Somalia Somalia is struggling with a violent civil war and has no stable government since more than two decades, with piracy occurring in its waters and foreigners facing kidnapping issues. As a result, the East African country remains extremely dangerous for travelers as long as the conflict is going on. The only region intrepid adventurers could consider exploring is the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland, in the Northwest part of the country. Somaliland strikingly contrasts with the rest of Somalia, with its decent government structure and almost tourist-friendly welcome. Unexpected surprises, such as intriguing rock paintings, beautiful deserted beaches and lively market towns can be found there.

HEALTH INFORMATION

We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.

For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.

SOMALIA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES

The Yellow Fever Vaccine	A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/ith/ith-country-list.pdf
Hepatitis A	Recommended for all travelers.
Hepatitis B	Recommended for all travelers.
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever	Recommended for all travelers.
Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine	Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough):  1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec.
Measles – Rubella – Mumps	Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given.
Flu – Influenza	Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure.
Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella)	Recommended for all travelers
African Tick Bite Fever	Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites.
Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies	For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated.
Schistosomiasis	Avoid swimming in fresh water.
Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC)	Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure.
Malaria	Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional.
Polio	Polio vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to this region. A polio booster dose as an adult (>18 years old) is strongly recommended to travellers who have previously completed childhood polio vaccination. Proof of vaccination may be required for some travellers.
Cholera	Recommended for humanitarian workers, health care providers and/or adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika	There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Antimalarials Recommended	Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine
Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea	Azithromycin or Suprax

MEDICAL CARE

The medical care provided by Somalian hospitals remains very precarious, in both public and private health care establishments. If you need medical care while traveling in Somalia, you will need to go to the capital city, Mogadishu. Several hospitals are found there, but don’t expect good quality care. In the event of serious medical issues, an immediate air evacuation to another country is required.

There are no ambulance services in Somalia. In case of emergency, the victim has to be brought to the nearest hospital facility with a private car.

Medicines, even basic, are very hard to access in Somalia. Only a few pharmaceutical establishments are found in the country, and they are poorly supplied. It is strongly advised that you bring a well filled first aid kit and all the specific treatments you could need in sufficient quantities when traveling to Somalia.

SECURITY ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in Somalia; therefore, the Government of Canada can’t provide consular assistance to you if you are in distress in Somalia. If so, you will have to make your way to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate or rely on your own resources.

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SAN JOSÉ WEATHER

CANADIAN EMBASSY

Emergency services

There is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.