Travel, Visa & Accommodation
Home >> Travel, Visa & Accommodation
Travel, visa & accommodation
Welcoming delegates to Mogadishu
Everything you need to plan the trip: visa and invitation letters, flights and airport transfers, where to stay, and the practical details for two days on the Indian Ocean coast.
Essentials at a glance
Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ)
The venue, Amara Hotel, is a short drive from the airport · connections via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Doha and Dubai
Visa on invitation
Secretariat issues invitation letters; check current e-Visa rules with your Somali embassy
East Africa Time (UTC+3)
Same as Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam
US dollars widely used
Alongside the Somali shilling; mobile money is everywhere, cards rarely accepted
Warm in October
Around 27–30°C, light and breezy on the coast — light formal wear
Dial code +252
Local SIMs and eSIMs available on arrival; conference Wi-Fi at the venue
Before you travel
Four steps, in order. Start early — visas and flights to Mogadishu are easier with time.
Confirm your participation
Reply to the secretariat with your name, organisation and passport details. You receive a confirmation the same day.
Invitation letter
The secretariat issues a personalised invitation letter for your visa application, addressed to you and your organisation.
Visa
Apply through Somalia’s e-Visa system or your nearest Somali embassy or consulate, with the invitation letter and a passport valid for at least six months.
Flights and arrival details
Book your flight and hotel, then send the secretariat your arrival time so an airport transfer can be arranged.
Visa & entry
Getting your visa
Most delegates need a visa to enter Somalia. The secretariat supports every confirmed delegate with an invitation letter; the visa itself is issued by the Somali authorities.
Invitation letter
Issued by the EACON secretariat once you confirm your participation, addressed to you and your organisation.
Passport validity
At least six months beyond your travel dates, with a blank page for the visa.
e-Visa or embassy
Somalia operates an electronic visa system; embassies and consulates also process applications. Requirements change — confirm the current procedure before applying.
Yellow fever certificate
Required if you arrive from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, including several EAC Partner States.
Delegates from all eight Partner States are welcome
Questions about your case? Write to info@eaccon.com with your nationality and travel dates.
Getting to Mogadishu
Aden Adde International Airport sits on the coast a short drive from the city centre — and the conference venue, Amara Hotel, is close by.
Flying in
Daily and near-daily services connect Mogadishu with the region and the Gulf hubs. Typical routes:
Delegates from Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali and Dar es Salaam usually connect through Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
On arrival
Meet and greet
Secretariat staff meet confirmed delegates in the arrivals area with EACON signage.
Airport transfer
Transfers to partner hotels and the venue are arranged for confirmed delegates who share their flight details.
Accreditation
Collect your badge at the hotel desk the evening before, or at the venue welcome desk from 08:00 on 12 October.
Accommodation
Where to stay
The secretariat negotiates conference rates at a small number of partner hotels close to the venue, all with secure compounds and airport pick-up. The list, rates and booking codes are shared with confirmed delegates.
Secure compounds
All partner hotels are inside secured zones with controlled access.
Shuttle to the venue
Scheduled morning and evening shuttles on both conference days.
Breakfast and Wi-Fi
Included in the conference rate at every partner hotel.
Group bookings
Delegations of five or more can ask the secretariat to block rooms together.
Book early: October is a busy month in Mogadishu and partner-hotel allocations are limited. Request the hotel list at info@eaccon.com.
Health, safety and practicalities
The small things that make two days in Mogadishu run smoothly.
Health
Travel insurance with medical cover is required. Keep routine vaccinations current; bring personal medication in original packaging.
Safety
Delegates receive a short security briefing on arrival. Move with the conference transport and hotel shuttles rather than independently.
Money
Carry US dollars in small notes. Mobile money (EVC Plus) is used everywhere; international cards work in very few places.
Connectivity
Local SIM cards from Hormuud are sold at the airport and hotels; data is fast and inexpensive. Conference Wi-Fi at the venue.
Dress and climate
Business attire for sessions. October is warm and humid — light fabrics, and a jacket for air-conditioned halls.
Power and time
220 V, European two-pin (Type C) sockets. East Africa Time, UTC+3, no daylight saving.
Language
Somali and Arabic are official; English is used throughout the conference with Somali interpretation.
Local customs
Friday is the day of prayer; the programme is scheduled around it. Modest dress is appreciated outside the venue.
Travel desk
Arrival times, visa letters, hotel requests and anything else about your trip.