29 Dec 2021 | 03:47 PM UTC
Somalia: Authorities update COVID-19-related restrictions as of Dec. 29 /update 20
Somalia updates COVID-19-related restrictions as of Dec. 29; domestic and international flights ongoing.
Event
Authorities in Somalia have updated the nation's covid restrictions as of Dec. 29 to stem the spread of the disease. Under the recent guideline issued Dec. 25, all government and private sector entities are required to vaccinate their staff. Additionally, non-essential government and private corporate staff will remain at home until Jan. 15. Travelers with disabilities who have a proven challenge for COVID-19 testing and children five and younger are exempted from PCR test or wearing a facemask. Other measures have remained largely unchanged.
Domestic Measures
All residents should wear facemasks and observe social distancing in all indoor public areas or gatherings such as markets, mosques, restaurants, hotels, events, and other similar areas.
Public transport remains operational with adherence to social distancing and the use of facemasks.
Funeral services should not exceed 15 people a time, and all COVID-19 control measures should be observed.
Essential government staff should maintain COVID-prevention measures, including social distancing and wearing of masks while in office.
International Travel Restrictions
All incoming travelers arriving at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) must have a COVID-19 test certificate with a QR Code obtained within 72 hours before departure for Somalia.
Somali nationals who arrive without a negative COVID-19 test result must self-quarantine for a period of 14 days, while foreign nationals without test results will not be allowed to enter Somalia. Travelers who have been in designated high-risk countries (Uganda, India, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Mexico, South Africa, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh) within the previous 14 days must self-quarantine upon arrival in Somalia for a period of 14 days. 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. Arriving passengers at Egal International Airport (HGA) must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours before arrival. 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. Consider delaying traveling to Somalia until officials lift restrictions. 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.
