorism and violence in Somalia. Many governments advise their citizens not to travel to this destination due to the risk of kidnap, terrorist, and violent attacks. Nonetheless, if you have any crucial reason to travel to the country, ensure that you have the ideal travel insurance coverage.

Somalia-Potential Risks

Due to the ongoing political dilemma in Somalia, the 2021 Presidential elections were delayed; this may likely lead to a spike in electoral-related violence. Terrorists often carry attacks on places of foreign interests such as shopping areas, historic sites, embassies, Recreation areas, public spaces, marketplaces, government structures and buildings, Mogadishu International Airport restaurants and hotels. Terrorist attacks also occur in Galkayo, Kismayo, and Baidoa.
Some of these terrorist attacks target foreigners and UN employees. Terrorists target the Mogadishu International Airport because of the large number of foreigners. Terrorist attacks may be in the form of car bombs, shootings and multiple explosions.
There is a very high risk of kidnap in various parts of the country, such as Somaliland and Puntland. There have been cases of live shootings and grenade attacks in public places, markets and residential areas in the south-central region. The Somali police force is small and relatively incompetent. They find it almost difficult to restore Law and Order in the country. Hence the country suffers continuous cases of looting community clashes and lawlessness. Foreigners, including Somali descent, often experience violent harassment.
Somalia is prone to tsunamis, and there is the risk of extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves, floods and drought. The country suffers insecurity and economic instability due to displacement in the population, flood drought and shortage of food.

Health Risk

Somalia has limited medical facilities with poor health care standards. COVID-19 remains a risk, and malaria is also prevalent in the country. There have been recurring cases of polio affecting inhabitants. Other insect-borne diseases that are widespread in the country include dengue fever, yellow fever, leishmaniasis, and filariasis. There is a risk of contracting HIV and AIDS in Somalia as there is a high rate of HIV/AIDS in the country. Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases such as cholera, meningococcal, and hepatitis are prevalent.

Local laws

• It's illegal to carry out all forms of drug activity in Somalia. There are severe penalties for anyone found guilty of drug offences; this may be in the form of prison sentences or paying heavy fines.
• Somali courts are subject to Somali and Sharia laws. Sentences may be in the form of flogging and death penalties in areas under the Al-Shabaab jurisdiction.
• Preaching any other religions apart from Islam is prohibited in Somaliland and Puntland.

LGBT Advice for Somalia

In Somalia, it's illegal to engage in same-sex relationships. Penalties for engaging in same-sex activities may include flogging and even death sentences.

• Heed all professional and security advice.
• Avoid large gatherings and areas with violence and conflicts.
• Increase your personal security before travelling to Somalia.
• Ensure you get yellow fever vaccination and travel with your proof of vaccination.
• Avoid malaria by covering your body and using insect repellent. Also, travel with anti-malaria medication.
• Get medical help immediately if you are a victim of violent crimes or rape.
• Stay away from undercooked and raw food.
• Drink only boiled or bottled water.
• Arrange an exit plan arranged in case of an emergency.
• Be cautious of your environment at all times.
• Limit your movement or national holidays and religious festival date.
• Keep your doors and windows locked while travelling.
• Track local Media for updates on the state of the country.
• Due to regular floods, you may need to store your essential documents in a waterproof vault.
• Protect yourself against polio by getting polio vaccination, including booster doses.
• Note that you are subject to all local laws in Somalia; you may need to face prosecution if you break any local law.

Choosing The Right Insurance for your Trip to Somalia

Due to the high threat of terrorism in Somalia, it's vital that you get travel insurance for terrorism. There is also an increased risk of kidnap; you should get kidnap and Ransom insurance. Note that some insurance does not cover Somalia, and some may not be able to provide standard cover; check with your travel insurance provider before taking a trip to Somalia. Due to limited Healthcare facilities in Somalia, you may need an emergency evacuation from the country if you sustained a severe injury. Check that your travel insurance makes provisions for health and emergency evacuation.