Travel Vaccines and Advice for Somalia
Historically, Somalia is a large commercial center due to its location on the Horn of Africa.
After its independence in 1969, several civil wars have occurred leading into perpetual civil unrest. Somali law consists of civil law, Islamic law, and customary law.
As a result of civil war, al-Shabaab, a militant group emerged in 2006 and pledged its allegiance to al-Qaeda in 2012. Due to this threat of terrorism and ongoing violence in Somalia, it is advised to not travel to the area.
The capital city of Somalia, Hargeisa, is the largest city of Somaliland. The city is a commercial center known for its rock art and construction. Somalia’s other major cities include Mogadishu, Bosaso, and Galkayo.
Do I Need Vaccines for Somalia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Somalia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Somalia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. May be recommended for travel to Bakool, Banaadir, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Lower Juba, Lower Shabelle, Middle Juba and Middle Shabelle - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required for stays over four weeks. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Somalia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. May be recommended for travel to Bakool, Banaadir, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Lower Juba, Lower Shabelle, Middle Juba and Middle Shabelle |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required for stays over four weeks. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Somalia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Malaria is present and can be a serious risk in Somalia. Antimalarials are key to make sure you stay protected during your trip. Mosquito repellents and netting will also help you avoid diseases like malaria and Dengue.
Healthcare in Somalia is extremely limited with very low stocks of prescription medicine. Make sure to bring enough prescription drugs for your stay. Most medical facilities need payment before a procedure (costs not covered by Medicare).
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Somalia
“The staff is great. We had some top class experience today. The nurse is knowledgeable about Somalia, well prepared, competent, cheerful. She is also skillful when applying needle.”
“Our experience was great, she was very knowledgeable and honest and knew we were on a time constraint for the meeting and rushed for us. I really appreciated that.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Somalia?
A valid passport and visa are required to enter Somalia under the authority of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). The visa may be obtained in advance from the Embassy of Somali Republic in Kenya.
Somalia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Somalia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Somalia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Somalia?
The border with Chad tends to generally have a hot and tropical climate. Heat and humidity are to be expected.
Somalia remains hot year-round, due to its proximity to the equator.
Temperatures range from 25 to 40 degrees. Depending on the region, dryness can vary. In the northeastern and central regions of Somalia, the climate is arid. In the northwestern and southwestern regions of Somalia, the climate is semiarid.
There are four main seasons, defined by wind patterns. They include the rainy season of Gu (April-June); the dry season of Xagaa (July-September); a short, rainy season named Dayr; and the tangambili periods that are in-between the two monsoons.
How Safe is Somalia?
Due to increased terrorist activity from the al-Qaida affiliated group al Shabaab, the Canadian Government strongly cautions against travel to Somalia.
There is a large threat of kidnapping of Westerners, especially in Somaliland and Puntland.
Attacks are most common at hotels, restaurants and airports (especially the Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport).
Canadians should avoid the coasts and sailing due to the high-risk of pirate attacks.
Don’t walk alone at night, dress conservatively and don’t openly display cash or valuables while in Somalia. Do not eat in public during the holy month of Ramadan.
Alcohol is prohibited in Somalia.
The U.S. does not have an embassy in Somalia, which further increases U.S. citizen’s risks.
Neolithic Rock Paintings in Somalia
In Laas Geel, you will find Neolithic rock paintings throughout a large network of caves, recently discovered in 2003. It is now a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Many travellers claim that if Somalia was more safe, this would be a popular tourist attraction.
These cave paintings on the outskirts of Hargeisa, Somaliland, are some of the earliest cave paintings in Africa. It is a good day trip from the city and would take a couple of hours to view the caves.
The paintings depict cattle, dogs and giraffes.
What Should I Take To Somalia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Somalia:
- Prescription meds are hard to find in Somalia and when found, they could be counterfeit.
- Bring clothing to dress like the locals. Women should pack long shirts and skirts; no pants. They should also wear headscarves around their heads. Men should always wear long pants.
Canadian Embassy in Somalia
Canada currently has no government office in Somalia. All consular services are handled by the High Commission in Kenya.
Canadian Embassy in Kenya
Limuru Road, Gigiri,
Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: 254 (20) 366-3000
If you have any questions about travelling to Somalia or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now! and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Somalia?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Somalia?
What is the Climate Like in Somalia?
How Safe is Somalia?
Neolithic Rock Paintings in Somalia
What Should I Take To Somalia?
Canadian Embassy in Somalia
