Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The Federal Government of Somalia has formally announced the implementation of a new electronic visa (E-Visa) system, effectively ending the longstanding practice of issuing visas on arrival at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu for most foreign nationals.
Under the new regulations, which came into effect earlier this month, all international travelers must obtain an E-Visa prior to departure. This marks a significant shift in Somalia’s immigration policy, aimed at enhancing national security, improving efficiency at entry points, and aligning with global standards in border control.
Limited Exceptions Remain
According to official government sources, the only exceptions to this new rule are travelers from specific countries with existing reciprocal immigration agreements with Somalia. These agreements allow for mutual visa-on-arrival privileges, meaning citizens of both nations are treated equally when visiting one another’s countries.
As such, citizens of Rwanda and Malaysia will continue to be granted visas upon arrival at Mogadishu airport, as both nations have formalized such arrangements with Somalia.
In addition, travelers holding passports from the following African nations will also remain eligible for on-arrival visas:
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Ethiopia
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Burundi
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Djibouti
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Mauritania
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Tanzania
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Uganda
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Algeria
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Libya
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Tunisia
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Egypt
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Comoros
This exemption primarily reflects Somalia’s regional and diplomatic ties across the African continent, particularly with fellow African Union and Arab League member states.
Dual Citizens Affected by September Policy Change
In a further development, Somali nationals who also hold citizenship in countries such as the United States, Canada, or member states of the European Union will be subject to the new E-Visa requirement if they are traveling on their foreign passports.
Effective September 1, these individuals must apply for an electronic visa in advance, unless they choose to travel using their Somali passports. This policy change is expected to impact a large portion of the Somali diaspora who frequently visit the country for business, family, or humanitarian purposes.
Government’s Justification for the New System
Somali government officials have emphasized that the E-Visa system represents a step forward in modernizing the country’s immigration infrastructure.
“This initiative will not only enhance our ability to manage and secure our borders, but it will also simplify the entry process for legitimate travelers and reduce congestion at airport immigration desks,” a spokesperson from the Ministry of Interior and Federal Affairs stated.
The government also noted that the E-Visa portal is designed to be user-friendly and accessible from anywhere in the world, allowing travelers to apply and receive their visas digitally before setting foot in Somalia.
This reform aligns Somalia’s immigration procedures with those of other countries that have embraced digital border management systems, aiming to balance security with the need to promote tourism, trade, and international cooperation.