The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has released an urgent travel advisory concerning Somalia, highlighting potential dangers around the Somaliland Re-recognition Day event, which spans from Tuesday, May 12, to Wednesday, May 13.
Residents and visitors should be aware that Somaliland typically experiences heightened public gatherings, demonstrations, and increased security presence during the annual celebrations on May 18. Such events in urban areas may involve large crowds and the use of firearms, including celebratory gunfire. The FCDO strongly advises caution in public places and urges travellers to heed local authority guidance to ensure their safety.
Travellers should note that their travel insurance may become invalid if they disregard FCDO advice. The FCDO explicitly advises against all travel to Somalia, including the eastern regions of Somaliland—Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. However, it exempts the three western regions—Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil—from the complete ban, though travel there is advised only if essential.
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The warning stems from ongoing violence and terrorist threats, notably increasing clashes between the Somali Government and al-Shabaab militants near Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. Those who opt to remain in Somalia do so at their own risk and are advised to prepare a personal emergency plan independent of UK government support.
In the western regions of Somaliland, including cities such as Boorama, Hargeisa, and Berbera, all travel is discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
It is important to recognise that FCDO consular support within Somalia and Somaliland is extremely limited. There is currently no in-person assistance available from British Embassy Mogadishu or the British Office Hargeisa.
For urgent assistance, UK nationals should contact the British High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya if in Somalia (excluding Somaliland), or the British Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia if in Somaliland. UK residents concerned about British nationals in Somalia or Somaliland may call the FCDO helpline at 020 7008 5000.
Moreover, both the Somali government and Somaliland authorities regard any British national of Somali descent as a dual national, which restricts the level of consular assistance the FCDO can provide.
Travellers are urged to stay informed, exercise caution, and prioritise their safety when considering travel plans to this region.