For decades, Somalia’s name has been shorthand for conflict, piracy and danger. Since the country’s civil war began in the 1990s, the country has had relatively few Western visitors . Yet, against the odds, the East African nation is now seeing a quiet rise in foreign tourists.

About 10,000 tourists visited Somalia in 2024, according to the country’s Department of Tourism — a 50% increase on the previous year. That’s despite most Western governments still advising against all travel.

James Willcox, founder of the adventure tour company Untamed Borders , told CNN Travel that demand is growing fast. His company organized a record 13 group trips to Mogadishu this year, compared with just two in 2023.

On September 1, 2025, Somalia launched a new eVisa system aimed at simplifying entry

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