Somalia Travel Health Guide
High risk
Somalia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Somalia. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Overall risk
High risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines including chickenpox, DTP, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles before traveling.
COVID-19
All eligible travelers should be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Somalia.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers one year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also be vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers of any age going to Somalia.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. All travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least two weeks before travel, including infants 6-11 months.
Polio
Poliovirus has been identified in Somalia. All travelers are at increased risk and should be up to date on polio vaccination before travel.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Somalia, especially if staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccination is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.
Cholera
Cholera is widespread in Somalia. Vaccination may be considered for some travelers. Focus on safe food and water practices and hand hygiene.
Rabies
Rabid dogs are commonly found in Somalia and rabies vaccines are typically not available there. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll have increased animal contact or difficulty accessing medical care.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is generally not recommended for most regions of Somalia and not recommended for other areas. No vaccination required for entry.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists throughout Somalia. CDC recommends taking prescription antimalarial medicine. P. falciparum (90%) is the predominant species with chloroquine resistance.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas; limited hygiene infrastructure.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists throughout Somalia. CDC recommends taking prescription antimalarial medicine. P. falciparum (90%) is the predominant species with chloroquine resistance.
Emergency numbers
Police
888
Medical / Ambulance
605
Fire
888
U.S. Embassy
+254-20-363-6000
Somalia travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Somalia?▼
For travel to Somalia, Routine Vaccines is required for entry; COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Polio and Typhoid are recommended; Chikungunya, Cholera, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Somalia?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Somalia. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Somalia?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Somalia is currently rated high risk. Somalia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Somalia. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Somalia?▼
Key emergency numbers in Somalia are Police 888, Medical / Ambulance 605, Fire 888 and U.S. Embassy +254-20-363-6000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
British Indian Ocean Territory carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Burundi carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Burundi year-round. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Comoros carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Comoros. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.