Africa

Somalia Crime Rate & Safety

Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Somalia

4of 4

US State Department Travel Advisory

Do Not Travel

crimeterrorismkidnappinghealthpiracylandmines

Full advisory →

Updated May 21, 2026

Detailed homicide statistics are not currently available for Somalia. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Somalia at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.

Homicide Rate

N/A

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Safety Rank

N/A

🛡️

Travel Advisory

Level 4 of 4

✈️

Data Year

N/A

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Armed Conflict Context

Somalia has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.

Battle-Related Deaths

2,284(2024)

Military Spending

1.6% GDP(2024)

Safety for Travelers

Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Somalia:

Do not travel to Somalia due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health, landmines, systematic mistreatment of women, systematic mistreatment of gay and lesbian individuals, piracy, abuse of residents in rehabilitation centers, and confiscation of passports by family members . Do not travel to Somalia for any reason. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to Americans in Somalia due to the safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Somalia are not allowed to travel outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex, where the U.S.

Level 1

Exercise Normal Precautions

Level 2

Exercise Increased Caution

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Level 4

Do Not Travel

Read the full advisory on travel.state.gov →

Safety Guidance for Somalia

Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 03, 2026).

Terrorism

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.

Crime

Violent crime such as kidnapping, bombings, indirect fire attacks, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, and illegal roadblocks by armed individuals in uniforms occur throughout Somalia, including the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland. Somali authorities have limited capacity and resources to investigate and prosecute criminal activity. U.S. citizens should: Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Avoid displaying cash and valuable personal property. Dress conservatively. Carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa. Keep original documents in a secure location. Maintain caution in areas frequented by foreigners. Be cautious when traveling in major cities and along border areas.

Demonstrations

occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Cultural Rehabilitation Centers

Some schools and other facilities acting as “cultural rehabilitation” centers are operating in Somalia with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight. Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their will and physically abused are common.

Somalia-Kenya Border

Cross-border violence attributed to al-Shabaab and skirmishes between the Somali and Kenyan armies occurs periodically, including large-scale attacks against civilians, government security forces, and AUSSOM troops. Kidnapping, IED, and grenade attacks targeting international aid workers and civilians occur. Al-Shabaab actively operates in border areas, including Kenya’s Lamu and Wajir counties.

Victims of Crime

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kenya for assistance. Report crimes to the nearest local police and contact the U.S. Embassy in Kenya at (254) (20) 363-6451 during business hours or (254) (20) 363-6000 outside business hours. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide information on victim assistance resources in the United States . Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Help you find accommodation in Kenya and arrange flights home from Somalia or Kenya. Replace a stolen or lost passport at the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.

Domestic Violence

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kenya for assistance.

Tourism

No formal tourism industry infrastructure exists in Somalia. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment are not available in Somalia. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .

About This Data

Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.

Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.