Somalia, located at the Horn of Africa, has a visa policy that has evolved significantly in recent years as the Federal Government of Somalia has strengthened its institutions. Most visitors require a visa to enter. Somalia launched an electronic Travel Authorization System (eTAS/eVisa) on September 1, 2025, replacing the previous less-formalized visa issuance system. Rwanda and Malaysia have been granted visa-free access. Several neighboring countries receive visa on arrival. Somaliland operates a separate, independent visa policy for its territory.

2. Visa-Free Access

Only two countries currently have full visa-free access to Somalia for ordinary passport holders:

Visa-Free Countries (30 Days) • Rwanda: 30-day visa-free entry • Malaysia: 30-day visa-free entry

3. Visa on Arrival

Citizens of the following neighboring and regional countries may obtain a visa on arrival at Aden Adde International Airport (Mogadishu) and other designated entry points:

Visa on Arrival — 30 Days • Burundi • Comoros • Djibouti • Ethiopia • Tanzania • Uganda

4. Electronic Visa / eTAS (From September 1, 2025)

Somalia launched its electronic Travel Authorization System (eTAS) on September 1, 2025. All nationalities not eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry must apply for an eVisa/eTAS before travel. The application is made online through the official portal at evisa.gov.so.

eTAS / eVisa Details • Launched: September 1, 2025 • Application portal: evisa.gov.so • Available to: All nationalities (not covered by visa-free or VOA) • Must be obtained before travel • Entry types: Single and multiple entry available • Processing time: Varies (apply well in advance)

5. Taiwan — Special Status

Taiwan’s entry status to Somalia changed twice in 2025. Entry for Taiwanese passport holders was originally banned in April 2025. However, this ban was lifted in June 2025. As of the June 2025 reversal, Taiwanese passport holders are required to obtain a valid Somali visa before travel. This requires applying through the eVisa portal or a Somali diplomatic mission.

6. Somaliland — Separate Visa Policy

Somaliland is a self-declared independent state that broke away from Somalia in 1991 and is not internationally recognized as a separate country. However, Somaliland maintains its own separate visa policy, border control, and government. Travelers to Somaliland (capital: Hargeisa) must follow Somaliland’s own entry procedures, which are distinct from Federal Somalia’s visa requirements.

Somaliland Entry Notes • Somaliland operates independently from Federal Somalia • Separate visa/entry permit required for Somaliland • Entry via Egal International Airport (Hargeisa) or Berbera Airport • Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival in Somaliland (in practice) • A Somali federal visa does NOT grant entry to Somaliland and vice versa

7. General Entry Requirements

All visitors to Somalia must satisfy:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Valid eVisa/eTAS, visa on arrival authorization, or proof of visa-free status
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (recommended; may be required)

8. Security and Travel Advisory

CRITICAL: Security Advisory • Somalia remains one of the world’s most dangerous countries for travel • Al-Shabaab insurgency, kidnapping, terrorism, and piracy are significant risks • Most governments advise against all travel to Somalia (except Somaliland which is considered safer) • No-go zones exist throughout the country, including parts of Mogadishu • Foreigners require armed security and pre-arranged logistics for any travel • Register with your embassy before and immediately upon arrival

9. Important Notes

Practical Information • eVisa must be obtained before travel via evisa.gov.so • Mogadishu (Aden Adde International Airport) is the main international entry point • USD is the most widely accepted foreign currency • Mobile money (especially EVC Plus/Hormuud) is widely used for transactions • Always verify current requirements with Somalia’s official portals or embassy