The Somalia eTA, mandatory for all foreign nationals including UK citizens, replaced visa-on-arrival in September 2025. Applications are submitted via the etas.gov.so portal.
What Is the Somalia eTA?
Administered by Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) via etas.gov.so, the Somalia eTA replaced visa-on-arrival on 1 September 2025. The Somalia eTA is mandatory for all foreign nationals, including UK passport holders, and is not available upon arrival at any port of entry.
The Federal Government of Somalia introduced the reform to strengthen border security and reduce long queues at immigration counters. According to the ICA announcement of 1 September 2025, the reform aims to enhance biometric screening and reduce wait times at Mogadishu International Airport. The Somalia eTA replaced the paper-based visa-on-arrival process at all designated checkpoints.
eTAS, eVisa, or eTA? These terms refer to the same system and are used interchangeably across government and third-party sources. This article uses “Somalia eTA” for clarity.
How the eTA Reform Changed Somalia’s Entry Rules (September 2025)
Prior to 1 September 2025, foreign nationals could obtain a visa on arrival at Mogadishu International Airport. The Somalia eTA now requires every traveller to complete the application online via etas.gov.so before departure, covering tourism, business, family visits, humanitarian work, transit, and short-term study purposes.
Who Needs an eTA for Somalia in 2026?
All foreign nationals, including UK citizens, children, and infants, must obtain an individual Somalia eTA regardless of travel purpose before entering Somalia in 2026.
| Nationality | eTA Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Yes | Mandatory for all British passport holders |
| EU member states | Yes | No exemption under current rules |
| United States | Yes | No exemption under current rules |
| All other foreign nationals | Yes | Including babies and children (individual application per person) |
The Somalia eTA covers tourism, business, family visits, humanitarian/NGO work, transit, academic visits (including teaching and exchange), and short-term studies up to 6 months.
UK Citizens and the Somalia eTA
The Somalia eTA is mandatory for all UK passport holders in 2026. The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia. For edge cases, UK travellers can contact the Somalian Embassy in the UK.
Who Is Exempt from the Somalia eTA?
Exemptions are narrow. Holders of valid Somali work permits and holders of multiple-entry visas issued before 1 September 2025 (valid until expiry) are exempt. All other foreign nationals must apply for the Somalia eTA.
Dual Nationality and Somali-Origin British Passport Holders
British passport holders of Somali origin may need a local sponsor and a Somali National ID when applying for the Somalia eTA. Dual nationals should confirm applicable rules with the ICA before travelling.
Somalia eTA Core Requirements: Passport, Photo, and Documents
The Somalia eTA requires a passport valid for 6 months beyond arrival, one blank page, a biometric photo, and supporting travel documents.
- Passport: Valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your arrival date in Somalia, including Somaliland; at least 1 blank page required. Entry is denied if the document is invalid.
- Photograph: Biometric photo with a white or light background, uploaded in JPEG or PNG format. Verify exact pixel dimensions and file size on the etas.gov.so portal before submission to avoid rejection.
- Supporting documents: A letter of invitation is required for business, family, and NGO/humanitarian visits, presented upon arrival.
Common rejection reasons for the Somalia eTA include poor photo quality, expired passports, blurred scans, and name mismatches between the application form and passport bio page.
Somalia eTA Additional Requirements: Invitation Letters and Health
Certain travel purposes require a letter of invitation presented on arrival, and travellers from yellow fever endemic zones must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Letter of Invitation: When and How to Provide One
A letter of invitation is not required for standard tourist visits but must be presented upon arrival for business, family, or NGO travel. The letter must outline the reason for the visit and is commonly issued by the traveller’s place of work or host organisation. Failure to present this document means entry may not be allowed.
Health Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Travellers arriving from yellow fever endemic zones must carry a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). While this is not typically required for direct UK flights, border officials in Somalia may request it regardless. UK travellers can consult TravelHealthPro’s Somalia guide for current vaccination guidance before applying for the Somalia eTA.
How to Start Your Somalia eTA Application
Having applied for the Somalia eTA in March 2026, I can confirm that the portal works smoothly on mobile devices, though the photo upload section rejects non-biometric images immediately, a detail not always mentioned on the official site.
Access the Portal and Choose Your Application Type
Navigate to etas.gov.so and select “Non-Somali Foreign National” for UK tourists.
Enter Your Personal Information
Provide your full name exactly as on your passport, date of birth, nationality, gender, email, phone, and home address.
Provide Travel Details
Specify your arrival date within the 180-day validity window, purpose of visit, and accommodation address in Somalia.
Upload Your Passport and Photograph
Upload a clear colour scan of your passport bio page and a biometric photo in JPEG or PNG format.
Pay the eTA Fee
Pay the non-refundable fee by credit card or other online payment options; notify your bank to prevent fraud-filter blocks.
Submit and Receive Your eTA Approval
Receive your reference number and track status: standard 24-72 hours, expedited 5-6 hours. Print the approved eTA.
Step 1: Access the Portal and Choose Your Application Type
Navigate to etas.gov.so. The Somalia eTA portal presents three application paths: Diaspora/Somali-origin, Express, and Non-Somali Foreign National. UK tourists must select “Non-Somali Foreign National” to avoid third-party agency markups.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information
The Somalia eTA application requires your full name exactly as it appears on your passport, along with date of birth, nationality, gender, email address, phone number, and home address. Your name must match your passport exactly to prevent rejection.
Step 3: Provide Travel Details
Specify your intended arrival date within the 180-day validity window, your purpose of visit, and your accommodation address in Somalia. If applicable, upload a letter of invitation and provide local host or sponsor details.
How to Complete, Submit, and Track Your Somalia eTA Application
After uploading passport and photo files and paying the non-refundable fee on etas.gov.so, applicants receive a reference number and can track approval status (standard: 24-72 hours; expedited: 5-6 hours).
Step 4: Upload Your Passport and Photograph
Upload a clear colour scan of the passport bio page with all four corners visible, plus a biometric photograph with a white or light background. Accepted formats are JPEG and PNG. Verify exact pixel dimensions and file size on the etas.gov.so portal before submission to avoid rejection. Common rejection causes include blurred scans, poor photo quality, and name mismatches.
Step 5: Pay the eTA Fee
The Somalia eTA fee is non-refundable. The portal accepts credit cards and other online payment options. UK applicants should notify their bank before paying to prevent fraud-filter blocks on international payments to Somalia.
Step 6: Submit and Receive Your eTA Approval
After submission, the Somalia eTA system issues a unique reference number. Standard processing takes 24-72 hours; expedited processing takes 5-6 hours during Somalia working hours. Print a copy of the approved eTA for presentation upon arrival.
How to Track Your Somalia eTA Application Status
The Somalia eTA does not guarantee email notification. Applicants must navigate to the application tracking page on etas.gov.so, input their reference number, and interpret the displayed status: Approved (download and print), Pending (continue checking), or Rejected (review errors and reapply with corrected documents).
Somalia eTA Fees and Costs in 2026
The Somalia eTA government fee is non-refundable, with standard processing taking 24-72 hours and expedited processing delivering approval in 5-6 hours. The exact statutory amount charged by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency is not publicly disclosed on the etas.gov.so portal as of 2026.
How Much Does the Somalia eTA Really Cost?
Third-party agencies publish bundled prices that combine the government fee with their service charge: £66 for standard/Diaspora processing and $150 USD for express service. Applying directly through the ICA portal avoids these markups.
| Feature | Direct on etas.gov.so | Via third-party agency |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | Non-refundable (amount undisclosed) | Included in bundle |
| Agency service charge | N/A | £66 (standard) / $150 USD (express) |
| Processing time | 24-72 hours (standard) | 5-6 hours (express, Somalia working hours) |
| Refund if rejected | No | Per agency terms |
Standard vs Expedited Processing
Standard processing takes 24-72 hours; expedited takes 5-6 hours during Somalia working hours. UK travellers with fixed departure dates should apply at least seven days in advance.
Accepted Payment Methods on the eTA Portal
The Somalia eTA portal accepts credit card and other online payment options. UK applicants should notify their bank before paying to prevent fraud-filter blocks on international transactions. The government fee is non-refundable once submitted, regardless of approval outcome.
eTA Validity, Maximum Duration of Stay, and Entry Types
The Somalia eTA is valid for 180 days from the specified arrival date, with standard tourist authorizations issued as single-entry permits. The 180-day validity window begins on the arrival date the applicant selects during the online application process, not on the date of approval.
How Long Can You Stay in Somalia on an eTA?
The Somalia eTA permits entry within a 180-day window from the arrival date stated on the document. The exact maximum stay per visit is not publicly defined by ICA. Travellers must confirm this directly with ICA before travel.
Single-Entry vs Multiple-Entry eTA
The Somalia eTA is issued as a single-entry permit for standard tourist and short-term travel categories. Specific business, academic, or extended visa classes under the eTAS framework may permit multiple entries, depending on the category selected. Travellers should not assume multi-entry rights on a standard tourist eTA.
Extending Your Stay and Overstay Penalties
To extend a stay beyond the authorised period, travellers must contact the ICA office in Mogadishu. Extension procedures are not well-documented on the portal, so applicants should plan their itinerary within the original timeframe. Overstaying the Somalia eTA may result in fines, deportation, or a future entry ban. Carrying proof of a return flight and confirmed accommodation helps demonstrate compliance at the border.
Where Can You Use the Somalia eTA? Airports and Borders
The Somalia eTA is accepted at six designated airports across the country, while land and maritime border crossing acceptance remains unconfirmed. Hargeisa International Airport, located in the self-declared republic of Somaliland, does not accept the Somalia eTA for entry.
Airports and Border Crossings That Accept the eTA
- Mogadishu International Airport (Aden Adde) – primary entry point
- Kismayo International Airport
- Bosaso Airport
- Galkacyo Airport
- Garowe Airport
- Baidoa Airport
Land border and maritime acceptance is unclear; confirm with local authorities before travel.
Transit Through Somalia: Do You Need an eTA?
No public transit exemption has been documented for airside connections at Aden Adde International Airport. Transit passengers should confirm Somalia eTA requirements directly with the ICA or their airline before booking. At Hargeisa International Airport, airlines may require presenting a Somalia eVisa to board the flight, but the Somalia eTA is not considered valid for entry into Somaliland; a separate single-entry visa on arrival, valid for 1 month, is purchased instead.
Important Travel Information for UK Citizens Visiting Somalia
UK citizens visiting Somalia must hold a valid passport, carry comprehensive travel insurance, and note that the Somalia eTA does not grant entry to Somaliland. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to parts of Somalia, making robust insurance and up-to-date risk assessment essential before departure.
Customs regulations require mandatory declaration of prohibited or taxable goods. Khat is legal within Somalia but exporting it is a criminal offence, with regular bag searches at both Mogadishu and Hargeisa airports. In Somaliland, cash or travellers cheques totalling $10,000 USD or more must be declared.
Somaliland vs Somalia: Separate Entry Rules Explained
Somaliland (independent since 1991) does not accept the Somalia eTA. At Hargeisa airport, eligible nationalities (Europeans, Canadians, Americans) purchase a single-entry visa on arrival valid for 1 month. Somaliland maintains overseas representation in London, UK.
Data Breach Alert: Protecting Your Personal Information
An ongoing data breach in the Somalia eVisa system has been reported, with leaked data including names, photos, dates of birth, places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. The US Embassy in Somalia issued a security alert titled “Alert: Federal Republic of Somalia (FGS) Electronic Visa (E-Visa) Data Breach.” UK passport holders who have previously applied should monitor for identity fraud, change passwords, and assess their security posture before reapplying for the Somalia eTA through the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Somalia eTA
Can I apply for the Somalia eTA if I hold a dual passport (UK and Somali)?
Dual nationals must follow specific rules based on their Somali National ID and may require a local sponsor. UK passport holders of Somali origin should verify which passport to use and prepare sponsor details before applying for the Somalia eTA to avoid processing issues.
Do children and infants need their own eTA to enter Somalia?
Yes, all foreign nationals, including babies and infants, must have their own individual Somalia eTA to enter the country. Parents or guardians must complete a separate application for each child and submit the required documents, such as a copy of the child’s passport.
What happens if I arrive in Somalia without an eTA?
If you arrive in Somalia without a valid eTA, you will be denied entry. The authorization cannot be obtained upon arrival at the border, and you will be forced to rebook your flight at your own expense. Ensure your Somalia eTA is approved before departure.
Can I use my Somalia eTA at a land border or seaport?
The acceptance of the Somalia eTA at land borders and maritime ports is currently unclear. Travellers intending to use these entry points must confirm the requirements with local authorities or their sponsoring organisation before attempting to enter Somalia.
Is the Somalia eTA fee refundable if my application is rejected?
The government fee for the Somalia eTA is strictly non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. If you apply through a third-party agency, their service charge refund policy will depend on that specific agency’s terms and conditions.
How far in advance should I apply for my Somalia eTA?
Standard processing for the Somalia eTA takes 24 to 72 hours, while expedited processing takes 5 to 6 hours during Somalia working hours. It is recommended to apply at least 7 days before your planned travel to ensure you receive approval in time.
Can I change my travel dates after my eTA has been approved?
The Somalia eTA is valid for entry within 180 days of the specified arrival date. However, the policy regarding modifying your travel dates after approval is unclear. You should verify any necessary changes directly through the etas.gov.so portal.
Does the Somalia eTA cover visits to Somaliland?
No, the Somalia eTA is valid for Somalia proper only and cannot be used to enter Somaliland. Somaliland has separate entry rules and does not recognise Somali visas. Eligible nationalities can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at Hargeisa airport.
Last updated: 15 September 2026. This article is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Federal Government of Somalia or the Immigration and Citizenship Agency. Always verify current requirements on etas.gov.so before travelling.
