UK passport holders must obtain an approved Somalia eTA before departure for Mogadishu International Airport eTA entry. Visa on arrival requires a sponsor pre-arranged approval letter, making the eTA the standard route for independent travellers. You must present a valid passport and printed approval to avoid denied entry.
Immigration procedures at Mogadishu International Airport, also known as Aden Adde International Airport, include biometric data capture and cash payments for airport fees. Ensure your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Budget approximately USD $150 in crisp post-2013 bills.
Customs regulations restrict exporting khat and importing drones without pre-clearance.
Published: 15 September 2026 | Last updated: 15 September 2026 | Reviewed by our East Africa travel desk.
Do UK Travellers Need an eTA for Mogadishu International Airport?
The visa-on-arrival pathway at Mogadishu International Airport (MGQ) is only for travellers with a local sponsor (business partner, company representative, or protocol officer) who must submit a guarantee letter, passport copy, and return ticket to obtain a VoA approval letter (processing time: within 2 working days).
| Entry Pathway | Eligibility | Where to Apply | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| eTA / eVisa pre-approval | Standard route for UK tourists | ICA online portal before departure | Processing fee online |
| Visa on arrival (sponsor-initiated) | Requires local sponsor + VoA approval letter | Sponsor arranges in Somalia | US$60 cash at MGQ counter |
| Airside transit | Passengers staying airside on single ticket | No visa required | None |
Exemptions apply to diplomatic passport holders, airline crew on duty, and transit passengers who remain airside. Overnight layovers at Mogadishu International Airport require clearing immigration, and therefore a valid eTA, as MGQ offers limited airside facilities. The visa issued at immigration is single-entry, valid for 1 month (30 days).
Preparing Your Documents: eTA Application and Passport Requirements
UK travellers must apply via the ICA portal at least 5 business days before departure. The ICA eVisa system suffered a data breach exposing names, photos, DOB, emails, and home addresses. Your approved eTA is verified electronically at Mogadishu International Airport immigration upon landing.
Register
Create an account on the ICA portal
Upload documents
Submit passport and required paperwork
Pay the fee
Complete payment online
Receive approval
Get approval email to print for arrival
Passport requires minimum 6 months validity from arrival and at least 2 blank pages. A Letter of Invitation may be requested at Mogadishu International Airport immigration. Overseas Somaliland visa stamps (e.g., London, Addis Ababa) can trigger entry denial by federal authorities, whereas Hargeisa Airport visa-on-arrival stamps are accepted. A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if transiting through Kenya, Ethiopia, or Sudan.
Mogadishu Airport Immigration Procedures and Costs
At Mogadishu International Airport immigration, present your passport and printed eTA approval for biometric capture. eTA entry procedure requires biometric verification through the MIDAS system, which captures fingerprints and photographs at the immigration counter. The visa fee of US$60 is paid in USD cash, issuing a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Counter processing takes approximately 10 minutes.
| Fee | Amount | When Payable | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa fee | US$60 | At immigration counter | USD cash only |
| Landing fee (foreigners aged 12+) | US$50 | On arrival | USD cash only |
| Passenger service charge (departures, aged 2+) | US$20 | On departure | USD cash only |
MGQ counters at Mogadishu International Airport accept USD cash only in post-2013 Federal Reserve series, crisp, with no tears or ink stamps. No card terminals are available.
Security Screening and Customs at Aden Adde International Airport
Triple security screening at Mogadishu International Airport: X-ray scans, personal pat-down searches, and sniffer dog teams patrolling the terminal. Our travel desk has observed that these checks add 30-45 minutes to the process. Allow 2.5-3 hours before departure, as queues can exceed 60 minutes during peak periods.
Declare any amount above USD $5,000 at Mogadishu International Airport customs to obtain a stamped re-export form; the federal threshold is unpublished.
- Drones and satellite communication devices face high confiscation risk without prior written clearance from the Somali Civil Aviation and Airports Authority; request authorisation at least 10 business days before travel.
- Khat is legal within Somalia but a criminal offence to export; bag searches occur regularly at MGQ.
- Alcohol and pork products are prohibited in Somalia; do not carry them in checked or hand luggage.
- Modest clothing is recommended for cultural compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mogadishu International Airport eTA Entry
How long does it take to get a Somalia eTA and how much does it cost?
Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. The fee varies by portal, typically US$50 to US$80. Apply at least 5 business days before departure.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu International Airport instead of an eTA?
Visa on arrival (US$60, single entry, 30 days) requires a sponsor-initiated approval letter. The eTA remains the standard pathway.
What documents do I need at immigration control in Mogadishu with my eTA?
Passport (6 months validity, 2 blank pages), printed eTA approval, return ticket, and hotel booking. A Letter of Invitation may be required.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Somalia through Mogadishu?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP) is mandatory if arriving from or transiting through Kenya, Ethiopia, or Sudan.
What happens if I overstay my Somalia visa?
Overstaying triggers daily fines. You need a police clearance report and an exit visa arranged at the immigration office before departure. Budget 1 to 2 extra business days.
Is it safe to apply for the Somalia eVisa online regarding the data breach?
The ICA portal experienced a data breach compromising names, photos, DOBs, emails, and home addresses. Apply directly, use a unique password, and monitor your accounts.
Can I transit through Mogadishu International Airport without entering Somalia?
Airside transit is possible on a single ticket. Overnight layovers or self-transfers require clearing immigration and a valid eTA, as MGQ has limited airside facilities.
Can I bring a drone or professional camera equipment into Somalia?
Obtain prior written clearance from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority at least 10 business days before travel. Drones, satcom devices, and pro photography gear face confiscation otherwise.
What should I do if my luggage is lost at Aden Adde International Airport?
Report at the airline helpdesk in the arrivals hall and file a Property Irregularity Report. Contact your hotel for assistance.
Is wheelchair assistance available at Mogadishu International Airport?
Wheelchair service is available at MGQ. Request assistance through your airline at least 48 hours before arrival.
Can I buy a SIM card at Mogadishu International Airport?
Prepaid SIM cards are available from telecommunications company offices at the airport. Mobile money transfer is the primary transaction mode in Somalia.
Entry regulations can change without notice. Verify all fees and requirements with the Somali Embassy in London or the ICA portal (evisa.ica.gov.so) before travel.
