Published: 15 September 2026 | Last updated: 15 September 2026
Learning how to check Somalia eTA status is essential after applying. You can check your Somalia eTA status free of charge at the government portal etas.gov.so using your reference number. Processing takes an estimated 48 to 96 hours (no official time is published by ICA), and no email notification is guaranteed. You must check the portal manually and regularly. Set a calendar reminder to recheck every 24 to 48 hours until your application is approved or rejected.
Once approved, the eTAS functions as a single-entry permit valid for 180 days from your declared arrival date. Verify that your passport matches the approved document exactly and download the PDF immediately, as it is not emailed automatically.
What Is the Somalia eTA and Where to Track It
The Somalia eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization System, or eTAS) became mandatory across all entry points on September 1, 2025. It applies to all foreign nationals, including UK passport holders, and functions as a single-entry permit valid for 180 days from the declared arrival date. The system replaces the old visa-on-arrival process, which caused long queues at immigration counters. Travellers arriving without an approved Somalia eTA will be denied entry, as it cannot be obtained upon arrival.
Tracking your Somalia eTA is essential because the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) has no obligation to email status updates. The tracking portal is located at etas.gov.so, where status checks are free of charge. Always verify the URL in your browser address bar to avoid third-party look-alike services that charge fees for the same lookup.
How to Check Your Somalia eTA Status Using a Reference Number
Visit etas.gov.so, select Track Application, enter your reference number, and submit. Your Somalia eTA status displays immediately on screen.
Open etas.gov.so in a browser
Navigate to the official tracking portal.
Locate “Track Application Status” on the homepage
Find the tracking option on the main page.
Enter your reference number
Use the reference number from the original confirmation email.
Submit the form
Send your request to retrieve the status.
Read and interpret your Somalia eTA status result
Your Somalia eTA status displays immediately on screen.
I recommend setting a recurring calendar reminder every 48 hours. I found this prevents unnecessary second-guessing while waiting for your Somalia eTA decision.
Check Your Status for Free
Checking your Somalia eTA status on etas.gov.so is completely free. Third-party websites may charge fees for the same lookup. Red flags include sites requesting payment before showing a status or sites whose URL differs from etas.gov.so. Bookmark the correct portal to avoid look-alike services.
Lost Your Reference Number?
Method 1: Search your inbox and spam folder for the ICA confirmation email. Method 2: Try the portal’s alternative lookup using your passport number and date of birth. Method 3: If both fail, contact ICA support with your passport details and application submission date. Tip: save your reference number in phone notes immediately after applying.
Status Meanings and What to Expect During the Waiting Period
The portal displays five possible statuses. Most Somalia eTA applications process within an estimated 48 to 96 hours (no official processing time is published by ICA). You must manually recheck the tracking page, as ICA has no obligation to send email notifications at any stage.
| Status | What It Means | What to Do Next |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted / Pending | Application received; awaiting initial review | Wait; recheck in 24 to 48 hours |
| Under Review | ICA is actively assessing your application | Wait; do not re-apply |
| Approved | Somalia eTA granted | Download PDF; verify details match passport; print backup |
| Rejected | Application denied | Review reason; correct issues; reapply (new fee applies) |
| Corrections Required | Incomplete or inaccurate fields detected | Log in; correct fields; resubmit within allowed window |
If the Approved download link does not appear immediately, refresh the page and try again. If it still fails, contact ICA at the support email listed on etas.gov.so. Include your reference number and passport scan.
Set a calendar reminder to recheck every 24 to 48 hours. If your Somalia eTA status remains Pending beyond 7 days, contact ICA through any options listed on etas.gov.so. Possible delay factors include high application volumes, public holidays, and system maintenance.
Common Rejection Reasons
Frequent causes include a poor-quality selfie or passport photo, passport validity shorter than 6 months after the arrival date, incomplete application fields, and a name or passport number mismatch between the form and the passport. Reapplication requires a full new submission and a new fee.
How to Contact ICA if Your Application Is Stuck
Use any contact options available on etas.gov.so. Have ready: your reference number, passport number, application date, and full name. ICA is not obligated to respond within a defined timeframe. The Somalian Embassy in the UK is an alternative contact point for UK-based travellers (verify current contact details on the embassy’s website).
After Approval, Somaliland Distinction, and Security Notice
Download your approved Somalia eTA PDF immediately from the tracking page. Verify that every detail (name, passport number, dates) matches your passport exactly. The Somalia eTA is a single-entry permit valid for 180 days from your declared arrival date. Carry a printed backup, as some airlines at Hargeisa may require paper at boarding.
Somalia eTA vs. Somaliland
Somaliland does not recognise Somali visas or eTAs. A separate Somaliland visa is required for all visitors and is available on arrival at Hargeisa airport for UK, EU, US, and Canadian passport holders. The Somalia eTA cannot be used to enter Somaliland, and a Somaliland visa cannot be used to enter Somalia proper. Confusing the two may result in denied boarding or border refusal. Source: GOV.UK FCDO travel advice.
eVisa Data Breach Warning
A confirmed data breach of the Somali eVisa system, flagged by both the FCDO and the US Embassy in Somalia, remains ongoing. The FCDO travel advisory (updated February 2026) explicitly notes this breach. Compromised data categories include names, photos, dates of birth, places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. If you submitted a Somalia eTA application, monitor your email and financial accounts for unusual activity and change passwords if credentials were reused. Check the latest FCDO advice at GOV.UK Somalia entry requirements.
FAQ
How do I check my Somalia eTA status using my reference number?
Go to etas.gov.so, select “Track Application Status”, enter your reference number, and submit. Your Somalia eTA status displays immediately.
How long does it take to get a Somalia eTA in 2026?
Estimated 48 to 96 hours for straightforward applications. No official processing time is published by ICA. Complex cases or peak periods may take longer.
Does ICA email me when my Somalia eTA is approved?
No. ICA has no obligation to notify applicants via email. You must check the portal at etas.gov.so manually and regularly.
What does Under Review mean on my Somalia eTA application?
ICA is actively assessing your application. No action required. Wait and recheck the portal every 24 to 48 hours.
What should I do if my Somalia eTA application is rejected?
Review the rejection reason (common: photo quality, passport validity under 6 months, incomplete fields), correct the issue, and submit a new application. A new fee applies.
I lost my Somalia eTA reference number, how can I recover it?
Search your email (including spam) for the ICA confirmation. Try the portal’s alternative lookup with passport number and date of birth. Contact ICA support if both fail.
Is it free to check my Somalia eTA status online?
Yes. etas.gov.so is free of charge. Third-party websites may charge fees for the same lookup. Always verify the URL to avoid look-alike services.
Can I use a digital copy of my Somalia eTA at the airport?
Many airlines accept a PDF on your phone, but a printed copy is strongly recommended. Some airlines at Hargeisa may require paper at boarding.
Is the Somalia eTA valid for travel to Somaliland?
No. Somaliland requires a separate visa. The Somalia eTA is only valid for Somalia proper. Do not rely on it for Somaliland travel.
Was my Somalia eTA application affected by the data breach?
No individual notification system exists. Monitor your email and financial accounts for unusual activity. Check the latest FCDO travel advice for updates.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent informational guide for travellers. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated on behalf of the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA). Always verify information at etas.gov.so.
