Somalia
East Africa · Africa · Physician brief
Armed conflict and insecurity — travel strongly discouraged
Somalia is affected by ongoing armed conflict, terrorism and kidnapping. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) advises against all travel. Medical infrastructure is minimal and evacuation may be impossible. Anyone who must travel should arrange comprehensive security and medical-evacuation support in advance.
Swiss FDFA / EDA travel advice ↗ · Updated 2026
Cholera — active transmission
Active cholera transmission is documented in Somalia. Maintain strict food and water hygiene; the oral cholera vaccine may be considered for aid/health workers and those in higher-risk settings.
CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026
Yellow fever — entry certificate may be required
Somalia is not yellow-fever-endemic, but a vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from (or transiting through) a country with risk of YF transmission. Direct travel from Switzerland is not affected.
WHO / Somali entry requirements ↗ · Updated 2026
Recent alerts
All alerts →There are outbreaks of diphtheria in several countries in Africa. Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against the disease. Country List : Chad, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Somalia
CDC Travel Health Notices · Jun 2, 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
ModerateMalaria is present year-round in all areas of Somalia. P. falciparum strongly predominates (~90%) and is chloroquine-resistant. Chemoprophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine) is recommended for all travelers, together with strict bite prevention.
- Risk area
- All areas, year-round
- Species
- P. falciparum ~90%, P. vivax 5–10%
- Resistance
- Chloroquine-resistant
- Prevention
- Chemoprophylaxis for all travelers + bite protection
Yellow fever
ModerateSomalia is not yellow-fever-endemic, and CDC does not recommend the vaccine for the listed regions. A vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from a YF-risk country (see country alert). Direct travel from Switzerland is not affected.
- CDC
- Not recommended (not endemic)
- Entry rule
- Cert required if arriving from YF-risk country
Dengue
ModerateDengue is transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes and occurs in Somalia. Daytime mosquito-bite prevention (repellent with ≥20% DEET, protective clothing) is the main protection.
- Distribution
- Present; urban and lowland areas
- Mosquito
- Aedes — bites during daytime
General prevention
Food & water
Strict food and water precautions are essential — active cholera transmission is documented. Drink only bottled or treated water, avoid ice and unpeeled produce, and eat thoroughly cooked food. Healthcare access is severely limited.
Mosquito protection
Mosquito-bite prevention (DEET or picaridin repellent, long sleeves, treated bed nets) is essential. Malaria is present year-round in all areas. Active armed conflict makes much of the country unsafe for travel; the Swiss FDFA advises against travel to Somalia.
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
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This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.