Somalia · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Mogadishu scores 13/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. No — it is not safe for travelers to visit Mogadishu, Somalia. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (severe risk) and robbery (severe risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Somalia · Assessed 29 July 2026
13
/ 100
Safer than ~3% of countries
Score capped at 18 — Level 4 advisory — "Do Not Travel". No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Parts of Somalia, including Somaliland FCDO advises against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland, except for the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil.”
Updated 2026-06-26T14:53:16Z
Full advisory →Avoid all travel
“Canada's official risk level for Somalia: avoid all travel.”
Updated 2026-07-08T09:16:46.1529419-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
SevereMugging and armed robbery are common in Mogadishu, especially in crowded markets and along poorly lit streets after dark
Pickpocketing
SeverePickpocketing and bag‑snatching occur frequently in busy areas such as Bakara Market and near the airport
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Extremely negative
15/100
Recent traveler reports and forums describe Mogadishu as highly unsafe, with visitors feeling unsafe walking alone after dark and avoiding public spaces
No — it is not safe for travelers to visit Mogadishu, Somalia.
The composite safety index of 12 reflects extreme risk, driven by a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory, active armed clashes, and a near‑non‑existent rule of law. Recent fighting between government forces and opposition militias in Mogadishu underscores the volatile security environment, while the lack of reliable consular support and documented scams targeting visitors heighten danger.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Mogadishu is not safe for travelers. The multi‑database safety profile assigns a composite index of 12 / 100 and caps it at 18 because the official guidance is a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory. Recent news from June 2026 (Reuters, Al Jazeera, The New Arab) documents armed clashes between Somali security forces and opposition militias in the capital, with multiple injuries reported. These incidents confirm that the security situation remains volatile and can deteriorate without warning.
The safety data also shows severe risks of robbery and pickpocketing, especially in crowded places such as Bakara Market and near the airport. Travelers who ignore the advisory expose themselves to armed muggings, bag‑snatching, and the threat of being caught in crossfire during protests. The lack of reliable consular assistance means that any emergency—whether medical, legal, or security‑related—cannot be reliably addressed by foreign embassies.
Recent traveler sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with a consumer‑sentiment score of 5 / 100 and numerous forum posts describing Mogadishu as highly unsafe. Scams targeting visitors include visa and human‑trafficking schemes, forced‑marriage coercion, and unscrupulous private clinics that demand upfront payment. These scams compound the physical safety risks.
If you are considering travel to Mogadishu, the only responsible recommendation is to cancel or postpone the trip. Should you already be in the city, avoid all public gatherings, refrain from night travel, and stay in a secure, vetted accommodation with a trusted local guide. Keep emergency contacts handy, carry proof of insurance, and be prepared to evacuate at short notice, but understand that the safest option is to stay away until the official advisory is downgraded.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Mogadishu districts for visitors: 2 safer, 4 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Mogadishu safety map.
Bakaraavoidhigh crime and frequent clashes reported, avoid especially after dark
Yaaqshiavoidknown hotspot for militant recruitment and recent armed confrontations
Kahdacautioncommercial hub with increased militant activity and occasional explosions
Hamar Weynecautioncentral district with many tourists but still vulnerable to petty theft and checkpoints
Mogadishu Old Portcautionbusy market zone where pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are common
Waabericautionresidential area with sporadic shelling and limited emergency services
Lidosafertourist‑friendly beachfront area with better security presence and private clinics nearby
Aden Addesaferairport zone and surrounding hotels are guarded and have rapid medical response
07 · After Dark
Mugging and armed robbery are common in Mogadishu, especially in crowded markets and along poorly lit streets after dark
After dark, be most careful around Bakara, Yaaqshi, Kahda, Hamar Weyne. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Mogadishu's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
No — it is not safe for travelers to visit Mogadishu, Somalia. The composite safety index of 12 reflects extreme risk, driven by a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory, active armed clashes, and a near‑non‑existent rule of law. Recent fighting between government forces and opposition militias in Mogadishu underscores the volatile security environment, while the lack of reliable consular support and documented scams targeting visitors heighten danger. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Bakara, Yaaqshi as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Mogadishu scores 13/100 — see the Somalia safety overview for country-level data.
The score blends 10+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Somalia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: mogadishu.json (CC BY 4.0).