19 Apr 2022 | 04:00 PM UTC
Somalia: Authorities relax COVID-19-related restrictions as of April 19 /update 24
Authorities in Somalia relax COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions as of April 19.
Event
Authorities in Somalia have relaxed the country's COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions as of April 19. Under the new guidelines, all domestic COVID-19-related measures are lifted, including those impacting public gatherings, sporting events, public demonstrations, and weddings. However, adherence to social distancing guidelines and wearing facemasks within health facilities is mandatory. Additionally, fully vaccinated international travelers with proof of vaccination issued by a competent authority are exempt from the PCR test requirement.
International Travel Restrictions
All unvaccinated travelers arriving at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) must possess a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure for Somalia, along with an accompanying quick response (QR) code. Travelers with disabilities proven to prevent them from taking a PCR test are exempt from the testing and facemask requirements, as are children ages five or younger. All international arrivals will also be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and those found to have any of those signs will undergo rapid antigen testing and will be quarantined in a hotel at their own expense if they test positive.
Somali nationals who arrive without a negative COVID-19 test result must self-quarantine for 14 days; foreign nationals arriving without a negative test result will not be allowed to enter Somalia. Departing passengers must register with the Ministry of Health database system to ensure the validity of their PCR test certificate.
COVID-19-related restrictions in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland remain unchanged. Individuals flying to Egal International Airport (HGA) must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours before arrival. At HGA, authorities have put in place additional screening measures; persons arriving at HGA without the necessary test result may be required to spend 14 days in quarantine in a government-approved facility at their own expense.
Additional testing and isolation may be required for persons showing symptoms. Temperature checks are also being performed at the airport. Departing passengers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. Land borders between Somaliland and Djibouti have reopened, and the Port of Berbera is operational.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
