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According to Somalia's Ministry of Tourism, around 10,000 tourists visited Somalia in 2024 – a 50% increase compared to the previous year. This occurred despite most Western governments still advising against travel.
Surrounded by warnings
Somalia's reputation as one of the world's most dangerous destinations remains strong. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) consistently warns of a "high threat of abduction." The US State Department classifies Somalia as "Tier 4: No Travel Allowed," citing a range of reasons including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and a lack of consular services. These warnings are not theoretical; Al Shabab militants remain active, even carrying out deadly attacks in Mogadishu in early 2025.
Somalia continues to hold a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous destinations.
Despite this, demand for travel to Somalia is rapidly increasing. James Willcox, founder of the adventure travel company Untamed Borders, told CNN Travel that his company has organized 13 group tours to Mogadishu this year, compared to just two in 2023. This demonstrates the booming desire for unconventional travel experiences.
For many travelers, like Karin Sinniger, a Swiss national who visited in 2020, this trip is part of a personal challenge to complete the goal of visiting all 193 countries recognized by the United Nations. For others, it's an effort to complete a "count of countries visited" or simply to find the highest-risk destination.
Traveling in the capital city of Mogadishu is a completely different and highly restricted experience. International tourists have almost no freedom of movement. Karin Sinniger describes the feeling of danger as real the moment you land at the airport: “You have to sleep within the safe zone, also known as the ‘Green Zone.’ And even there, there have been bombings.”
To leave the safe zone, tourists must travel in armed vehicles under police and military protection. Willcox asserted that Mogadishu is the highest-risk destination where Untamed Borders operates. He warned: “The risk of attack is real. All the restricted areas where international visitors can stay are potential targets. You cannot leave Mogadishu.”
The U.S. State Department classifies Somalia as "Tier 4: No Travel," citing "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnappings, piracy, and a lack of regular consular services."
However, within those limitations, everyday moments still hold a certain allure. Peter Bullock, a retired drainage engineer from the UK, shared that the experience of being escorted by armed bodyguards on a tour of the fish market, the riverbank, and the ruined church was “a completely different travel experience from anything I’ve ever had before.” Even visitors from Sinniger were surprised to find themselves “walking on the beach and still feeling safe.”
Recognizing the growth potential, the Somali government launched a new eVisa system on September 1, 2025, to simplify entry procedures and further increase tourist numbers. James Willcox considers this a significant step forward, even stating that Somalia's version of eVisa is one of the best he has ever seen.
However, optimism about the program has been severely dampened by persistent internal divisions. The autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland have both declared they will not recognize the central government's new visa. This further highlights the limitations of Somalia's central government, even as it attempts to maintain stability and unity in tourism management. Political fragmentation remains a major challenge, ensuring that Somalia will remain a little-known destination for the foreseeable future.
In the context of the perilous Mogadishu, the self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland (operating autonomously since 1991) offers a completely different experience. With its democratically elected government, armed forces, and currency, it has long been considered the "safest" way to explore the wider Somali region.
Deke Hassan Abdi, one of Somaliland's first female tour guides, shared that many people have a major misunderstanding, confusing Somaliland with Somalia. She wants tourists to understand that her "country" is very different, much safer, and that developing tourism is a great way to help Somaliland gain international recognition.
Somaliland offers unique cultural and historical highlights such as the 5,000-year-old cave paintings at Laas Geel, nomadic culture, and pristine beaches. The biggest difference is that in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital, visitors can feel safe walking around the city without protection, a stark contrast to Mogadishu. However, despite the increased safety, visitors to Somaliland still require armed police escort when leaving Hargeisa, and border areas with Somalia remain off-limits.
Despite the increase in numbers and optimism from adventure tourism companies, the security landscape in Somalia remains a major challenge. Al Shabab militants attacked beaches in August 2024, causing significant casualties. The country's humanitarian challenges remain immense, with nearly 3 million people internally displaced due to conflict and climate disasters.
Willcox had to frankly admit: “Some areas of Somalia are extremely dangerous. There are places where it would be incredibly foolish for a foreigner to go.” Claire Makin, an adventurous traveler, agreed, saying: “Somalia is not for the faint of heart.”
The 50% increase in tourists to Somalia is a unique story about the allure of adventure destinations, where travelers are willing to take risks for a travel experience unlike anywhere else. However, until political instability and the threat of terrorism are under control, Somalia will remain a destination only for the most resilient and adventurous.
