Travelling to Mogadishu with children

Many diaspora families travel home with children, often over the summer or for Eid. A bit of planning makes the long journey much easier.

Documents for children

• Every child needs their own passport.
• Children travelling on a foreign passport need their own eTAS — apply for each family member on etas.gov.so.
• If a child travels with only one parent, or with relatives, carry a signed consent letter from the other parent (or both parents) with copies of their passports. Airlines and border officers can ask for it.
• Bring copies of birth certificates if surnames differ between parent and child.

Choosing flights

• Pick a connection of 2–4 hours: long enough to change planes calmly, short enough to keep children going.
• Request bassinet seats for infants when booking; most long-haul airlines offer them on a first-come basis.
• Book early for the summer holidays and Eid, when family fares sell out.
• Check the infant baggage allowance — strollers are usually carried free and handed over at the aircraft door.

In Mogadishu

• It is hot all year: keep children hydrated, use sunscreen and plan outings for the morning and late afternoon.
• Bring enough baby formula, nappies and familiar snacks for the first days.
• Pack a basic medicine kit, and visit a travel clinic beforehand about vaccinations and malaria prevention.
• Find clinics and hospitals and save emergency numbers before you arrive.