Tourism in Somaliland

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Tourism in Somaliland is regulated by Somaliland's Ministry of Tourism.

Contents

Background

The history of tourism in Somaliland is linked to that of Somalia. The tourism industry declined rapidly during the Somali Civil War. Since the declaration of Somaliland's independence and the establishment of a de facto legal government, stability has returned to everywhere but the easternmost part of the country.[ citation needed ] Somaliland's tourist attractions include archaeological and historical sites, and natural geographic features. [1] [2] Famous examples are Hargeisa, Zeila, the beaches of Berbera or the Cal Madow mountains. Being a country that doesn't legally exist and is still technically in civil war a part of Somalia, makes it attractive for proponents of "dark tourism". [3] Some may travel to Somaliland to claim that they've been to Somalia, albeit without much of the danger found there.[ attribution needed ]

Access

While Somaliland is open for most international tourists, the region remains challenging to reach for many travelers. Most visitors to Somaliland enter through Djibouti or Ethiopia, as entering via sea or Somalia is not considered viable due to the Somali Civil War/Puntland-Somaliland Conflict.[ citation needed ]

In 2024, the United Kingdom's foreign office advised against all but necessary travel to the region, with a "no travel" advisory for British citizens. [4] [5] Other countries that advise against all but essential travel to the region include Canada, [6] the United States, [7] and Ireland. [8] Citizens of Egypt were asked to leave the territory by their government in 2024 due to rising tensions in the region. [9] Citizens of Taiwan have reportedly been blocked from entering the territory. [10]

Historical sites

Aerial view of the Dervish State's main fort complex in Taleh. The National Archives UK - CO 1069-8-36.jpg
Aerial view of the Dervish State's main fort complex in Taleh.

Beaches

Beach in Berbera. Somaliland (6936771853) (2).jpg
Beach in Berbera.

Waterfalls

Mountain ranges

The Cal Madow mountain range. Almadow Overview.JPG
The Cal Madow mountain range.

National parks

See also

References

  1. "Peace and prehistory in Somaliland". Financial Times. 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  2. "Welcome to limbo: Somaliland, country that never was". South China Morning Post. 2016-10-19. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  3. Bakht, Shayma (2024-12-28). "'Wars get people interested': the rise of dark tourism". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  4. "UK 'no travel' list with tourists 'banned' from 24 countries by Foreign Office". Yahoo News. 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  5. "Somalia travel advice". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  6. "Travel advice and advisories for Somalia". Travel.gc.ca. 2012-11-16. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  7. "Somalia Travel Advisory". travel.state.gov. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  8. "Somalia | Travel Advice | Department Of Foreign Affairs | Ireland.ie | Ireland.ie". www.ireland.ie. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  9. Thaer Mansour ــ Egypt - Cairo. "Egyptians warned against travelling to Somaliland amid tensions". The New Arab. Archived from the original on 2025-05-12. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  10. "Taiwan says Somalia bans entry to its citizens amid Somaliland dispute". Reuters. 2025-04-30. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  11. Jeffrey, James (2017-11-01). "Neglected treasures could be key to tourism boom". New African Magazine. Retrieved 2025-06-28.