Somalia is currently a war zone, and can be considered the most dangerous country in the world, is that one of the Things About Somalia You Should Know. Don't go to Somalia. If you're already in the nation, go out as quickly as possible. Get competent security counsel if you decide to stay. Terrorist attacks are common in Somalia. Mogadishu International Airport, government officials and structures, hotels, restaurants, foreigners and foreign interests, and UN staff are all potential targets. The electoral procedure for the next Presidential election has commenced. There will almost certainly be an increase in violence, including probable attempts to disrupt the polls. The risk of abduction is quite high in Somalia. Puntland and Somaliland are included. Change up your routines to make your motions less predictable. Shootings and grenade assaults have occurred in south-central Somalia's residential neighborhoods and markets.

Avoid violent zones and huge public gatherings. Somalia's police force is tiny and inexperienced. Law and order have crumbled. Drought, floods, food shortages, and population displacements have exacerbated the already precarious security situation. Make personal security arrangements and seek professional help. Extreme weather events in Somalia include severe droughts, heatwaves, and floods. It is also vulnerable to tsunamis. Monitor local and worldwide media during a natural disaster. Take local guidance.

Health is one of the Things About Somalia You Should Know. Somalia is infected with COVID-19. Malaria is present across the nation. Consider getting malaria medicine. Dengue fever, yellow fever, filariasis, and leishmaniasis are other insect-borne illnesses. Make sure your lodging is insect-proof. Apply insect repellant. Before you travel, be vaccinated against yellow fever. Polio cases continue to be reported in Somalia. Before you go, make sure your vaccines are up to date. Carry evidence of immunization. Somalia has a high HIV/AIDS prevalence. If you are participating in high-risk activities, take measures. If you are a victim of a violent crime, such as rape, get medical attention as quickly as possible.

Cholera, hepatitis, and meningococcal illness are examples of foodborne, waterborne, and other infectious diseases. Only drink boiling or bottled water. Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods. Your coverage should cover all out-of-country medical expenses, including medical evacuation. These expenses will not be covered by the Australian government. Specialized insurance coverage that covers travel to high-risk areas is required. Most Australian insurance coverages do not cover travel to Somalia. You can't afford to go if you can't afford travel insurance. This applies to everyone, regardless of how healthy and fit they are. If you are uninsured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars for medical services upfront.

Besides, Law is also one of the Things About Somalia You Should Know. Courts are governed by both Somali and Sharia law. In regions controlled by Al-Shabaab, penalties include whipping and the death penalty. Seek local legal counsel, particularly on issues such as divorce, child custody, and child support. Do not use or transport illicit substances. Drug offenses carry harsh penalties. They involve jail terms as well as hefty fines. In Somalia, same-sex relationships are outlawed. Flogging and death are penalties under Sharia law. It is unlawful in Somaliland and Puntland to propagate any religion other than Islam. Some Australian laws are applicable in other countries. Without the consent of the Australian Government, it is unlawful to assist military operations in Somalia. Dual citizens of Australia and Somalia are considered Somalis. Consular assistance may be restricted.

In Somalia, the Islamic festival month of Ramadan is observed. At this time, observe religious and cultural practices and rules. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public may be prohibited during the day. If you are not fasting, avoid doing these activities in the presence of those who are. To prevent offending, seek local guidance. Explore our Ramadan page to discover more, including Ramadan dates.

Things About Somalia You Should Know before traveling is that there are both international and domestic flights available. If you go to Somalia against our recommendation, keep in mind that a negative COVID-19 test, done no more than 96 hours before departure, is essential. If you are leaving Somalia, you must have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. You should check with local authorities before making any travel arrangements. Somali authorities, both national and municipal, have implemented a variety of steps to combat the spread of COVID-19. These include a nighttime curfew, as well as restrictions on public meetings, schools, and mosques in Mogadishu. Local authorities in Somaliland have announced additional restrictions, such as the closure of schools and mosques, as well as the prohibition of mass gatherings.

Restrictions on the usage of public transportation inside and between cities have also been imposed. Failure to comply with these steps, according to the authorities, may result in consequences such as fines or arrest. For individuals desiring to depart Somaliland, a limited airline service between Hargeisa and Addis Abeba is still available. Land boundaries with Somalia's neighbors may be closed at any time. Before traveling to the border, you should verify with local authorities. You should also keep an eye on Travel Advice for Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti. You should not cross the border unless you have the proper documentation. Visa terms and conditions are subject to change. Your visa may not be accepted in locations where the central government's authority is being questioned.

Laas Geel refers to certain cave formations in Somaliland near Hargeisa. The Laas Geel features some of the most ancient cave paintings in the Horn of Africa area. They are most likely between 9,000 and 3,000 years old. The paintings are among the most well-known of their type in Africa. The Laas Geel's vibrant rock art includes cattle in ceremonial robes, a domesticated dog, giraffes, people, and other animals. The paintings are also in good condition since they are naturally shielded by granite overhangs.

Similar rock art may be discovered in Haadh, Gudmo Biyo Cas, Dhambalin, Dhagah Maroodi, and countless other sites, while ancient edifices can be found at Sheikh, Aynabo, Aw-Barkhadle, Ancient Amud, Heis, Maydh, Haylan, Qa'ableh, Qombo'ul, and El Ayo. However, many of these historic structures have yet to be adequately researched, which would help throw more light on local history and assist their preservation for future generations.