somaliland passport travel

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Somalia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Somalian Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Somalia, including Somaliland.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Somalia, including Somaliland, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland.

You can get a single-entry visa, valid for one month, for 60 US dollars when you arrive at:

• Mogadishu International Airport
• Hargeisa International Airport

It is not clear if you’ll be given a visa on arrival at other points of entry. Get confirmation from local authorities or your sponsoring organisation.

You may also need to provide a letter of invitation when you arrive, outlining the reason for your visit. You can usually get this from your place of work. Without this letter, you may not be allowed to enter.

Vaccination requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Somalia guide . 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Somalia, including Somaliland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Khat is a legal drug in Somalia, but it is an offence to take it out of the country. Officials regularly search bags at Hargeisa and Mogadishu airports, and anyone found to be in possession of khat is likely to face criminal prosecution.

Taking money into and out of Somalia (including Somaliland)

In Somaliland you must declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more.

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Somaliland Passport

Passports from somaliland are issued to citizens of the unrecognized country so that they can travel internationally. this passport was first issued in 1996. in 2014, a biometric passport was introduced in accordance with internationally accepted standards and requirements laid out by the international civil aviation organization., the somaliland passport has its national emblem on the front page. it is black in colour with the somali language , arabic and english writing ., in general, somalilanders can travel to countries with economic and friendly ties, such as their neighbours and other nations., which countries recognize the somaliland passport, when somaliland became independent in june 1960 , 35 countries recognized the state, including china, egypt, ethiopia, france, ghana, israel, libya, and the soviet union., list of countries that accept somaliland’s passport, somaliland passports can be used to enter the following countries. there are somaliland diplomatic missions in these countries, whereas most of these countries have diplomatic missions in somaliland., uae, uk, ethiopia, djibouti, belgium, france, saudi arabia, turkey, south africa, and south sudan are the countries on this list., the requirements and process for obtaining a passport in somaliland, a somaliland passport can only be issued to a somaliland citizen who meets the following requirements:, 1. an applicant should provide a copy of his registration card or somaliland national id card that was given to him during the election period., 2. in addition, the applicant should present a document from the cid (criminal investigation department) proving the applicant has not committed any crime., 3. documents from the district attorney’s office verifying that the applicant has not committed any crimes should also be brought., 4. three recent passport-size photographs are required., 5. the applicant should submit a completed passport application form., privacy overview, pin it on pinterest.

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Tips and how to travel to Somaliland in 2024

By Joan Torres 39 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2024

Wanna travel to Somaliland with Against the Compass?

Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Somaliland on:

November 14th to 18th, 2024

Everybody knows about Somalia, but not many know about Somaliland, a territory within Somali boundaries that declared self-independence in 1991 but, since nobody in the international community recognized it as such, it became one of those self-administered ghost countries.

Legally, it belongs to Somalia but, from a tourism point of view, traveling to Somalia is like visiting a new country, a very intriguing and weird one.

Camel markets, medieval mosques and ancient rock art painted by some of the oldest pastoralist societies, Somaliland is a truly off the beaten path – and very safe – destination which you can’t miss in your trip to the Horn of Africa .

I spent 10 days backpacking in Somaliland and this guide contains tips and everything you need to know to travel there , from visa tips to top experiences, approximate budget and more.

This is the most up-to-date Somaliland travel blog available on the internet but also, don’t forget to read my tips for traveling to Eritrea

In this travel guide to Somaliland you will find:

Table of Contents

• Travel insurance
• Top experiences
• Somalia & Somaliland
• Somali people
• Solo female travel
• Police escorts
• Currency and credit cards
• Moving around
• Accommodation
• Books about Somaliland
• More Information

our recommended travel insurance for Somaliland

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Somaliland.

🪪 How to get a visa for Somaliland

The first thing you need to know is that, despite being legally bound to Somalia, Somaliland acts like an independent country, so different immigration rules apply, similar to what happens with Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan (read my travel guide to Iraqi Kurdistan ).

This means that a valid tourist visa for Somaliland doesn’t allow you to travel to Somalia, and a valid visa for Somalia doesn’t allow you to travel to Somaliland.

Therefore, in order to get your visa, you can’t apply at a Somalia Embassy, but you need to find a specific Somaliland Mission .

However, since Somaliland isn’t an official country, this makes things particularly challenging, as they don’t have more than a few missions around the world.

How to get a visa for Somaliland via the mission

If you are entering Somaliland overland from either Ethiopia or Djibouti, you must arrange your visa in advance.

Getting a Somaliland visa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Most travelers travel to Somaliland as part of a multi-country trip around the Horn of Africa , so getting a visa at the Embassy in Addis Ababa seems to be the most common choice.

According to travelers, these are the requirements:

• It costs $100, and they only accept USD
• 2 passport photos, 1 passport copy
• You get it on the same day

Here you can find more information about the process .

Getting a Somaliland visa in Djibouti City, Djibouti

This is where I got mine. Very easy and cheaper than in Addis.

Since Djibouti is rather a small city, getting to the Mission was fairly quick and these were the requirements:

• It cost $60, paid in local currency
• 2 passport photos, 1 passport copy, 1 Djibouti visa copy
• You are supposed to pick it up after 24 hours, but some travel reports suggest that you can also pick it up on the same day.

Getting a Somaliland visa in another country

If you aren’t traveling in the Horn of Africa, you may as well get the visa in your home country or any other where you find a Somaliland Mission.

Here you can see an updated list of Somaliland representative offices but I am not sure if you can get a visa in all of them, you will have to figure it out by yourself.

As far as I know, however, anyone can apply at the Missions in London and Washington D.C and, apparently, getting one in London costs £30.

Somaliland Visa on Arrival

If you are flying in, you can also get a VOA and since 2022, you don’t need to pre-arrange it with a hotel in Hargeisa, but you just pay the respective fee at the immigration area.

Note that only citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, China, and a few other Asian countries can apply for a VOA.

A VOA costs $60, plus potential hotel fees.

✍️ How to sign up for a tour in Somaliland

Depending on where you travel to in Somaliland, the authorities will force you to hire an armed escort, which will go with you everywhere you go to.

If you want to avoid any potential headaches, Against the Compass has 1 scheduled expedition to Somaliland:

• November 14th to 18th, 2024 – APPLY NOW

A short, budget tour that includes all the country’s highlights.

🛫 How to get to Somaliland

Tips on how to travel to somaliland by air.

Hargeisa has an International Airport with flights from Addis Ababa, Djibouti, and even Dubai and Jeddah.

I recommend you check on Ethiopian Airlines, Daallo Airlines, Fly Dubai and Air Djibouti.

You can also check directly on Skyscanner.

Tips on how to travel to Somaliland by land

• How to travel to Somaliland from Djibouti – I used this option and it was easy. In Djibouti City, there is a departure point for 4×4’s heading to Somaliland and I am specifying 4×4 because, once you cross the border there are no roads until Borama – almost 300km after – but just desert and sand. It was quite an adventure.
• How to travel to Somaliland from Ethiopia – Very easy. I used it to get out of Somaliland. The closest, most famous city is Harar, but you may not find direct transportation to the border; but you should first go to Jijiga, the capital of Ethiopian Somalia.
• How to travel to Somaliland from Oman – That’s right. You can enter Somaliland via Berbera from Salalah (Oman) by boat, and it’s completely legal and doable. I actually met a tourist couple who did it, on a cargo ship, but they had to wait in Salalah for almost 3 weeks for the ship to depart. Read my Oman travel guide .
• How to travel to Somaliland from Somalia – This border is closed to foreigners.

⛅ Best time to visit Somaliland

I don’t know how well you handle the heat, but I can’t and, as you may imagine, Somaliland can get pretty hot in summer, especially the coastal part, with temperatures averaging 45ºC.

Hargeisa sits at an elevation of 1300m, so the weather might be slightly cooler there, but still, summer isn’t a great time to go. 

Therefore, the best time to visit Somaliland is from November until March .

I visited it at the end of January and the weather was great, especially in Hargeisa, where the temperature never reached above 25ºC, and we even had some rain one day.

🚑 Travel insurance for Somaliland

Since any government will consider it a conflict zone most travel insurance companies won’t cover you for this trip.

The only one which does, however is IATI Insurance and I recommend it because:

• Budget travel insurance that covers Somalia
• Valid for any type of trip and nationality.
• All types of plans: from families to backpackers
• Covers senior citizens too
• Readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount.

🛖 5 Top experiences in Somaliland

Getting high on khat.

Khat is a drug, literally, a plant with amphetaminic effects typically consumed in the Horn of Africa and Yemen , and extremely popular across all Somalia.

If you are traveling in Somaliland, you must spend at least one afternoon eating khat with locals.

If you get to taste good quality stuff, it can be quite an experience.

Read my post: Fear & loathing in Somaliland

Feeding gazelles

What was the highlight of your trip to Somaliland? Some people asked me.

Difficult to say, my trip was great overall, but what surprised me the most was going for breakfast to a random café in Berbera and suddenly being surrounded by gazelles.

I won’t enter into the ethical issue of having wild animals in your garden, but several cafés have gazelles roaming around freely in their garden and, if you get some leaves from a tree, they won’t hesitate to approach you.

Visiting livestock markets

Somaliland is a very traditional country where livestock markets abound, and I strongly recommend you visit the one in Hargeisa, which takes place every single day.

Meeting Somalis

Backpacking in Somaliland is one of those trips where, honestly, there isn’t much to do, but the highlight is meeting new people.

Expect loads of smiles, people asking you for photos and endless chewing-khat invitations, like this funny Somali dancing:

Checking epic rock art sites

The only proper touristic thing as such to do is checking out a few caves containing some 5,000-old rock art paintings which apparently, are some of the most impressive and well-preserved of this particular kind in Africa, and ONE of the highlights of my visit to Somaliland.

Differences between Somaliland and Somalia

I believe the story between Somaliland and Somalia is a complicated situation that goes beyond my understanding, but let me just give you my 5 cents.

During colonialism, today’s Somalia was split into 2 different regions: the western part was under British rule, while the eastern part was under Italian rule.

Check this map from Wikipedia :

Like happened with most colonies, at the end of the colonial times, the British and the UN drew the borders as they pleased, this way unifying the 2 Somalias into a single one.

Here you can check more unrecognized countries I visited

Therefore, Somaliland has always had a feeling of being an independent nation, and, for many reasons, mainly conflicts and political problems, in 1991, Somaliland decided to self-declare independence from Somalia.

However, as I highlighted in the introduction, nobody recognized it as such, and, when I say nobody, I mean nobody, not even its former colonizer (the UK), the Olympic committee, FIFA or the World Bank.

Somaliland is on its own, abandoned and, even though they have full right to become independent, they never will, as this decision has been delegated to the African Union and they don’t want to recognize them because this could lead a massive African revolution, as hundreds of minorities across the continent might claim the same thing.

Yet, do you know what is the main difference versus Somalia? While Somalia is an authoritarian regime immersed in a Civil War and, basically, a failed state, Somaliland is a peaceful, safe democracy and this is why, despite all the internal problems, especially economical, Somalilanders will never regret gaining their independence.

People in Somaliland

Somaliland is mostly composed of Somalis, a massive ethnic group spread across Djibouti, Eastern Ethiopia, northern Kenya, and of course, Somalia.

Somalia is the most homogenous African country, ethnically speaking.

It is a very patriarchal society – very conservative Muslim – where I believe women have very few rights, and I don’t recall seeing a single woman not wearing a hijab, in the areas I visited at least.

Other than that, Somalis are nice, warm and welcoming people but, of course, this is an extremely poor country and sometimes you do meet people who, at first, seem as if they just want to have a conversation, but then they ask for money.

This is something I have noticed a lot in Africa. While in Asian Muslim countries, such as Iran or Pakistan , people are always willing to offer their help for free, some people I when backpacking in Somaliland (not all, of course) then asked for a tip.

You also need to be careful with your camera, and always ask first, because many Somalis don’t like cameras, and they can get very angry, even if you take a shot from far away, and I am talking from my own experience.

In any case, most interactions and experiences with the local people are truly great.

Chewing khat Eating khat is kind of a lifestyle in Somaliland. All men eat it and basically, life in the country stops after lunchtime until the evening. Regardless of all the social issues khat has brought to the Somali society, it’s an interesting event to see and experience. Khat gets you high (if you get good-quality leaves, which cost from $10) but you need to chew it (and swallow) for a couple of hours at least, washing it down with soda or any sweet drink because khat is extremely bitter.

All Somalis speak Somali a Cushitic language , the family of many languages spoken in northeastern Africa.

It’s difficult to describe what it sounds like, but what I can tell you is that they use some Arabic words, as Arabs have been trading in this region for centuries and in fact, Arabic is widely taught in schools.

For their script, they use the Latin Alphabet.

Do they speak English?

Since this used to be a British colony, you meet many Somalilanders speaking impeccable English and most people will know some basic words.

In fact, they use many English words in their language, like numbers for example.

The language shouldn’t be a barrier when traveling in Somaliland.

🍲 Cuisine: what are you going to eat when visiting Somaliland?

Fact: nobody ever visits Somaliland for the food.

Actually, this is one of the worst countries I have been to when it comes to food.

All right, it’s not that bad, but it’s just boring, basic, and there’s nothing memorable to bring back home, except for some fresh fish I had in Berbera. That was good.

Their star dish, which they eat throughout the day is a lentil stew called ”penis”, and literally pronounced like ”penis”, no kidding.

When you walk in a café, you just say you want a ”penis” and they will bring you these lentils.

Other than that, pasta with tomato sauce is also the staple but, as you may imagine, it is not good pasta.

They always eat with their hand, even a dish of spaghetti with tomato sauce.

Alcohol is illegal in Somaliland It is only available on the black market but some locals do make their own at home and you are likely to see some drunk people at night. I arrived in the city of Boroma at 3am and, while looking for a hotel, there was this creepy local who approached me holding a plastic bottle with some weird matt white liquid in it. He was massively wasted, drooling, and trying to hug me or something, but it was very easy to push him away. After a few days, a young, well-educated local told me that home-made alcohol is a big deal in Somaliland, but most of it is just so strong and basically, very dangerous, so seeing people fucked up like that guy from Boroma is very normal.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Somaliland?

In short: Somaliland is safe but Somalia is not.

All the negative things you see in the media about Somalia referring to pirates, bombs, or Al Shabab, happen in Somalia mainland.

There have been some terrorist attacks in Somaliland, yes, but the last one was back in 2008 , a long time ago and, since then, nothing has happened so far, plus the country enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

Can it happen again or, could there be potential kidnappings?

Look, I am no expert, and the FCO advice claims that the whole country is a massive NO-GO, but you already know that their judgment is very biased and all I can tell you is that so far, all travelers have had a great time traveling in Somaliland.

Just apply common sense and travel safe!

Check this video from this very isolated, hence very safe place in Somaliland:

💃 Solo female travel in Somaliland

I have only talked to one lady about her trip to Somaliland and all she told me was that she had a great time there, with no further details, but she was a woman with a large traveling experience in traditional Muslim countries, and I believe the experience in Somaliland as a solo woman shouldn’t differ much from the one in Sudan or Pakistan .

If you are a woman who traveled to Somaliland (solo or accompanied) let me know if you’d like to write a guest post for Against the Compass or just send your experience to [email protected].

Do you need a police escort for traveling independently in Somaliland?

Before traveling to Somaliland, I heard that in some areas, basically anywhere outside Hargeisa, a police escort was mandatory, and they would assign you one upon your arrival in that destination.

This wasn’t my case (and I visited many places and went through a lot of checkpoints).

In the beginning, I thought that might have been an old rule which didn’t apply anymore but I heard there was a solo female traveler who visited Somaliland just a few weeks before me and the police did assign her an escort.

This means that it might just depend on the policeman’s mood and perception and, since Somalis are an extremely patriarchal society, you might have a higher chance of getting a police escort if you are a solo female traveler.

In any case, your experience regarding this topic is very welcome in the comments section 🙂

💻 Internet and connectivity in Somaliland

All hotels I stayed at had Wi-Fi, not very fast, but it worked reasonably well.

Outside of my hotels, except for a fancy restaurant in Hargeisa, I never saw Wi-Fi.

I got my SIM Card in a street stall right at the Djibouti-Somaliland border.

I got Telesom and I think I paid like $3 for a SIM Card with 1GB internet and calls. It’s so cheap.

Get a VPN for traveling in Somaliland

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Somaliland. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Need to know about money: currency, exchange, credit cards

Somaliland has its own currency, which is the Somali Shilling and, approximately:

1 USD = 8500 SOS

Their currency has suffered a massive devaluation and today, their biggest is note worth 5000Sh, which is barely 60 cents.

On the other hand, USD are widely accepted, to the extent that in most places, you can even pay for a bottle of water in USD and get the change in Somaliland Shillings.

Exchanging money

Theoretically, if dollars are accepted everywhere, you would not need to exchange, but getting some local currency is more comfortable as, in traditional places, you will always get the price in shillings, so you don’t need to do unnecessary calculations.

You can easily change money in many places but I recommend you go to the money market in Hargeisa , which is an attraction in itself, as you get to see locals loaded with hundreds of cash bricks but, in fact, most bricks are composed of 1000 notes, which means that they aren’t carrying much money in their hands.

Credit cards

International credit cards are not accepted, but there are a few ATMs in Hargeisa from where you can withdraw some USD at a 3% commission.

I could cash out a few hundred with my Mastercard.

These banks are Premiere Bank and Dahabshil Bank and you can find their ATMs in downtown Hargeisa.

Check the money market of Hargeisa:

How much does it cost to travel to Hargeisa?

Somaliland is the cheapest country I visited in the Horn of Africa , not only because prices are low, but also because there is nothing to spend money on.

Price of the most typical things:

• Meal in a local place (penis): 10,000Sh
• Meal in a local place (with meat): 20,000SOS
• Meal in mid-range place: 30,000-40,000SOS
• Main course in a top restaurant: $8-$12
• Fresh juice: 10,000SOS
• Water 1L: 2,000-3,000SOS
• Local bus to pretty much any town: 20,000-40,000SOS
• Budget accommodation: $10-$15
• Mid-range accommodation: From $25

Average daily budget for backpacking in Somaliland

Other than that, the only expensive things I had to pay for were the entrance to Las Geel ($35 with guide included) and the 4×4 trip from Zeyla to Borama ($50).

🛺 How to move around: transportation

Moving around the country is very easy and cheap.

Most towns are connected by bus, including Boroma, Berbera, or Burao and you just need to go to the bus station and ask for departure times. In Hargeisa, the bus station is in the city center.

Moving around is slow though, as the roads are not in very good condition.

If you want to go south of Boroma, to Zeyla and the Djibouti border, you need a 4×4 but you can share it with other locals if you go to the station.

🏨 Where to stay in Somaliland: accommodation

Somaliland is surprisingly well-sorted for hotels.

There is actually some domestic tourism, especially among foreign Somalis who are visiting the country. I met a few of them in 2 different hotels.

Hotels I stayed at:

• Zeyla: Kaboode Guest House – There is only 1 guest house and paid $20 for one night. Extremely overpriced (it’s a rudimentary shack), but it can be negotiated if staying more nights.
• Borama: Oslo Hotel – Basic but clean, and I paid $15.
• Hargeisa: Maamu Hotel – Super value-for-money, around $20-$25 per night, but they have many different rooms.
• Berbera: Barwaqo hotel – Basic but clean and paid $10 for a private room with its own bathroom. The hotel restaurant serves amazing fish.

📚 Books about Somaliland

Somaliland travel guide by Bradt – The only proper travel guidebook to Somaliland is the one from Bradt, published in December 2018, so it is quite up-to-date and gives a great overview of the country. I love Bradt.

Becoming Somaliland by Mark Bradbury – Great analysis for understanding the story of Somaliland, from declaring independence to becoming a democracy in one of the most turbulent regions on Earth.

❗ More information for traveling to Somaliland

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Somaliland destination

• Fear and Loathing in Somaliland
• Somaliland Itinerary

Travel guides to other countries in Africa

• Ethiopia Travel Guide
• Eritrea Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Sudan
• Travel Guide to Egypt
• Libya Travel Guide
• Mali Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Mauritania
• Tunisia Travel Guide

You might also like our Haiti travel guide .

39 comments

Great stuff – thanks for this! I’m really enjoying reading about the Horn of Africa. Fantastic advice as always. Looking forward to reading the next instalment already – keep ’em coming

cheers man, my pleasure!

Hello Joan How did you get to Las Geel rock art? All I can see is a bus to Dhubato – and the site is about 6km from there? Can you walk – or do you need to get a taxi and pick up a guide/guard? Cheers mate

Hello Andy, yes, I took a bus to Dhubato and from there I walked. I guide is mandatory and they will assign you one at the checkpoint, before starting walking the 6km

Hello! I’m seeing a lot of people saying they paid up to $250 for Las Geel – how did you manage to only pay $35?? Thanks!

Hi Emily, if you go there by yourself, at the entrance they will charge you 35USD. Those who paid 250 was because they booked a tour most likely

Very interesting,and I am very happy to read my country,thanks you more dear for proving many thing about my country,come and enjoy again,second trip i will invite and i will show you more places that you were not seen before.

Thx for all the good detailed info! So my partner regularly goes to Somaliland and I clarified with him that the dish is not ‘penis’ but rather beans! The issue is that some local Somalilanders can not pronounce a B so it comes out like P or F. So beans is pronounced bean-us or ‘penis’ 🤣🤣🤣. Vélo is felo etc! So they were basically asking you if you wanted beans!

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Hilarious. That’s the best comment anyone ever posted on this site 🤣

I certainly enjoyed reading this guide. Travelled to Somaliland back in 2009 from Ethiopia by land. Stayed in the Oriental Hotel in Hargeisa. The manager there arranged for a permit, from the local police ‘Somaliland Scouts’, allowing us to travel to Berbera without the obligatory security. We still have it. No fee to pay at Las Geel then. As you say, friendly and peaceful place. The only danger seemed to be land mines. Food consisted of red spaghetti, with tomato sauce, & white, no tomato sauce plus some fresh fish in Berbera. There was also porridge for breakfast. This must be a legacy of British rule. We paid £30 for a visa at the Somaliland consulate in London back then. Glad to see somethings have not changed.

Hey Joan, thank you for making such a detailed and informative guide! What did you do about malaria prevention while you were out there? Are malaria and the mosquitoes that transmit the disease a high risk in Somaliland, particularly the Hargeisa area?

Hi Calum. I didn’t do any malaria prevention. There is malaria in that area indeed, but given the desert, dry weather, there are not as many mosquitoes as in other parts of Africa.

Hey Joan, I’m looking into the feasibility of cycling from Djibouti to Somaliland. The main question I can’t seem to find an answer for is the road surface; and I can’t easily make this out from Google Earth either. Did it look to you like you could ride a mountain bike on the roads there? Thanks!

Hi there, On Djibouti side, there’s no problem, but on Somaliland side, there are many long sections where roads are basically made of sand. I remember driving through the sand for hours. No sure if there are alternative paths.

OK thanks, then I need to decide if it’s feasible to go with thick enough tyres for the sand. My initial thought is it won’t make sense, unless I can find a way to change tyres there. I’ll give this some thought. Thanks!

Hi Joan! Do You know situation about Ethiopian visas in Hargeisa? Does embassy issue visas? I’ll be there in November and plan to come back to Ethiopia overland, so I can’t just get VoA. Greets Matt

Hi Matt, they don’t. Ethiopian visa is available on arrival, including landborder

Hi Joan! Congrats on all your work, truly inspiring. I plan on visiting Somaliland in about 2 months. Do you happen to have any contacts of local people whom it would be cool for me to meet up with? I travel mostly to meet local people from wherever I go and in such an isolated country as Somaliland anyone whom I could connect beforehand would be awesome. Many thanks in advance!

Hello dear I read your guide it’s quite interesting and helpful. I have been hired for a project as a geologist. I am going to join it in the coming week. I am worried about food and security. Thanks

Hello, I want to say that this is a nice travel guide that will definitely help others who want to go to Somaliland and what they can expect and important rules to follow. I do want to say regarding the food, that yes currently (because of the food shortage, drought) the food is not great, as in diverse or elaborate enough but in general Somali food is very diverse and offers a lot of variety, from different pasta and rice dishes with options like with coconut to the rice and different sauces ranging from mild to very spice, to different flatbreads like muufo, laxoox/canjeero and sabayad and more, fish dishes, soups (maraq), stews other than the lentil ones, lots of different and delicious desserts (xalwo, doolsho which is a sponge cake, different types of biscuits like kac kac and dozens more), fruits, vegetarian options, lamb dishes, snacks like sambusa or khamiir/mandazi which can be best described as doughnuts, beans dishes etc. Many of the dishes that i have mentioned are more common and originated in the south (aka Somalia) but for the most party Somalilanders also eat it. I hope that in the future the food situation will become better as there’s lot of potential to be made since currently the best Somali dishes can be found in restaurants across the west and Middle Eastern countries.

Thank you so much for this Sara, looking forward tpo going back and tasting some of the dishes you mention!

No problem. I have heard from family members and friends that there’s lots of different restaurants being opened, especially Yemeni and Syrian ones since lots of them have fled to Somaliland (and Ethiopia) so there’s more food variety available than Somali restaurants but even then they said that the quality and variety of the food and restaurants (customer service) is getting better as more people from the diaspora in the West are moving back home and bringing their expertise with them. Not to mention many people from the South (aka Somalia) are also moving to Somaliland since it is a lot safer and bringing their regional dishes with them.

I really enjoyed reading about your experience in Somaliland. As a first-generation Somali living in NA. I hope we as Somalis look to improve our agriculture development and set a new standard for high-quality food. Technology is on our side in today’s age. And as a member of the diaspora community. Going back to Somaliland and investing in my land is my dream goal. I hope in the next 50 yrs we become one of the best countries in Africa. Education, agriculture, & infrastructure should be the country’s 3 biggest areas for improvement and main focus.

Thanks a lot for your experience, I also hope you become one of the top countries in the continent 🙂

A few things – I imagine the Somaliland Office in Djibouti closes some days. Don’t supppose you remember which? How did you travel from Hargeisa to Jijiga, and then on to Harer? Is it relatively safe? Time from Hargeisa to Harer + /- ? You said you got the Visa for Ethiopia at the border…paying in dollars? Many thanks. Great blog, a reference for travel in a number of countries in the region and beyond. Et felicito!

Hi Chris, thanks a lot for your comment! My answers: – I really can’t remember which days, but probably Friday and Saturday? – Just regular bus, easy and safe – Pretty much the whole day with border crossings, etc – I did, but this has changed now and I don’t have the latest update

Thanks for this guide; it’s really great. Of course, as you point out, all government organisations state blankly that all of Somalia is a no-go area, so it’s good to get an experience of someone who has actually been there. I’ve always wanted to visit and your guide has really inspired me. I intend to cycle there and down the continent, so I sincerely have to hope that they don’t impose an escort on me. I saw the reply further up where you said the roads are sandy; which is kind of the worst surface for bikes, but I was planning on bringing fairly fat tyres anyway. Thanks again, I’m going! Daren

Cheers, Daren, I wish you the best of luck! The road was sandy from the border to Djibouti until Cabdulqaadir, more or less 🙂

Hi, I planning on entering Somaliland overland via Djibouti. I plan on re entering Djibouti afterwards to head into Ethiopia. I am wondering do I need 2 different visas for Djibouti? Thank you

Hi Do you think it’s possible to go to Berbera and hire a fisherman and his boat for a day? I have all the tackle, just need some local knowledge. Thanks!

Everything can be possible i guess, with a little money, I am sure many fisherman will gladly take you for a trip!

Dear Joan TORRES thank you for your guiding visitors and tourists coming my country Somaliland I HOPE YOU GOOD LUCK 👍

Is there any Djibouti embassy/consular where I can get Djibouti visa? Entering Djibouti by land border is not possible with djibouti evisa. So I need an embassy.

Thanks for this super helpful guide on Somaliland, I’m visiting in a couple weeks! As a data point, I got my visa for GPB 50 from the London Somaliland mission, issued on the same day. Instructions and application form are on their website.

amazing Matt, thanks for the info!

Great article with very helpful information. Hoping to get to Somaliland from Ethiopia, but I’m wondering if you have further information on the boat passage from Oman to Somaliland? You mentioned a couple was able to come via boat from Salalah and it is possible to go the other way. I want to get to Oman from Somaliland if possible. I’d appreciate any insight, thanks!

Great post!

I am planning to visit very soon but a little bit confused aboutthe Visa process. I plan on getting a VOA but some people say you must have an invitation letter and some people say you dont need to pre arrange anything. Could yyou clarify what they actually require from you at immigration?

If you fly in you don’t need to visit a consulate but if you’re overlanding, yes you do

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TRAVELING TO SOMALILAND

If you are planning to travel to Somaliland you might need visa to enter into the country. No visa’s will be issued at the airport and you will need to sort out the visa before you travel. All international travelers coming to Somaliland require a visa except all ethnic Somali’s regardless of their current citizenship or international travel documents they are using during their trip. You will need a passport which is valid minimum 6 months, two passport size photos and a visa fee.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISITOR VISA TO SOMALILAND

Currently travelers can only get Somaliland visa either from the Somaliland United Kingdom Mission in London or the Somaliland Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. If you want to apply for a visa you can download  Somaliland Visitor Visa Application Form  and can present your application at the Somaliland Missions in person and your visa can be processed immediately. You will need to contact the office and arrange an appointment time. If you are unable to apply in person you can send the documents to the Somaliland Mission Offices.

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Travel to Somaliland; A Guide to Somaliland Travel

Somaliland may not have the Taj Mahal , the Statue of Liberty or even a Macdonalds but I’d trade all three of these for one trip here. Really, of all the places I have been Somaliland really shakes up your preconceptions. You can’t walk 100 metres on the street without shaking 10 people’s hands, you’ll have people bellowing and waving from across the road, people offering you Qat (a local leaf people chew here that ‘apparently’ gets you a bit removed from your conscious state), inviting you to their own houses etc. Friendly doesn’t even begin to describe it. It’s pretty easy to get a visa for Somaliland , especially in neighbouring Ethiopia, and if you’re lucky you might end up with a crazy Somaliland travel story or 2 to tell !

Table of Contents

Is Somaliland A Country?

Good question. The answer is somewhere between a yes and a no. It considers itself a country. It has its own passport, currency and government, and even a few embassies in other countries. That being said, the United Nations doesn’t consider it a country, and 99% of the rest of the world agrees. Therefore, strictly speaking, it isn’t a country and is still part of Somalia. However, in every sense, it acts as an independent nation. It’s just a technicality that stops it truly being a ‘real’ country, and one of the other 54 ‘real’ countries in Africa . 

Travel Insurance for Somaliland?

Almost all travel insurance companies don’t cover Somaliland. Safety Wing does, check them out . 

Where Is Somaliland?

First, let me admit to my ignorance and admit I wasn’t aware of the 3 separate ‘countries’ within what we know as Somalia – Somaliland, (the relatively safeish part), Puntland (the ‘probably too dangerous’ to visit part) and Somalia (the dangerous, pirate hoarding, Islamic fundamentalist part, read my blogposts about travelling to Mogadishu, Somalia here ). 

Somaliland is to the north of Somalia, in the horn of Africa, with Djbouti above it, and Ethiopia to the west of it. 

Is Somaliland Safe To Travel?

Ok, history lesson over! So Somaliland is very safe. Of course, the danger level doesn’t quite equate itself with nipping out for a cup of coffee in Belgium but relative to the region it’s safe as houses. That being said, you do require an armed guard (a steal at $10 per day) when you leave it’s capital, Heigeisha, although I hasten to add this is simply a safety precaution and to be honest pretty much unnecessary (thank God!)

For the 10, 000 greetings and will wishes I have received, I feel it’s my duty to add, I’ve also had one dude shouting “white man, I kill you”, another old guy try to slap my face and some crazy dude chucking a rock at my friend so don’t expect all roses and perfume! Remember it’s still a 100% Islamic state and there are people who bear grudges against the white people for our colonial past (and ultimately breaking up their nation into 3 separate areas) and more recently for the wonderful work Mr Bush has done to antagonize and alienate an entire people. Don’t fret though, I promise you will be blown away by the vast majority of SomaliLander’s hospitality, affability and warmth and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

Things to do in Somaliland

Ok, down to business. It’s not easy to travel around Somaliland and that’s an absolute fact, and as I mentioned when you leave the capital it’s mandatory to bring a police escort, but at $10 a day I’m sure the budget can stretch and besides it’s a great story to tell when you get back home

There are 3 main places of interest in Somaliland – Hargeisa (the Capital), Berbera and Laas Geel . All of which you’ll want to see but 2 of which are far from easy to arrange on your own.

Hageisha is the capital and is a nice place to stay for a few days and absorb the unique culture. There’s not too much to see in terms of sights aside from the market on Indepance Road and the Mig Jet Statue. My advice would be to head straight to Independence Road, which is in effect the city centre, and find some accommodation there. I stayed in the Siraaj Hotel, opposite Jama Mosque ( although many stay at the Oriental hotel ) and for $8 a night you can get a twin room, en suite with a fan and TV, awesome staff and cleaner than my own bedroom! There are plenty of similar hotels around the market there.

NOTE: When you arrive in Somaliland unless you’re flying, you’ll have to return to Ethiopia, which means you’ll need another Ethiopian visa. You can get this in Hageisha but it can be a bit tricky.

First, you have to go to Somaliland Immigration and get a letter of recommendation (costs $10 although I’m pretty sure that went in the guys back pocket). You also need 2 passport photos, a photocopy of your passport and a photocopy of your entry stamp to Somaliland. You have to do this before 11 am. After that, you need to head to the Ethiopian Embassy, again before 11 am, hand over $20, another 2 passport photos, your letter of recommendation and plead to get your passport back the same day which is possible if the guy likes you, if not come back tomorrow. Job done!

The bureaucracy doesn’t end there though!  So you have your Ethiopian visa, you have a nice hotel in the city centre and now you want to venture out to Berbera or Laas Geel…

Berbera is a beach town about 100km from the capital. On paper it’s simple, take a public bus, whack on your swimmers and jump in – not so! It’s illegal to take a public bus outside the city as a foreigner, so you need to rent a car. But it’s also illegal to drive without a ‘bodyguard’ so you need to arrange that too. Head to the Department of Tourism and speak to the director, who can arrange the guard for you at $10 per guard per day. 2 people will require 2 guards, 3 require 3 and so on. Renting a car is around $20-$30 for the day and is easy to sort out on Independence road.

Somaliland’s most famous attraction, and it’s pretty awesome. Basically, its hundreds of Neolithic rock paintings in a network of caves and it was only discovered in 2003, crazy eh?!

This place will be world-famous when the international community begin to recognize Somaliland as a republic so get there now before the hoards of tourists turn up and ruin it all. And you can triumphantly declare you were there before the Starbucks was built at the entrance. Again, you need to rent a car and brings a bodyguard so either try to do a day trip to here and Berbera in one day or make sure you have enough cash to rent them for 2 days, including dinner and accommodation.

Alternatively, the Oriental hotel can organize all this for you and set-up a day trip to both places. Naturally, you pay a premium for this service but it’s pretty user friendly and if time is an issue this will be much quicker than doing it yourself.

Somaliland Travel Info

Budget : $10-$15 per day (excluding bodyguards and car rental)

Food : around $2 per meal and pretty delicious (spaghetti is their staple carb believe it or not)

Accommodation : $3-$10 per night per person

Transport : tough to use public transport but about a dollar an hour if you dare…

People : ridiculously friendly aside from the odd hardliner who mightn’t love your presence!

Weather : hot hot hot, bring sunscreen and drink plenty of water

Religion : 100% Muslim so try to be culturally sensitive in terms of behaviour and dress.

Currency : NO ATMS HERE, BRING USD. 6000 shillings is $1 USD (note: their biggest note is 500 shillings, about 15 cents!, change up $50 and you’ll feel like Michael Douglas from Wall Street I promise)

Visa : $30, not available on arrival by land. Get in London, USA or Ethiopia. Read my blog post about how to get a visa for Somaliland here

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REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING AN ORDINARY PASSPORT

To apply for an ordinary passport, Somali citizens must adhere to the following formal requirements:

1. Formal Written Request Letter:  A signed and well-written request letter must be submitted as part of the application process. The letter should clearly state the applicant’s intention to obtain an ordinary passport and provide any necessary supporting information. 2. Two Passport Photos: Two recent, high-quality passport-sized photographs are required. The photos should meet the specific guidelines set by the passport issuing authority, such as size, background color, and facial expression. 3. Birth Certificate: An original birth certificate issued by the local government must be provided. The birth certificate serves as a vital document to establish the applicant’s identity and date of birth. For individuals residing outside the country, an original birth certificate issued by the Somali embassy or consulate in their country of residence is acceptable. 4. Certificate of Non-Criminal Record:  A valid Certificate of Non-Criminal Record obtained from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is mandatory. This document assures that the applicant has no criminal record and is essential for ensuring the integrity of the passport issuance process. 5. Personal and Document Verification:  Applicants are required to undergo a thorough personal interview and document examination process to verify their identity and eligibility for an ordinary passport. This verification process is designed to maintain the security and authenticity of the passport issuance system. 6. Payment Receipt:  A valid receipt confirming payment of the prescribed passport application fee must be presented. The payment receipt serves as evidence of compliance with the financial obligations related to the passport application process.

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Somaliland visa application form.

Find here the latest Somaliland and Djibouti Visa Information. You can use our Visa Requirements Tool to see if you need a travel visa. In addition, you can find the needed information and documentation.

General requirement:

Your passport or travel document must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of departure.

You must be able to demonstrate the purpose of your stay to customs and immigration officials.

You need to leave the country before the expiration of your visa or extend your visa.

Somaliland visa process

Whether you can enter Somaliland without visa pre-arrangements depends on your nationality.

• If our Visa Requirements Tool tells that you can get your visa on arrival without any pre-arrangements, then you can get it at The Airport/Border after paying the visa cost fee + tax of $60 USD.
• a. Download and fill out Visa application Form.
• b. Send the completed Visa Application Form along with your passport scan to us by e-mail.
• c. In case you have a confirmed tour with us and need assistance, please contact us.
• d. After receiving all needed documents from you, we will apply for the visa on arrival.
• e. Once it has been approved, we will send you the Visa Confirmation Letter.
• f. You will need to print this letter and show it at The Airport/Border to get your visa on arrival.
• g. Pay the visa cost fee + tax of $60 USD at The Airport/Border
• h. Welcome to Somaliland!

Note : Recently we have experienced that The Somaliland Immigration Department in some cases is asking foreign travellers for a Sponsor Invitation Letter. As a precaution, we provide this Sponsor Invitation Letter to all our clients which indicates that we will be taking care them.

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• a. For applying, please visit https://www.evisa.gouv.dj/
• b. Submit the application online with all the needed documents.
• c. In case you need assistance during the process, please contact us.
• d. We can only provide a Djibouti Invitation Letter if you have a confirmed tour with us.
• e. Receive your e-Visa within a couple of working days.

The information provided on our website is for general informational purposes only. All information on the website is provided in good faith. However, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the site. Always consult with us for the latest information.

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UAE Starts accepting Somaliland Passport, The first person travels today

Horndiplomat- UAE  granted an Entry visa to the Somaliland passport, residents who’re willing to travel for a business, medical, or tourism can do it now.-Horndiplomat reports

Somaliland citizen who’s travelling Somaliland passport in UAE posted this video on Twitter.

On March 20, Somaliland opposition leader Eng.Faisal Ali Hussein(Warabe) accompanied by  president Biihi in UAE visit told the media in Egal International Airport after President and his delegation back in the capital.Eng. Faisal Ali Warabe confirmed that the UAE government accepts Somaliland passport can enter into her country Eng Faisal says. “UAE government accepts of our passport to enter into her country and further allowed that the UAE can issue visas with Somaliland travel documents.”Says Eng Faysal Ali warabe.

UAE leads the campaign of  recognizing Somaliland globally   by recognizing as first step.  DP World Chairman Mr  Sultan highlighted during his latest speech   that Somaliland was an independent country from 28 years, which received warm public welcome, and the government in Dubai and Abu Dhabi should follow the example of Mr Sultan.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Citizens with Somaliland travel document can go to the following countries:-

1- South Africa

2- Ethiopia

3- Djibouti

5- United Kingdom

7- South Sudan

Somaliland is a broke away republic that seceded from Somalia in 1991 but it has not been recognized.

Turkey, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya have a diplomatic office in Hargeisa.

This is a developing story, Please check back at the Horndiplomat for Updates.

By: Mohamed Duale Editor-in-Chief  @ HornDiplomat   Tweets  @MohamadDuale

SOURCE: HORNDIPLOMAT

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Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.

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The 1 Big Mistake You Should Never, Ever Make With Your Passport

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

A couple of years ago, I was invited to attend a friend’s July wedding in his wife’s hometown in northern Italy. As the date approached, I remarked to another friend who was also planning to travel from the U.S. for the celebration that I was glad I had just renewed my passport since it was due to expire in May. She responded cheerfully that she was all set because her passport wouldn’t expire until September.

She was mistaken. My friend was not all set because Italy, as part of the Schengen Area of European countries, requires visitors to have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date they intend to depart.

Fortunately, she was able to expedite her passport renewal and make it to the wedding, but her situation highlighted a fairly common misconception about international travel.

Having A Current Passport Isn’t Always Enough

“A lot of us just think we need a valid passport to travel the world beyond our borders, but what many people don’t realize [is] that a current passport alone might not be enough,” said Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the flight alert service Going .

Indeed, many countries require your passport to have a certain duration of validity remaining beyond the intended dates of your trip. The most common lengths are three and six months past the date you fly back to the U.S.

“A lot of countries, namely in Asia and the Middle East, require six months’ validity beyond your travel dates ― meaning if you take a trip to Vietnam in July, for example, your passport needs to be valid up until at least January,” Nastro explained. “If you arrive at the airport and try to get on your flight, some airlines won’t even let you board without this very important bit of time, in which case you run the risk of not being able to take your trip.”

Each country has a different timeline for passport validity, so international travelers need to familiarize themselves with these policies before booking a trip.

“Some may require three months, while others may require six months or even more,” said David Alwadish, the founder and CEO of the passport and visa service ItsEasy.com. “When some countries also require a visa and grant a multiyear paper visa, they may require at least one year or more [of] validity.”

The specific requirement depends on a variety of factors, including the country’s immigration policies, bilateral agreements and security risk considerations.

“Therefore, it’s crucial for travelers to thoroughly check the entry requirements of the specific country they plan to visit to ensure compliance with passport validity regulations,” Alwadish emphasized.

He and Nastro have both observed a lack of understanding around passport validity rules.

“It’s common for people to be unaware of the three- or six-month passport validity rule, particularly among those who don’t travel frequently or haven’t encountered it before,” Alwadish said. “The rule may not be consistently enforced across all countries, causing misconceptions among travelers. The complexity of immigration policies, which can change, adds to the challenge of staying informed. Lastly, passport validity requirements may not be well-publicized, leading to lower awareness among travelers.”

What’s The Reason For These Requirements?

“These requirements ensure that visitors have a valid passport for the duration of their intended stay, as well as for a buffer period in case of unexpected delays or extensions,” Alwadish explained.

You might’ve planned a two-week sojourn in the South of France, for instance, but maybe after a few days you realize that you actually want to stay for two months. Or perhaps something happens that’s out of your control.

“This is mainly out of precaution,” Nastro said. “Let’s say you fall seriously ill or have an accident and then need to stay in that country longer than intended. If your passport expires during this unplanned time, it can cause a mountain of issues upon trying to exit the country.”

The period of passport validity for international tourists provides an extra cushion in case you sustain an injury that precludes you from flying for a while, or you delay your return for other personal reasons. The point is to account for the fact that plans might change.

“Countries set a minimum of three or six months of passport validity for foreign visitors to facilitate efficient immigration procedures, bolster security measures and improve emergency management,” Alwadish said. “This ensures that visitors have a valid travel document throughout their stay and can respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, these requirements promote fairness and reciprocity in visa policies, fostering balanced relationships between countries.”

The specific duration varies from country to country, and not every destination has these requirements.

“For example, the Mexican government only requires that your passport is valid during the entirety of your trip versus after the trip,” Alwadish said.

How To Make Sure You’re OK To Travel

“For a lot of folks, it’s not an issue since you get 10 years out of a passport,” Nastro said. “When you realize it’s the year your passport expires, however, you actually might be running against a six-month clock depending on where you are traveling to. It makes sense to just go through the renewal process sooner rather than later.”

She recommended renewing your passport a year before it’s due to expire so that you know it’s all taken care of early.

“With expedited processing and wait times at record lows, you’ll most likely see a new book back sooner than expected,” Nastro added.

When it comes to passports and other important travel documents, advanced planning is the name of the game.

“While some countries enforce uniform rules for all foreign visitors, others may have different requirements depending on the visitor’s nationality or specific visa agreements,” Alwadish said. “It is so vital that travelers check the entry requirements of their destination country to understand any variations based on nationality.”

He recommended reviewing an embassy or consulate website in your home country for the place you want to visit. Most provide detailed information about entry requirements for foreign visitors. You might also consult the State Department’s website or travel advisories from the immigration authority at your destination.

Once you have that information, compare your passport expiration date with your planned travel dates.

“To cross-reference with the country’s validity rules, start from the day you return and add the number of months required for the validity,” Alwadish said. “The rule is usually three to six months from the day you return, not from the day you leave.”

Make sure to check the rules of the airline you’re flying as well, especially if you only have four or five months of validity after the date you return home.

“If you don’t have six months of validity starting from the date you return from the trip, the airline has the power to turn you away, whether they’re right or wrong,” Alwadish said. “You should call them and have them put a note in the system regarding this issue so they’re aware of it prior to your arrival at the airport.”

Confirm that your passport has sufficient blank pages and is not damaged. If you changed your name recently due to marriage, divorce or another reason, your passport will need to reflect that as well. Don’t forget to see if your destination requires a visa or electronic travel authorization.

In the event that an issue arises, there are ways to get your travel documents in a rush , but you can avoid the extra stress and hassle by doing a few extra checks in advance. Then, just relax and enjoy your international vacation.

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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Mindfully American

World’s 25 Friendliest Passports, U.S. Passport Makes the Cut

Posted: May 1, 2024 | Last updated: May 1, 2024

Owning a passport is a privilege that not all citizens around the world are lucky enough to have. But even for those with a passport, a myriad of factors determine how easy it is for citizens to enter other countries.

Global Citizen Solutions recently released its 2024 Quality of Life Index, ranking the 25 friendliest passports in the world. Do you know where the United States ranks?

Ranking Passport Friendliness

Global Citizen Solutions used and weighted the following factors to determine how friendly (and unfriendly) a passport is:

• Enhanced mobility (50%)
• Investment (25%)
• Quality of life (25%)

They used quantitative data from several respected institutions, including but not limited to The World Bank and the World Economic Forum. These are the friendliest passports in the world.

Germany has the friendliest passport in the world, according to the Global Passport Index . Germans only need to apply for a non-electronic visa in 23 countries, and thanks in great part to being in the Schengen Area, they have visa-free access to 37 countries without a limit on the number of days they can stay.

2: United States

American travelers have lots to be thankful for: The United States ranks as the second friendliest passport in the world. Although Americans have visa-free access to only four countries compared to Germany’s 37, they have visa-free access with a limited number of days in 106 countries. Americans can apply for on-arrival visas in 38 countries and must apply for a non-electronic visa in advance to visit 24 countries.

Like Germans, Swedes are able to travel to all but 23 countries without applying for a non-electronic visa in advance. They also have unlimited visa-free visiting access to 37 countries, although they can “only” access 81 countries visa-free with a limited stay.

As another member of the Schengen region, Danes have nearly the same passport privileges as Germany and Sweden. So, why is Denmark ranked beneath them? It ranks as a relatively low 26 on the investment index scale, meaning it might not be as favorable of a place for business people to want to move to or work with.

5: Netherlands

There’s a minor difference between Denmark and the Netherlands in terms of international accessibility: The Dutch have one less country where they have visa-free access with a limited number of days (80 countries instead of 81).

The Northern European country of Finland joins its Schengen peers in ranking high for passport friendliness. To top it off, Finland ranks number one in the world for quality of living, according to the Global Passport Index.

7: United Kingdom

Since Brexit officially took place in January 2020, citizens of the United Kingdom currently only have visa-free access to seven countries without a time limit. That said, they can still enter a respectable 103 countries visa-free with a set, limited number of days.

America’s northern neighbor is almost as good on the passport-friendliness scale as the U.S. However, Canadians have four fewer country options for entering visa-free with a limited stay.

Norway citizens can stay for a limited time in 78 countries without applying for a visa. They have free access without a limit to 37 countries and must apply for a visa on arrival to 31 countries.

10: Switzerland

Switzerland rounds out the top ten countries with the friendliest passports. The Swiss “only” have visa-free, unlimited access to 36 countries. They must apply for an electronic visa before visiting 26 countries.

The minuscule, upscale country of Monaco packs a decent punch for its passport friendliness. Europeans that call Monaco home have visa-free, limited-stay access to 99 countries. However, they only have visa-free limitless access to four countries.

12: Luxembourg

Luxembourg citizens must apply for a visa to visit 23 of the world’s countries before arriving in them. Like their fellow Schengen neighbors, they have visa-free access to 37 countries.

13: Singapore

Based on the Global Passport Index’s findings, Singapore has the friendliest passport in Asia. Singaporeans must apply for a non-electronic visa in advance to 22 countries. They have visa-free access to seven countries and free access with a limited number of days in 115 countries.

14: Ireland

The Irish have access to 71 countries without a visa and for a set number of days. But taking into account their visa-free, unlimited access to 39 countries, they rank well on this list. People with an Irish passport may receive on-arrival visas in 38 countries.

The land of croissants and the Eiffel Tower offers its citizens a decently friendly passport. French citizens only need to apply for a non-electronic visa in advance in 23 countries, and they have visa-free access to 37 countries.

16: Australia

Australians need to apply for a visa on arrival to 41 countries, which is something many citizens would rather do than go through the process of applying for a non-electronic visa in the 23 countries that require it. Australian passport holders can access six countries visa-free without a limit and 99 countries visa-free with a time limit.

17: New Zealand

Compared to Australia, New Zealanders have one less country (five countries) to which they have visa-free access. That drops them below Australia in the Global Passport Index’s passport-friendliness ranking, even though they can enter four more countries than Australia visa-free with a limit on the number of days they stay.

18: Liechtenstein

Nestled between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is in the Schengen area but isn’t a European Union member. Liechtensteiners have visa-free access to 37 countries and visa-free access with a limited stay to 75 countries.

19: Austria

Austrians can arrive in 30 countries and apply for a visa on the spot, while enjoying 37 countries they can access visa-free without a time stamp. Like many of the countries on this list, Austrian passport holders must apply for a non-electronic visa in advance to 23 countries.

The Japanese have visa-free access to only two countries. However, they can enter 109 countries without a visa and on a limited stay. They’re also able to apply for a visa on arrival in 39 countries.

Like citizens from other Schengen countries, Spanish passport holders have visa-free access to 37 countries. The Spanish can access 81 countries without a visa but can only stay for a limited timeframe.

22: Belgium

There’s one fewer country Belgians can visit visa-free on a limited stay compared to Spain: 80 countries instead of 81. Belgians can also apply for an on-arrival visa in 30 countries.

23: Czech Republic

Czech Republic passport holders are able to enter 78 countries on a limited stay and without a visa. As with their Schengen neighbors, they have visa-free access to 37 countries.

24: United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the only Middle Eastern country to make this top 25 list of the friendliest passports in the world. UAE citizens have access to 10 countries visa-free with no stay limit, and 103 countries with a limited stay. They can also apply for a visa in 42 countries upon arrival.

25: South Korea

South Korean passport holders are able to visit 111 countries without a visa as long as they stay for a limited number of days. They have visa-free, unlimited stays in two countries, and there are 40 countries where they can apply for a visa upon arrival.

Unfriendliest Passport

North Korea has the unfriendliest passport in the world, according to the Global Passport Index. Citizens who manage to obtain a passport have visa-free access to only two countries with an unlimited stay and seven countries with a limited stay. A whopping 125 countries require North Koreans to apply for a non-electronic visa before visiting them.

The city-state of Vatican City has the second unfriendliest passport in the world. Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Yemen come in second to fifth places for passport unfriendliness, respectively.

Travel Without a Passport

If you want to travel abroad but don’t love the thought of going through the passport application process, these are six countries Americans can travel to without a passport.

6 Countries Americans Can Travel To Without a Passport

Traveling Without ATM Fees

How does never paying an ATM fee when you travel sound? Discover the trick to doing just that from a traveler who’s saved hundreds of dollars in ATM fees.

How To Never Pay an ATM Fee Abroad

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Is It Safe in Moscow?

Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

• The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
• Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
• Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

• It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
• If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
• Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
• Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
• Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

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Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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