The backbone of the economy is livestock. The total livestock in the country is estimated at 24 million. In 1998, 3.5 million heads of livestock were exported to the Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia which is the main market for the livestock export. The level of exports dropped after 1999 due to a restriction imposed by Saudi Arabia which continued until 2002 when exports started rebounding and close to 2 million head of livestock were exported in 2008. Somaliland also exports frozen meat to the gulf countries like United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Somaliland also exports Hides, Skins, Myrrh and Frankincense in smaller scale.

If you are planning to travel to Somaliland you will need a visa to enter into the country. No visas will be issued at the airport and you will need to sort out the visa before you travel. All international travelers coming to Somaliland require a visa except all ethnic Somali's regardless of their current citizenship or international travel documents they are using during their trip. You will need a passport which is valid minimum 6 months, two passport size photos and a visa fee.

Currently travelers can only get Somaliland visa either from the Somaliland United Kingdom Mission in London or the Somaliland Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. If you want to apply for a visa you can download Somaliland Visitor Visa Application Form and can present your application at the Somaliland Missions in person and your visa can be processed immediately. You will need to contact the office and arrange an appointment time. If you are unable to apply in person you can send the documents to the Somaliland Mission Offices.