In a statement issued on Sunday, the agency said it had been closely monitoring challenges encountered by Somali nationals traveling to Egypt in recent days, prompting authorities to suspend the travel clearance system with immediate effect.

The agency clarified that Somali citizens will still be allowed to travel to Egypt, but only if they possess official visas issued directly by the Egyptian Consulate.

The decision comes after dozens of Somali travelers without valid visas were reportedly stopped at Cairo International Airport, where Egyptian authorities denied them entry and prevented them from entering the country.

According to reports, Egyptian officials have recently tightened entry procedures and increased scrutiny of passengers arriving without valid travel documentation amid concerns over human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks operating in parts of Somalia. Egyptian authorities reportedly believe organized criminal groups have expanded their activities in the region, leading to stricter immigration enforcement measures.

The Somali Immigration Agency also revealed that last year Egyptian authorities denied entry to several Somali officials who arrived on a flight from Mogadishu without obtaining prior official visas.

Somali immigration authorities acknowledged that multiple Somali citizens had faced travel difficulties in recent days, which led to the temporary suspension of the clearance system.

The “OK-To-Board” system had previously been used as a travel verification mechanism allowing Somali passengers to board flights to Egypt after receiving clearance from immigration authorities. However, officials now say travelers must rely solely on valid Egyptian visas issued through official diplomatic channels.

The agency emphasized that the suspension is temporary and aimed at regulating travel procedures while preserving cooperation and diplomatic relations between Somalia and Egypt.

Dozens of Somali travelers were recently stopped and stranded at Cairo International Airport after arriving without valid Egyptian visas.

Egypt remains one of the most important destinations for Somali travelers seeking medical treatment, education, and business opportunities, particularly in Cairo, where a large Somali community resides. The new restrictions are expected to affect many Somali families, students, and patients planning to travel in the coming weeks.

Somali immigration authorities have advised travelers to contact airlines and the Egyptian Consulate for updated visa and travel requirements before booking flights.

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