The Department of State warns against all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed “Independent Republic of Somaliland.” Interclan and interfactional fighting can flare up with little warning, and kidnapping, murder and other threats to foreigners can occur unpredictably in many regions. There is no U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia.
U.S. citizens are urged to use caution when sailing near the coast of Somalia. Merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft alike risk seizure and their crews’ being held for ransom, especially in the waters near the Horn of Africa and the Kenyan border.