Israel’s National Security Council has placed Somaliland under a Level 4 travel advisory, the highest warning in Israel’s travel alert system, urging Israeli citizens to avoid travel to the territory and refrain from transiting through it whenever possible.
The advisory comes at a time when relations between Somaliland and Israel have been growing noticeably.
In recent months, the two sides have expanded political contacts, culminating in Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi’s visit to Israel in June 2026, where he was received by Israeli President Isaac Herzog during an official ceremony.
According to Israel’s National Security Council, destinations classified as Level 4 should be avoided entirely due to elevated security risks.
The advisory also extends to transit travel, with Israeli citizens advised not to leave airport terminals if they are required to pass through areas designated under the highest threat category.
Israeli authorities said the assessment is based on security concerns in Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa region. The council warned of potential threats from extremist groups and lone-actor attackers who may seek to target Israeli or Jewish individuals abroad.
The advisory also referenced threats and statements attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement concerning Israelis traveling in parts of Africa, including Somaliland.
The decision has drawn attention because it comes despite the warming relationship between Somaliland and Israel.
While Somaliland has openly welcomed closer ties with Israel, Israel is simultaneously warning its citizens against traveling to the territory due to security considerations.
The Level 4 designation does not indicate a suspension of political or diplomatic engagement between the two sides. Rather, it is a security assessment intended to guide Israeli travelers.
The National Security Council emphasized that the advisory reflects its evaluation of regional threats and should be viewed within the broader security context of the Horn of Africa.
Relations between Somaliland and Israel have reached new levels in recent months.
Reports in June indicated that Israel had been involved in training Somaliland security and police personnel, although Somaliland’s defense minister stated at the time that there were no discussions regarding the establishment of an Israeli military base in the territory.
The latest warning highlights the contrast between expanding political cooperation and ongoing security concerns.
While ties between Somaliland and Israel appear to be strengthening, Israeli security officials continue to view the region as a high-risk environment for their citizens.
The advisory also underscores Israel’s broader assessment of security conditions across the Horn of Africa, placing Somaliland among the locations that Israeli authorities believe travelers should avoid because of the potential threat of terrorism, regional instability and attacks targeting Israeli nationals.