Somalia — Travel Tips
Social Conventions
Traditional dance, music, song and craftsmanship flourish despite gradual modern development. Informal wear is acceptable and there is no objection to bikinis on the beach. Visitors should respect local customs.
International Travel
Getting There By Air
The void left by the collapse of Somali Airlines has largely been filled by Jubba Airlines (JUB) (www.jubba-airways.com) and Daallo Airways (DAO), which run regular services to major hubs such as Dubai, Paris and London.
Departure Tax
US$20. Transit passengers and children under two years are exempt.
Main Airports
Mogadishu (MGQ) is 6km (4 miles) west of the city. To/from the airport: There is a taxi service to the city center.
Getting There By Water
Main ports: Berbera, Kismayu, Marka and Mogadishu.
Getting There By Road
There are routes to Somalia from Djibouti and Kenya. There is no border crossing with Ethiopia at present. Roads are underdeveloped, and travel requires suitable 4-wheel drive desert vehicles.
Duty Free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Somalia without incurring customs duty:
• 400 cigarettes or 40 cigars or 400g of tobacco.
• One bottle of wine or spirits.
• A reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.
Internal Travel
Getting Around By Air
The void left by the collapse of Somali Airlines has largely been filled by Jubba Airlines (JUB) (www.jubba-airways.com) and Daallo Airways (DAO), which both run regular services to all major towns.
Getting Around By Water
Modern Somalia is essentially a broad strip of coastal desert. Roads are poor and consequently coastal shipping is an important form of transport, both socially and economically. Piracy is a risk at sea.
Getting Around By Road
Traffic drives on the right. It is difficult to travel outside Mogadishu by car. Existing roads run from the capital to Burao and Baidoa. Previously sealed roads running between Kismayu and Mogadishu, and Hargeysa and Mogadishu are now in a state of disrepair. Passenger transport is restricted almost entirely to road haulage. There are few cars and buses, although there are reasonable bus services between the major centers in the south.
Taxi: These are available in large towns.
Car hire: Available in Mogadishu.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Minibuses and shared taxi-type services run in Mogadishu, but availability may be restricted outside normal working hours (Sat-Thurs 0700-1400).
