Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: There is no organized system of criminal justice in Somalia, nor is there any recognized or established authority to administer a uniform application of due process.  Enforcement of criminal laws is, therefore, haphazard to nonexistent. Locally established courts operate throughout Somalia under a combination of Somali customary and Islamic Shari'a law, some of which may be hostile towards foreigners.

While you are traveling in Somalia, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.  Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.  In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.  In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.  In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.  These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.  There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.  If you break local laws in Somalia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.  It is very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Persons violating Somalia’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Somalia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Arrest Notifications In Host Country: If you are arrested in Somalia, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or local authorities notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.  However, this is unlikely to happen as there is no U.S. diplomatic representation in Somalia.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Water, health, and electricity systems are poor. Functioning telecommunications systems exist only in major towns in Somalia.

The Somali shilling is the unit of currency except in Somaliland, which uses the Somaliland shilling.  U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere.  Credit cards are not accepted in Somalia.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: Same-sex sexual contact is punishable by imprisonment from three months to three years.  Antidiscrimination provisions do not apply to LGBT individuals.  Society considers sexual orientation a taboo topic, and so there is no known public discussion of this issue in any region.  Severe societal stigma against LGBT lifestyles typically prevents LGBT individuals from making their sexual orientation publicly known in Somalia.  For further information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender travel, please read our Information for LGBT Travelers  page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Somalia, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what one finds in the United States.  There is no legislation in Somalia mandating access to transportation, communication, or public buildings for persons with disabilities