HARGEISA (KAAB TV) — The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has officially implemented a Visa on Arrival policy, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development.
The new immigration policy will allow all international travelers to obtain a visa upon arrival at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa, as well as at other airports across the country. This marks a significant shift in Somaliland’s approach to immigration and travel facilitation.
Minister of Aviation and Airport Development, Fuad Ahmed Noor, stated that the purpose of this new policy is to promote business travel, encourage tourism, support humanitarian missions, and stimulate the national economy.
He emphasized that this move aligns with the government’s broader goals of attracting foreign investment and enhancing international engagement.
“This policy is aimed at facilitating business trips, tourism, humanitarian activities, and boosting the economy,” said Minister Fuad.
The Ministry also issued a firm reminder that only visas or entry permits issued by the Somaliland Immigration Agency are considered valid for entry into the country. Any visa obtained through other channels, including the Somali Federal Government, will not be recognized.
As part of the rollout, the government has directed all airlines operating within Somaliland’s territory to inform their offices and passengers about the new Visa on Arrival policy. Airlines are expected to cooperate in disseminating accurate immigration information to prevent confusion or delays at ports of entry.
Background and Political Context
This development comes just one week after the Federal Government of Somalia announced the launch of its own online immigration system, a move that has further highlighted the ongoing political and administrative tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
There have been growing concerns that certain airlines flying into Somaliland have been creating unnecessary obstacles for passengers, insisting on Somali visas that are not applicable or recognized by the Somaliland authorities.
In a related development, the Puntland regional administration has also announced that it will issue immigration documents directly at airports under its control, signaling further decentralization and divergence in Somalia’s complex political landscape.
Immigration and airspace control remain highly contentious issues between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia.
These disputes have occasionally escalated into security concerns. In one notable incident last year, a conflict over air navigation nearly resulted in a mid-air collision between planes heading to Hargeisa and Mogadishu, highlighting the urgent need for clearer coordination—or separation—of air traffic control between the two entities.