Published on November 20, 2025
The US government has issued an essential travel advisory for Somalia amid a significant e-visa system breach and escalating security threats, urging American citizens to reconsider travel plans. Despite a surge in tourism, Somalia’s efforts to streamline entry through a new e-visa process were marred by a cyberattack that exposed sensitive personal data, including that of thousands of U.S. citizens. This, combined with ongoing risks such as terrorism, piracy, and civil unrest, has prompted the U.S. Department of State to maintain its highest “Do Not Travel” advisory for the country, highlighting serious concerns for anyone planning to visit.
As the holiday season rapidly approaches, many travelers are finalizing their plans to explore new destinations. However, for those considering Somalia, the U.S. government has issued a critical travel advisory warning American citizens about the ongoing security risks and recent privacy breaches within the country’s e-visa system. Somalia, despite being one of the most dangerous nations in the world, has seen a significant rise in tourism in recent years, making it a surprising destination for many. In an effort to streamline the entry process and accommodate the growing number of visitors, Somalia launched a new e-visa system on September 1, 2025. Unfortunately, this system has been plagued by security issues that have now escalated into a major breach, exposing the personal data of thousands of U.S. citizens.

The Rise of Tourism in Somalia

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Despite its reputation for instability, Somalia has been experiencing a notable uptick in tourist arrivals. According to reports, the number of tourists visiting Somalia nearly doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year, with around 10,000 tourists flocking to the country. This 50% increase is remarkable, given Somalia’s history of political instability, violence, and general insecurity. However, this surge in visitors is largely attributed to the country’s efforts to rebrand itself as a potential tourist destination, promoting its unique landscapes, ancient history, and rich culture.
The Somali government has been actively working to improve its infrastructure and tourism services, offering incentives for foreign investment and easing some travel restrictions. These efforts have contributed to an optimistic outlook for Somalia’s tourism industry. However, security challenges remain an ever-present threat, overshadowing the potential for growth in the sector.

Somalia’s New E-Visa System

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As part of the push to attract more tourists, Somalia launched its new e-visa system on September 1, 2025. The system was designed to simplify the entry process for travelers by allowing them to apply for and obtain a visa online, reducing the need for in-person visits to embassies and consulates. This move was seen as a progressive step towards modernizing Somalia’s immigration system, making it more accessible to international visitors.
Unfortunately, the optimism surrounding the new e-visa system quickly turned into a nightmare for many. On November 11, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Somalia issued a warning about a significant security breach within the e-visa system. According to the advisory, multiple sources reported credible allegations that hackers had infiltrated the system, potentially exposing the personal data of at least 35,000 people, including thousands of U.S. citizens.

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The data that was compromised included sensitive information such as names, photos, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. This breach has caused considerable concern among U.S. officials, with the U.S. Department of State stating that the incident highlighted the vulnerabilities in the system, leaving travelers at risk of identity theft and other forms of cybercrime.

U.S. Travel Advisory for Somalia

In light of the e-visa breach and ongoing security concerns, the U.S. Department of State has issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for Somalia. This is the highest level of advisory, warning U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the country. The advisory cites several reasons for the heightened security risks, including the threat of terrorism, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping, piracy, and the lack of available routine consular services outside the capital, Mogadishu.
Somalia has been plagued by terrorist activities for years, with extremist groups like al-Shabaab regularly carrying out attacks on civilian and military targets. The U.S. Embassy has warned that these groups could strike at any time, targeting airports, seaports, shopping areas, hotels, restaurants, and other public spaces. This unpredictability is one of the primary reasons why the U.S. government has issued the advisory.
Additionally, Somalia remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world, with high rates of violent crime and kidnappings. In particular, American citizens are at risk of being targeted by armed groups seeking to take hostages for ransom. The threat of piracy off the Somali coast also continues to be a major concern, with incidents of hijacking and kidnapping still occurring despite international efforts to curb these crimes.

Risks of Travel to Somalia

Even though the U.S. Department of State has issued a strong warning against travel to Somalia, some American citizens may still consider visiting the country, either for business or personal reasons. For those who do plan to travel, several precautions should be taken to ensure their safety.
The U.S. Embassy has outlined a number of recommendations for travelers. Among them is the importance of creating an emergency exit plan. Given the unpredictable security situation, it is essential for travelers to know how to leave Somalia quickly if necessary. The embassy also advises travelers to draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or a power of attorney in case of emergencies.
Additionally, travelers should make sure they have multiple options for leaving Somalia and understand the entry requirements for U.S. citizens to neighboring countries. It’s also crucial for travelers to inform family and friends about their plans and establish a clear communication strategy. Sensitive belongings, such as valuable personal items, should be left behind to reduce the risk of loss or theft.
Given the high-security risks, U.S. travelers are advised to avoid venturing outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex, where most government employees are restricted. This policy is a direct response to the severe risks posed by terrorism and violence in other areas of the country.

Somalia’s Struggling Infrastructure

While the Somali government has made strides in improving the country’s infrastructure to accommodate tourism, including the launch of the e-visa system, there are still significant challenges. The lack of a reliable healthcare system, limited availability of consular services, and a lack of communication infrastructure make it difficult for foreign nationals to navigate the country safely.
For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu remains the primary source of assistance, but the embassy is limited in its capacity to provide services outside the capital. With roads often unsafe due to armed groups and poorly maintained infrastructure, traveling around Somalia can be extremely hazardous, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the area.

The Future of Somalia’s Tourism Industry

Despite the ongoing security challenges and the recent data breach within the e-visa system, Somalia’s tourism industry holds potential for growth. The country’s unique attractions, including pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage, remain an untapped resource that could benefit from the right infrastructure and security improvements. However, to realize this potential, Somalia must prioritize the safety and security of its visitors, strengthen its digital infrastructure, and invest in initiatives to combat terrorism and organized crime.
The US has issued an essential travel advisory for Somalia due to a recent e-visa system breach that exposed sensitive personal data and ongoing security risks, including terrorism and piracy. These concerns, coupled with the country’s instability, have led the U.S. Department of State to advise against travel.
While Somalia’s tourism sector is slowly emerging from the shadows of its violent past, the country still faces enormous challenges in terms of security and digital safety. U.S. travelers are strongly advised to reconsider their plans to visit Somalia in light of the current security risks and the breach of the e-visa system. As the situation evolves, travelers should stay updated on the latest advisories and exercise extreme caution if they choose to visit the region. Until then, Somalia remains a destination where only the most prepared and cautious travelers should venture.

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Tags: Non-Essential Travel, Privacy Breach, Travel News, US Travel Advisory

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