State Department Issues Travel Advisory on Somalia

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs issued the following travel advisory:

Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as kidnapping and murder, is common throughout Somalia, including Puntland and Somaliland. Illegal roadblocks are also widespread. A number of schools acting as "cultural rehabilitation" facilities are operating throughout Somalia with unknown licensing and oversight. Reports of physical abuse and people being held against their will in these facilities are common.

Terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. They may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting airports and seaports, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other areas where large crowds gather and Westerners frequent, as well as government, military, and Western convoys. Methods of attack can include car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers, and mortar fire, among others.

Civil unrest occurs throughout Somalia and can sometimes be violent.

Medical facilities across Somalia have limited capacity and are often nonexistent in rural areas.

Pirates are active in the waters off the Horn of Africa, especially in the international waters near Somalia.

The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Somalia due to the lack of permanent consular presence in Somalia.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Somalia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult Federal Aviation Administration's Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/somalia-travel-advisory.html#ExternalPopup).

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Somalia.html).

If you decide to travel to Somalia:

- Review your personal security plan and visit our page on Travel to High-Risk Areas (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/high-risk-travelers.html).

- Avoid sailing near the coast of Somalia and review the Live Piracy Report (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/somalia-travel-advisory.html#ExternalPopup) published by the International Maritime Bureau.

- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.

- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.

- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs, if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Find a suggested list of such documents here (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/somalia-travel-advisory.html#ExternalPopup).

- Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization.

- Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.

- Identify key sources of possible assistance for you and your family in case of emergency, such as the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, FBI, the State Department, your employer (if traveling on business), and local friends/family in the high-risk area.

- Be sure to appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and Members of Congress, if you are taken hostage or detained.

- Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones can know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax)

- Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

- Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups.

- Leave your expensive/sentimental belongings behind.

- Enroll your trip in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

- Review the Crime and Safety Report for Somalia (https://www.osac.gov/Country/Somalia/Detail).

U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist.