Somalia visas
Whether you need a visa for the Federal Republic of Somalia — and which one — depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Most foreign nationals must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eVisa/eTAS) online before arrival, while work, study, business, residence and citizenship are handled through separate permits. All entry, residence and naturalisation matters are administered by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA).
Somali visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Somalia — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Somalia to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Somalia — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Somalia.0 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Somalia as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Somalia long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Somali visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to Somalia?
Visas are required for all travellers entering Somalia, but all visas are issued upon arrival. This document permits you to remain in the country for up to thirty days.
Entry into Somalia
Somalia and Somaliland are subject to the following entry restrictions:
To travel to Somalia, a negative COVID-19 PCR test is not necessary for fully vaccinated passengers with proof of vaccination.
To enter Somalia, unvaccinated travellers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate with a QR code (taken within 72 hours of arrival).
The aforementioned restrictions apply to all youngsters younger than 18 years old.
Passengers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms may be tested upon arrival and quarantined if they test positive.
Passengers who are fully vaccinated and travelling to Somaliland are not required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test in order to enter.
Non-immunized travellers to Somaliland must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to departure. Non-compliant passengers may be required to spend 14 days in quarantine at their own expense in facilities approved by the government.
The aforementioned restrictions apply to all youngsters under 18 years old. International Airport has implemented additional measures, including temperature checks, to screen passengers arriving in Hargeisa by air.
Passengers exhibiting symptoms associated with the virus may be transferred to an isolation facility nearby while additional tests are conducted.
Requirements to apply for a Somalia Visa
- Passports must be valid for at least six months following the date of departure.
- Valid visa.
- Tests negative for COVID-19.
- Anyone entering Somalia will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test that was conducted within the previous 72 hours.
Processing Time for a Somalia visa
Visa applications are typically processed within three to five business days from your initial application date.
Who Can Visit Somalia Without a Visa?
A visa is needed for all travel in Somalia, regardless of where in the world you are coming from.
Somalia — key facts
- Visa authority
- Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Somali shilling (SOS)
- Time zone
- East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3)
Somali visas — people also ask
People are generally gregarious, friendly, and hospitable. Instead of having "acquaintances," Somalis typically view everyone as a friend. Once a Somali has met someone, they are typically willing to welcome them into their homes and help them in times of need.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.