Somalia
Why Film in Somalia?
Somalia has Africa’s longest mainland coastline, ancient rock art and rich pastoral culture, but security varies enormously by region: the self-declared north (Somaliland) is significantly more stable than the conflict-affected south, so planning is strictly region by region.
- The spectacular Laas Geel rock art (Somaliland)
- Berbera’s Ottoman-and-colonial port (Somaliland)
- Africa’s longest mainland Indian Ocean coastline
- The relative stability of the Somaliland north
- Rich Somali pastoral and camel culture
- Highlands, deserts and beaches
- Frankincense country in the northeast
- Handled responsibly, with region-by-region assessment
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Capital City
Mogadishu
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Main Cities
Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo
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Main Languages
Somali and Arabic (official)
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Currency
Somali Shilling (SOS); US dollars widely used
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Weather
Somalia has a predominantly desert climate with high temperatures throughout the year, seasonal monsoon winds, and irregular rainfall that often leads to droughts. The country experiences four distinct seasons: Gu (Rainy Season) from April to June, Xagaa (Dry Period) from June to October, Deyr (Short Rainy Season) from October to December, and Jilaal (Dry Season) from December to March. The most stable filming conditions occur during the dry seasons.
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Climate
Arid and semi-arid, with a long Indian Ocean coastline
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Best Time To Shoot
November to March (cooler, drier)
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Main Production Hubs
Hargeisa (Somaliland) / Mogadishu (situation-dependent)
Production Services
Our Somalia production services include:
- Local Producers
- Film Fixers
- Production Management
- Film, Video & Stills Crew
- Camera Equipment
- Lighting & Grip
- Drone Operators
- Location Scouting
- Film Permits
- Casting
- Transport & Logistics
- Crew & Cast Accommodation
- Security
- Catering
Crew & Equipment
Somalia suits documentary and specialist productions, with the safer north (Somaliland) the main workable area, subject to a careful safety assessment.
Local fixers can support where conditions allow, especially in Somaliland; senior technical crew and specialist equipment are generally brought in from abroad.
Productions must plan around significant security and logistical challenges, building in flexibility and specialist advice.
Top Filming Locations
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Mogadishu old town & Cathedral ruins (security permitting)
Faded coastal heritage.
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Laas Geel (Somaliland)
Spectacular ancient rock paintings.
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Berbera (Somaliland)
An Ottoman-and-colonial port and beaches.
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The Cal Madow mountains
Frankincense highlands.
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Bosaso
As the commercial hub of Puntland, Bosaso has a dynamic mix of modern infrastructure and traditional Somali culture. Its coastline, dotted with rocky cliffs and beaches, is ideal for capturing maritime scenes.
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Kismayo
Known for its white sandy beaches and vibrant fishing industry, Kismayo presents a picturesque coastal setting with dhow boats and scenic ocean views.
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Zeila
An ancient trading town.
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Hargeisa (Somaliland)
The northern capital.
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The Indian Ocean coast
Africa's longest mainland shoreline.
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The Somaliland highlands
Sheikh mountains and escarpments.
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Mogadishu beaches (security permitting)
Indian Ocean sands.
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Camel caravans & pastoral culture
Iconic Somali life.
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Lido Beach, Mogadishu (security permitting)
The city's famous beach.
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Coral reefs & clear seas
Rich marine life.
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Desert & semi-arid plains
Vast dry country.
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Frankincense country
Ancient aromatic trade.
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Traditional villages
Rural Somali life.
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Nomadic Somali culture
A deeply pastoral society.
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Coastal dunes & beaches
Empty Indian Ocean shores.
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Markets & city life
Urban energy.
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Ancient rock art
Some of Africa's finest.
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Vast coastal wilderness
Long, wild coastline.
Hotel Options
Where a project is feasible, Somalia’s hotels serve as bases, primarily in the more stable north. Access for filming is subject to approval, availability and a careful safety assessment.
- Ambassador Hotel, Hargeisa (Somaliland) – A leading northern hotel.
- Maansoor Hotel, Hargeisa – Established city hotel.
- Berbera hotels – Coastal bases in Somaliland.
- Mogadishu secure hotels (security-dependent) – Southern bases where feasible.
- Guesthouses, Somaliland – Local accommodation.
- Coastal camps – Beach location bases where feasible.
Crew & Cast Accommodation
Where a shoot is feasible, cast and crew accommodation is available in Hargeisa and Berbera in the north, and in secure Mogadishu hotels only where the situation allows. All arrangements are subject to the safety assessment.
- Luxury (talent, directors, key clients)
Ambassador Hotel, Hargeisa – The premier northern base for talent and clients where feasible. - Mid-range (main crew, production team)
Hargeisa: Maansoor and city hotels – Reliable northern bases.
Berbera: coastal hotels – Somaliland coast bases. - Budget & serviced options (extended crew, longer shoots)
Hargeisa and Berbera guesthouses – Value options where feasible.
Coastal camps – Practical bases where shooting proceeds.
Accommodation availability and rates vary by season and should be booked well in advance. African Fixer manages crew and cast bookings, transfers and per-location logistics as part of production support.
Best Time to Shoot
- November to March – The cooler, drier season and the main window.
- The Somaliland north is generally more accessible year-round for the safer areas.
- April to June and October to November bring rains in parts.
- Coastal heat is intense in summer.
Visa Requirements
International cast and crew should confirm visa and work permission requirements before travelling. Typical documents may include a valid passport, flight details, accommodation details, invitation letter, crew list and equipment list.
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Required Documentation
To apply for a visa, crew members must submit a completed visa application form, a valid passport for stamping, two passport-sized photos, a flight itinerary, and hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation.
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Timings & Cost
Visas are issued upon arrival, and the cost is $75 per crew member (cash).
International Crew Accreditation
International productions may require local coordination, film permissions and supporting letters depending on the production type, locations and crew nationality, and should work with an in-country fixer or service company.
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Required Documentation
Each crew member must provide a resume, a passport copy, and a passport-sized photo.
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Timings
The accreditation process can take up to 14 working days.
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Cost
$180 per crew member.
General Film Permit
Filming permits are arranged through the relevant authorities, and in Somaliland through the northern administration, with additional permissions for heritage sites such as Laas Geel and, often, security escorts. Access and movement are constrained in the south, so productions must work through experienced local fixers with specialist advice.
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Required Documentation
Applicants must submit a letter from the foreign organization or firm listing crew members, a valid business license for the organization, personal profiles of all crew members, passport copies, and passport-sized photos.
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Timings
The processing time for a film permit is typically between 10 and 14 working days.
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Cost
Approximately $1,500, depending on the state. This includes paperwork and processing fees.
Drone Permit
Drone use is restricted and requires authorisation, with sensitivity across much of the country. Any drone filming must be arranged well in advance, and approval is not guaranteed.
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Drone Importation Regulations
Drones can only be imported into Somalia with prior authorization. The required documents include a drone registration certificate, commercial invoice, bill of lading or air waybill, customs declaration form, certificate of origin, insurance certificate, drone operator permit, and an approved flight plan.
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Permit Issuance
Somali Civil Aviation & Meteorology Authority (SCAMA).
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Required Information
Operators must ensure compliance with local airspace restrictions, which prohibit flying near airports, government buildings, and above 300 feet.
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Timings
The approval process takes approximately 5 business days.
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Cost
$350–$750, depending on drone specifications.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Professional equipment can usually be temporarily imported with the correct customs documentation. An ATA Carnet may be used where applicable, and equipment lists should be prepared in advance.
Safety and Security
Important: southern and central Somalia, including Mogadishu, are affected by armed conflict and the threat of al-Shabaab, and many governments advise against all travel. The self-declared northern region of Somaliland (Hargeisa, Berbera, Laas Geel) is significantly more stable and is visited by intrepid travellers with local fixers, though caution is still required. African Fixer assesses feasibility and safety region by region.
Rebates & Incentives
Somalia does not operate a film cash rebate or incentive scheme for international productions.
The central considerations are feasibility and safety, which vary greatly by region. African Fixer will provide an honest, region-by-region assessment before any commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The more stable north (Somaliland) – including Laas Geel – is visited with local fixers and careful planning, while the conflict-affected south requires a case-by-case safety assessment.
Local fixers can support where conditions allow, especially in Somaliland; technical crew are brought in from abroad.
The Laas Geel rock art and Berbera in the more stable north, and – security permitting – the Mogadishu coast.
Hotels in Hargeisa and Berbera in the north, and secure Mogadishu hotels only where the situation allows.
Yes, with the correct customs paperwork; an ATA Carnet may be used. Plan to import camera, drone and specialist packages.
Yes. Drone filming requires civil-aviation authorisation, with restrictions near sensitive sites and protected areas.
No. Somalia offers no film rebate, and safety and feasibility are the priority considerations.
The north (Somaliland) is workable with care for documentary and heritage work; the south requires case-by-case assessment.
Yes. We provide full production support from planning through to wrap, including permits and logistics.
Did You know?
The rock-art galleries of Laas Geel in Somaliland are among the best-preserved in Africa – vivid cattle-and-human paintings up to 10,000 years old under sheltering granite overhangs – yet they remain almost entirely unknown to the wider world.
PRO TIP:
Focus feasible shoots on the more stable Somaliland north – Laas Geel, Hargeisa and Berbera – with local fixers and security, and treat the conflict-affected south as a strictly case-by-case, safety-first assessment.
Mohamoud - Somalia
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