How do you ship cargo to Somalia from the UK? *(lever: very strong UK diaspora)*
Britain is home to one of the world's largest Somali communities, and Rolats moves barrels, boxes and food parcels home every week. Sea freight via Mogadishu or Berbera is the cost-effective choice for barrels, boxes, furniture and 20ft/40ft containers; air freight into Mogadishu is for urgent items and the Eid/Sallah peaks when families send extra. We handle LCL/groupage and FCL, collecting anywhere in the UK.
How long does shipping from the UK to Somalia take?
Sea cargo to Mogadishu or Berbera generally takes 6–8 weeks port-to-port plus inland delivery, with some services transshipping via the Gulf. Air freight to Mogadishu is typically a few working days — worth planning around Eid demand. We quote a realistic window per shipment.
What does it cost to ship to Somalia?
Air freight is £5.90 per kg plus £20 handling. Sea cargo starts from £70 per bag — call or email for a quote on barrels, boxes and containers. Everything is all-in, in GBP, so your family in Somalia isn't billed at the other end. Send your item list and destination for an exact figure.
Door-to-door delivery in Somalia
We collect from any UK address into our Dagenham depot, ship, clear customs and deliver to the recipient in Mogadishu, Hargeisa and beyond. Prefer drop-off and collection? That works too.
Somalia customs — what you need
Imports clear through the relevant customs authority at Mogadishu or Berbera, with duty payable on arrival . Documentation is in Somali or Arabic. We prepare the paperwork so cargo isn't held, and advise on restricted items before you ship.
Shipping a car to Somalia from the UK
Rolats ships cars to Somalia (UK→Somalia only) by container via Mogadishu or Berbera — quote-only, so call or email. We guide you through age, duty and inspection rules before shipping.
What can you send to Somalia?
Barrels & boxes, personal effects & household removals, electronics, food parcels, commercial stock, cars, and documents.
Why ship to Somalia with Rolats? *(diaspora)*
We know the UK Somali community — London, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff — and the rhythm of Eid sending. Dagenham depot, true door-to-door, all-in GBP pricing, HMRC Customs Authorised with our own EORI. Cargo home, done properly.
Sending a parcel or barrel to Somalia and Somaliland
A great deal of what we carry to Somalia is not freight in the commercial sense — it is parcels, barrels, boxes and suitcases sent by families in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff to relatives in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Bosaso and Burco. Urgent items go by air at £5.90/kg plus a £20 handling charge, arriving within days; clothing, food, household goods and anything bulky travel by sea from £70 per bag into Mogadishu or Berbera. We collect from any UK address into our Dagenham depot and handle the paperwork at both ends, so nothing sits waiting on a document nobody told you about.