Travel Report for Somalia

Country Profile for
Somalia

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: October 12, 2006 9:18 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:49 EST

Somalia

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to this country. Canadians in this country should leave. (IDW1)

There is a high security threat in

Somalia

. Killings and kidnappings continue to occur in all areas of the country and there have been targeted assassinations of foreigners including journalists, human rights activists, and humanitarian workers as recently as 2006. The rule of law is virtually non-existent. Outbreaks of violence can arise unpredictably and parties involved are often armed. These violent incidents have resulted in civilian casualties.

Somaliland, a self-declared republic in the northwest, is seeking independence. Puntland, an administrative region in the northeast, is operating as a separate entity until an acceptable government is established in the south. Somaliland and Puntland operate autonomously and some parts of these regions have been more stable, however violent incidents and targeting of humanitarian workers has occurred. It is also possible that tensions and escalating violence in the south of the country could spread to Somaliland and Puntland. There continues to be tension between Somaliland and Puntland over the regions of Sool and Sanaag.

The security situation in

Somalia

is dangerous and unpredictable across the country, including in some parts of the northwest and northeast. Canadians are at risk of kidnapping, murder, or arrest without notice or apparent cause. There is no guarantee of a fair trial or that local courts will respect diplomatic or United Nations immunities. There is an increasing trend towards Islamization of the courts in some parts of the country, which utilize the Sharia Code for proceedings. You should be aware that anti-Western sentiments are strong in some parts of the country.

Following armed clashes lasting several months in Mogadishu and causing great loss of life, militias loyal to the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) gained control of the capital city, as well as the town of Jowhar, the port of Kismayo, and most of Central and Southern Somalia. Some members of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of

Somalia

remain in the town of Baidoa, located to the northwest of the capital. The stability of the TGF remains fragile and tensions remain high in and around Baidoa. Reports also indicate heightened tensions in the town of Buur Hakaba, which was temporarily tackled by the TFG in October 2006. Violent demonstrations can occur at any time. Further attacks (possibly conducted against foreigners) and armed military activity are expected in these areas and throughout the country. Cross-border military operations may take place near the border with

Ethiopia

.

Please note that there is no resident Canadian government office in

Somalia

. The ability of Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa and the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi,

Kenya

, to render assistance is severely limited.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The Transitional Federal Government of

Somalia

is not currently functioning as a central government and is unable to offer security or police protection.

Fighting continues among local militias and clans, and all forms of violent crime, including murder, kidnapping, looting, and banditry, are common. Protected humanitarian missions, including those under the auspices of the United Nations, can also be subject to attack. Security escorts, even the Special Protection Unit (SPU) made available to NGOs and individuals by the Somaliland authorities, are not a guarantee of safety.

You should always carry identification, preferably a certified true copy of your passport's identification page. Passport theft is common in

Somalia

; safe storage is highly recommended. Do not show signs of affluence, and do not venture out alone after dark.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are poor and dangerous, and flash floods can occur during the rainy season. Landmines may be present and you may encounter roadblocks.

Activities of extremist groups in

Somalia

are a growing concern. There has been a significant rise in piracy off the coast of

Somalia

during the past year and it is considered among the world’s most dangerous coastlines with regards to piracy. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The climate is very hot and dry. However, there is a monsoon season extending from May to October in the southwest and from December to February in the northeast. There are also short rainy seasons in other parts of the country. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

There are reports of female Canadian citizens being forced into marriage without their prior knowledge or consent. Parents, relatives and the community may use relentless pressure and emotional blackmail, threatening behaviour, abduction, imprisonment and physical violence to coerce young people to enter into marriage. While both men and women experience forced marriages, it is a form of violence most commonly perpetrated against women. They have been unable to return to

Canada

, and their passports and money have been retained by family members.

Canada

opposes the practice of forced marriage and urges all countries to respect their international human rights obligations relating to free and full consent to marriage. Forced marriage constitutes a human rights violation under several legal instruments, including international human rights law, to which

Canada

is a signatory.

If you are in

Canada

and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities and your local police. You may also contact the Emergency Operations Centre (tel.: 1 800 267-6788) or the nearest Canadian government office (see Section 7 below).

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in Somalia. The Canadian government's ability to provide consular assistance is severely restricted by the lack of a national government. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (020) 366 3000
Fax: 254 (020) 366 3900
E-mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.nairobi.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Somali authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 20, 2006. However, as there is no central government in

Somalia

with effective control over the country, entry and exit requirements may change without notice.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

There are no diplomatic/consular mission of

Canada

currently operating for

Somalia

. Further information can be obtained on entry and exit requirements with the Permanent Representative of the Somali Republic to the United Nations:

425 East 61st Street, Suite 702
New York, NY10021
Telephone: (212) 688-9410/5046
Fax: (212) 759-0651

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Somalia. Canadians should always carry identification, preferably a certified true copy of their passport's identification page. Passport theft is common in

Somalia

; safe storage is highly recommended.

A visitor visa may also be required upon arrival. Visas are required for Somaliland and should be available on arrival at the airport. However, it is recommended to obtain the visa in advance. Visas are also available for Puntland, but travellers must apply prior to their departure. There is no official requirement for visas in other areas as there are no official government offices, but extortion is on the rise and travellers could be asked to pay heavily for a visa.

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for those arriving from infected areas.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Somali schilling (SOS), except in Somaliland, which uses the Somaliland schilling. U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are not accepted in

Somalia

. There are no ATMs available.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Somalia (capital: Mogadishu) is located in East Africa, bordered by the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. The official language is Somali. English, Arabic or Italian may be spoken by some of the population. Tourist facilities are not available. Electricity and water provisions are not assured. International telephone services and Internet access are limited to larger cities.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

There are virtually no health facilities or medicines available in Somalia. You must be completely self-sufficient. Only drink bottled water. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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