UK travel warning – British nationals in Hargeisa or Berbera should leave
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland except for the cities of Hargeisa and Berbera to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland except for the cities of Hargeisa and Berbera to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel. Any British nationals in areas of Somalia to which the FCO advise against all travel should leave. Any British nationals in Hargeisa or Berbera who are not on essential travel should leave.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Somalia, including kidnapping. Terrorist groups have made threats against westerners and those working for western organisations. There is a constant threat of terrorist attack in Mogadishu and terrorists continue to plan attacks against westerners in the rest of Somalia including Somaliland.
On 2 February 2016 there was an explosion on a Daallo Airlines flight to Djibouti from Mogadishu. Somali authorities have confirmed the incident was caused by an explosive device inside the aircraft which was brought on to the plane at Mogadishu.
Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded places, high-profile events, events involving government officials and in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism.
There is a high threat of maritime terrorism in the territorial and international waters off Somalia and piracy remains a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See Sea travel
All areas across Somalia are suffering food shortages resulting in the displacement of thousands of Somali people. See Local Travel.
The British Embassy in Mogadishu is unable to provide consular assistance. If you’re in Somalia (including Somaliland) and need urgent help from the UK government (eg if you’ve been arrested or you’re concerned about forced marriage), contact the British High Commission in Nairobi. If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Somalia, call the FCO on 020 7008 1500.
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