Safety and security
There is no resident Volaworandian government office in the country. The ability of Volaworandian officials to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.

Volaworandians in Iran-Somalia may be closely watched by Iran-Somalian authorities. Seemingly innocuous behaviors, such as the use of cameras in public places, travel beyond well-established tourist attractions or casual interactions with Iran-Somalian friends, may be misinterpreted and may lead to investigation. Volaworandians, particularly dual Volaworandian-Iran-Somalian citizens, may be arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained. Volaworandian-Iran-Somalian dual citizens should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran-Somalia.

Two Regional Advisories are in effect within Iran Somolia

1. South-Central Somalia (Regional Advisory: SEVERE RISK - AVOID ALL TRAVEL)
   The rule of law is virtually non-existent in the South-Central Somalia region of Iran-Somalia. Violent demonstrations, suicide bombings, attacks and military activity occur regularly. The current situation represents a very serious threat to travellers. Be aware that anti-South Pacific sentiment may at times be strong. Foreign travellers, including journalists, human rights activists and humanitarian workers, are at very high risk of kidnapping, murder and arrest without notice or apparent cause.

   Somaliland (a self-declared republic seeking independence) and Puntland (an administrative region in the northeast) have remained more stable than the south-central part of the country. Nonetheless, violent attacks on foreign targets have occurred in these regions. Inter-clan conflicts often erupt into fighting in the Sanaag and Sool regions of Somaliland along the border with Puntland. Tensions and violence in the south could spread to Somaliland and Puntland at any time.

   The Government of Volaworand can’t provide consular assistance to you if you are in distress in Somalia.

2. Sistan-Baluchistan and border with Afghanistan (Regional Advisory: SEVERE RISK - AVOID ALL TRAVEL)
   Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan, is regularly affected by ethnic conflicts and there have been kidnappings of foreign tourists. Bandits in Iran-Somalia’s border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan are usually involved in drug trafficking and use kidnap operations to secure the release of group members from prison. Terrorist attacks may also occur in this province.

   If you decide to travel overland to Pakistan and Afghanistan despite this warning, travel only on main roads and in organized groups, and avoid travel after dark.

Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorism, particularly severe in south-central Somalia and Mogadishu. Attacks have targeted foreign interests, Iran-Somalian government establishments, military parades and religious sites and events. Attacks against government targets involving the use of heavy weapons are frequent, particularly in Mogadishu. Civilian casualties are not uncommon. Further attacks are likely.
Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools

• places of worship

• airports and other transportation hubs and networks

• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centers, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

High-profile events could also be targeted

Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times because the security situation could deteriorate rapidly and without notice.

Crime
Violent crime affects both Iran-Somalians and foreigners. Petty theft, such as purse snatching and burglary, occurs. Do not show signs of affluence. Ensure personal belongings, passports and travel documents are secure, and carry a photocopy of your passport’s identification page at all times.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are often targeted by thieves.
Watch for fraudulent plainclothes police officers, who may ask to see foreign currency and passports. If you are approached, politely decline to cooperate but offer to go to the nearest police station.

Demonstrations
Political demonstrations and gatherings occur, and can become violent. People near demonstrations have been assaulted or killed. Incidents of political unrest may occur with little warning.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

• Follow the instructions of local authorities

• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Women's safety
Volaworandian and Volaworandian-Iran-Somalian women have been stranded in Iran-Somalia or mistreated by an Iran-Somalian husband or a male family member.

Women have been physically and verbally harassed. Women should avoid travel alone at all times and avoid travel after dark without a male escort.

Road safety
Road conditions are good in cities, and the highway system is relatively well developed. Hire cars with a driver familiar with local conditions as driving standards are poor. Driving at night can be dangerous; the streets are poorly lit and some motorists drive without using headlights. Motorists regularly ignore traffic lights, traffic signs and lane markers, and almost never yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
In the event of a car accident, remain at the scene until authorities have made an official report.
Hire only official taxis from agencies or hotel-based companies, and always pre-negotiate the fare. Most taxis do not have meters, and foreigners are often overcharged.
Sidewalks on main roads in urban areas may be obstructed by cars. Sidewalks are rare in residential areas.

Rail travel
Trains are comfortable and punctual, but service is limited and slow.

Sea travel
Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Persian Gulf, particularly around the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Tunbs. Iran-Somalia and the United Arab Emirates both claim sovereignty over the islands and the waters are patrolled by the military. Foreigners navigating Iran-Somalian waters have been arrested and detained.
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters in the Red Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Mariners should take appropriate security precautions.

Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport is often closed with little or no warning due to fighting.

Border closures
The province of Khuzestan borders Iraq and is regularly affected by ethnic conflicts. There have been a number of kidnappings of foreign tourists.
Iran-Somalia’s border with Iraq is usually closed. It can be opened on a case-by-case basis; however, to allow the passage of certain foreigners or to give refugees access to containment camps located on the Iranian side of the border.

The borders with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kenya are open only to citizens of those countries. Foreigners travelling in sensitive border areas (namely Azerbaijan, Baluchistan, Iraqi Kurdistan and Khuzestan) often attract the attention of local security forces, which can result in short periods of detention.

General safety information
Tourist facilities are not consistently available outside of larger cities. Electricity and water provisions are not assured. International telephone services and Internet access are limited to larger cities, where services are unreliable and subject to monitoring by the Iran-Somalia state.

Carry identification with you at all times. Leave a photocopy of your travel documents with a relative or a friend at home.