smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Somalia
| Somalia overall | This Advice is current for Tuesday, 06 January 2009. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Summary and Safety and Security: Terrorism (terrorist attacks). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We strongly advise you not to travel to Somalia because of the very high threat of terrorist attack against western interests. If you are in Somalia, you should consider leaving. If you decide to stay, you should ensure you have appropriate personal security measures in place.
On 29 October terrorists attacked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office, Ethiopian Trade Office and the President’s palace in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Around 20 people were killed, including 2 UN personnel, and dozens injured. Also on 29 October two further explosions took place at government offices in Bosasso, Puntland. Reporting indicates that a further 6 people were killed and several people injured. Somali authorities have indicated that the attacks were coordinated.
Suicide, vehicle bomb, firearm, grenade and landmine attacks on security forces are common. Civilians, including foreigners, have been killed and injured in attacks across the country, including in the capital Mogadishu. In early May 2008, terrorists threatened revenge attacks against foreign individuals, government interests and security personnel following the death of a terrorist leader in a missile strike. In the past, Westerners, including aid workers and journalists, have been targeted. Many, including Australians, have been kidnapped, killed or injured. The most recent incident occurred in August 2008. In February 2008, one aid agency suspended its operations in Somalia.
Terrorists have targeted aircraft and airports are also possible targets. You should not travel over Somali airspace on aircraft without self-protection capabilities. In March 2007, a cargo plane with 11 people on board was shot down over El-Mann port after taking off from Mogadishu International Airport. The same month, a United Nations aircraft was hit by a missile as it approached Mogadishu International Airport in March 2007, but landed safely.
Recent reports indicate militants are planning attacks against foreign oil companies and oil fields in the Puntland region of Somalia in the coming weeks.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible terrorist targets include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, government and foreign interests, embassies, schools, markets and shopping areas, places of worship, transport and transport infrastructure, including airports and aircraft, residential areas, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and historic sites.
We strongly advise you not to travel to Somalia because of widespread armed conflict. Due to the extremely dangerous security situation and breakdown in law and order, you should consider leaving Somalia if it is safe to do so.
Somalia has been without an effective or recognised central government since the overthrow of the Said Barre government in 1991. A transitional federal government returned to Somalia from Kenya in 2005, but it remains divided and the security situation in the country is tense and unpredictable.
Somali government troops and Ethiopian government forces have been involved in violent clashes with militant insurgents linked to the Union of Islamic Courts since December 2006. There have been many casualties. The clashes appear to be escalating and tensions remain extremely high. Firearm, grenade and landmine attacks on security forces are common. Civilians have been killed and injured.
Violent clashes occur in the capital Mogadishu and areas frequented by civilians, including residential areas, are increasingly coming under attack. At least 17 civilians were killed and more than 40 injured in a mortar attack at Mogadishu's biggest market, the Bakara market, in December 2007. In July 2007, a mortar attack targeted the launch of the National Reconciliation Congress. Scores of people were killed.
There is no effective police force in Somalia and lawlessness and violent crime are common. Banditry is widespread and looting is common. Fighting between armed gangs breaks out sporadically.
Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped by armed groups and criminal gangs. Piracy is rampant in waters off Somalia (see Local Travel below for details).
Westerners, including aid workers and journalists, have been targeted and killed in attacks throughout Somalia, including in the capital, Mogadishu.
Anti-Western attitudes are strong in some parts of Somalia and may result in the violent harassment of Westerners.
Due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
There are high levels of piracy in waters off the Somali coast and pirates may be heavily armed. Vessels are advised to stay more than 200 nautical miles from the coast of the Horn of Africa and exercise extreme caution. Vessels are strongly advised to travel in convoy and maintain good communications at all times.
Vessels and their crews have been held for long periods by pirates demanding ransoms. Two ships hijacked by pirates in waters off Somalia and their crew members were released in November 2007 after being held for five months.
In November 2005, a cruise liner with some Australian passengers on board was attacked by armed pirates in small boats off the coast of Somalia.
This advice should be read in conjunction with our travel advice on travelling by sea. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.
Landmines are a danger throughout Somalia.
Airports and aircraft are possible targets for terrorists. In March 2007, a cargo plane with 11 people on board was shot down over El-Mann port after taking off from Mogadishu International Airport. The same month, a United Nations aircraft was hit by a missile as it approached Mogadishu International Airport, but landed safely. You should not travel over Somali airspace on aircraft without self-protection capabilities.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
Somalia is in an active seismic zone and experiences earthquakes and tremors.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. Travellers' cheques and credit cards are not accepted in Somalia.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Somalia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
There is no organised system of criminal justice in Somalia, nor uniform application of due process. Enforcement of criminal laws is haphazard.
Courts operate with a combination of Somali customary and Sharia law.
Homosexual activity is illegal.
Preaching religion other than Islam is illegal in Puntland and Somaliland and strongly discouraged elsewhere.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Somalia. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. At present, Somalia does not have any diplomatic or consular missions.
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for entry into Somalia.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities in Somalia are extremely limited. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation would be very difficult to organise and costs would be considerable.
Malaria occurs throughout the year in all parts of Somalia. Chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria are reported. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, yellow fever, filariasis and leishmaniasis) also occur. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, hepatitis, measles and tuberculosis) are prevalent, while other diseases (including meningitis, polio, Rift Valley fever and typhoid) are known to occur with outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Somalia is high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Due to access limitations and the dangerous security situation the Australian Government's ability to provide consular services is extremely limited. Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Somalia.
You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian High Commission which is in Kenya:
Australian High Commission
Riverside Drive (400 metres off Chiromo Road)
Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: (254 20) 444 5034
Facsimile: (254 20) 444 4718
Website: www.kenya.highcommission.gov.au
If you are travelling to Somalia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency, whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
