Poor, destroyed by civil war Somalia is divided now into 3 parts. The northern one – Somaliland is doing best. Very few people know how does it look like… I decided to go and see…
Exciting adventure! Since Somaliland is not recognized as a state it has no embassies abroad. I got the scan of my visa via internet – it was arranged by Ambassador Hotel in Hargeisa – the capital city of Somaliland.
After 45-min flight on a junk Il-18 plane I landed today in Somali. My first impessions: blue sky, dry heat, noisy crowd in the tiny airport terminal. Before you go to the immigrations you are forced to change in the bank window at least 50 USD on official rate (1USD=3500 Somaliland Shillings) minus commission. While the market rate is 6500!!! Then be prepared to pay 20 USD of immigration fee. Then you will get your stamp. Doors will open. You are in Somaliland. There must be a country like that!
