Somalia’s Tourism Sector Picks Up after Years of Collapse

By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter

Somalia, 30 January 2026 The Federal Government of Somalia says more than 67,000 tourists have visited the country in the past 13 years, underscoring the steady progress made in rebuilding peace and stability.

The Tourism Adviser at the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Yaasir Baafo, said due to improved security, 10 tourism companies have officially registered with the government and are currently operating in different federal member states.

“Tourism companies officially registered with the government, particularly those operating under the Ministry of Tourism, currently stand at 10. These companies are united in promoting the country’s tourism sector,” Baafo told Dawan Media in an exclusive interview

Baafo noted that the government is developing comprehensive laws and regulatory frameworks to guide how the companies facilitate the arrival of foreign tourists to Somalia.

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He added that the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism has introduced mandatory regulations that all tourists must follow upon entering the country, aimed at safeguarding security, culture, religion, and Somali societal values

“It is essential that tourists visiting Somalia comply with government regulations designed to prevent violations of culture, religion, and social norms,” he added.

The Somali government says the growing number of visitors has created an urgent need for modern laws to regulate tourism activities.

Officials say the tourism figures indicate that Somalia is slowly reclaiming its place on the regional tourism map, supported by improved regulation, legal frameworks, and security measures.

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