Visa policy of Somalia

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Visitors to Somalia must obtain an eVisa in accordance with the law. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months. Somaliland maintains a separate visa policy. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Visa policy map

Visa policy of Somalia
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Somalia
Visa not required
Visa on arrival
eTAS Visa policy of Somalia.svg
Visa policy of Somalia
  Somalia
  Visa not required
  Visa on arrival
  eTAS

Visa exemption

Citizens of Rwanda and Malaysia can enter Somalia without a visa for up to 30 days. [4]

Visa on arrival

Holders of passports issued by the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days: [5]

eVisa

Visitors from other countries intending to travel to Somalia must have an approved Electronic Visa (eTAS) before the start of their journey. [6]

Electronic Visa Requirement

Somalia has implemented an Electronic Visa and Travel Authorization System (eVisa/eTAS), requiring all foreign visitors including infants and children to obtain an approved visa or entry permit prior to travel. [7] This system, launched on August 28, 2025, became mandatory for all foreign visitors starting September 1, 2025. The initiative aims to modernize immigration procedures, enhance border security, and streamline the visa application process. [8]

The eVisa system is accessible online through the official portal: evisa.gov.so. Travelers can apply and receive their visas electronically, facilitating a more efficient and transparent process. The Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) of Somalia has trained specialized staff to ensure the system's efficiency and transparency. According to Isaaq Hassan Taakow, ICA’s Director of Foreigners and Immigration, this modern system allows foreigners to apply for a visa from anywhere in the world and receive it within a short time. [9]

The Somali government has stated that the eVisa system will simplify travel, enhance transparency, and strengthen national security. With the rollout, all travelers entering Somalia are required to apply online for an eVisa, which is designed to cut wait times and streamline approvals. [10]

Taiwan

Since 30 April 2025, entry and transit are banned for nationals of Flag of the Republic of China.svg Taiwan, even if not leaving the aircraft and proceeding by the same flight. [11] In June 2025, however, Somalia lifted its ban on visitors entering with Taiwanese passports, [12] and Timatic shows that Taiwanese citizens must have a valid visa issued by Somalia. [13]

See also

References

  1. "Visa and passport". Timatic . International Air Transport Association through Emirates . Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  2. "Do you need a visa and passport for Somalia".
  3. "Somalia Visa".
  4. "Visa and passport". Timatic . International Air Transport Association through Emirates . Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  5. "Visa and passport". Timatic . International Air Transport Association through Emirates . Retrieved 12 February 2018.
  6. "Immigration and Citizenship Agency – ICA Somalia". evisa.gov.so. Archived from the original on 2025-01-23. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
  7. "Somalia launches e-Visa system for all foreign arrivals starting September 2025". Hiiraan Online. 28 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  8. "Somalia launches e-Visa system for all foreign arrivals starting September 2025". Hiiraan Online. 28 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  9. "Somalia launches e-Visa system for all foreign arrivals starting September 2025". Hiiraan Online. 28 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  10. "Somalia launches e-Visa system to boost travel and security". The Star. 28 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  11. Blanchard, Ben; Sheikh, Abdi (2025-04-30). Feast, Lincoln; Schmollinger, Christian; Osmond, Ed (eds.). "Taiwan says Somalia bans entry to its citizens amid Somaliland dispute". Reuters . Taipei. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  12. "Somalia Lifts Taiwan Passport Ban Amid U.S. Pressure, Renewed Focus on Somaliland Ties". Shabelle Media Network. 10 June 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  13. International Air Transport Association (IATA), Travel Information Manual