In the northwest, prior notification of arrival is required for all foreign visitors. Similar fees are occasionally exacted at other airports, including the landing strips near Mogadishu. Travelers must be completely self-sufficient. Most areas of northwestern Somalia have been peaceful for several years. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Roads are in poor to dangerous condition in much of Somalia.
Travelers should make careful checks with local authorities about the safety of routes they intend to travel. Travel in parts of Somalia is made more dangerous by the possible presence of landmines along less traveled routes. While main roads in the northwest, from Hargeisa to Borama, Berbera and Sheikh have been resurfaced and demined, there is still a problem of landmines around Burao, in the Awdal region, and in other parts of Somalia. The use of four-wheel drive vehicles with experienced drivers familiar with the terrain is strongly recommended in all cases. Service stations and amenities for travelers are rare outside the urban areas.