What to pack for Mogadishu

Mogadishu is hot and humid all year, with daytime temperatures around 28–32 °C. Pack light, breathable clothes and keep your documents and cash organised.

Documents

• Passport valid for at least six months, plus a photocopy kept separately
• Printed eTAS approval if you travel on a foreign passport
• Return or onward ticket, and your hotel booking or host's address and phone number
• For business trips: your invitation letter

Money

• US dollars in cash are used for most payments. Bring clean, undamaged, newer-series notes — torn or very old notes are often refused.
• Mobile money (EVC Plus, Sahal, eDahab) is everywhere; a local SIM lets you use it. See our money guide and currency converter.
• Cards are accepted only at some hotels and larger businesses.

Clothing

• Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees; long sleeves are comfortable in the sun.
• Women usually wear a headscarf in public; a light scarf is useful on arrival.
• Sandals or comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a hat. Pack swimwear suitable for public beaches if you plan to visit Lido.

Electronics

• Electricity is 220 V. Bring a universal adapter — you will meet both European two-pin and UK three-pin sockets.
• A power bank and a spare charging cable.
• An unlocked phone for a local SIM (SIM guide).

Health

• Any prescription medicine in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
• Sunscreen, insect repellent and oral rehydration salts.
• Visit a travel clinic before you go for advice on vaccinations and malaria prevention. Carry your yellow-fever certificate if you have one, especially if you arrive from a country with yellow-fever risk.

Leave at home

• Alcohol and pork products — they are not permitted in Somalia.
• Drones and professional filming equipment, unless you have prior permission from the authorities.