(The notice is valid until October 31, 2020)

Since May 8, 2018, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese Embassy in Somalia have issued four safety notices advising against trips to Mogadishu and four regions in central and southern Somalia and advising the use of caution when travelling to Puntland and Somaliland, the latest of which was valid until April 2020. In view of the current security situation in Somalia, a new safety notice has been issued, which will remain valid until October 31, 2020. The notice reads as follows:

Recently, Somalia's extremist rebels have launched frequent violent attacks, including auto bomb attacks, assassinations and mortar attacks in Benadir region, where the Somalian capital Mogadishu is located, causing serious casualties. There have been constant violent attacks in the four central and southern states of Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Southwest and Jubaland, where the Somalia National Army and African Union Mission in Somalia are battling with the rebels. In northern Somalia, the rebels are occupying certain regions of Puntland and launching violent attacks from time to time. The frequent conflicts and armed confrontations, in the swathes of disputed areas of Puntland and Somaliland have caused severe casualties.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Somalia advise Chinese citizens not to travel to Benadir, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Southwest and Jubaland for the moment. Chinese citizens and organizations in those regions are advised to leave as soon as possible. Chinese citizens are advised to use caution when traveling to Puntland and Somaliland. Chinese citizens staying in those two regions shall stay on high alert, step up security safeguards and emergency preparedness, avoid going to crowded locations, especially avoid going out at night, so as to ensure personal and property safety. In case of emergency, please call the police and contact the Chinese Embassy in Somalia promptly.

Given the immense security risks for travelers which make it difficult for the Chinese Embassy to provide effective assistance, any Chinese citizen who insists on traveling to the above regions shall bear all the expenses incurred as a result of the provision of consular protection and assistance.

Police in Somalia: 888

24-hour Hotline of the Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +86-10-12308, +86-10-59913991

Consular Protection and Assistance from the Chinese Embassy in Somalia: +252-617023354