The Somalia eTA cost for UK citizens in GBP is ~£39 ($50 USD), rising to ~£40-£41 with standard bank FX fees (2.75-3%). Apply via the eTAS portal to avoid agency markups.
Launched 1 September 2025, the eTAS system replaced the visa-on-arrival at federal ports. While agencies charge up to £127 GBP, the direct government fee is billed in USD.
Somalia eTAS Government Fee in GBP – Exact 2026 Amount
All UK passport holders must obtain a Somalia eTAS online before travel. The base government fee is approximately $50 USD, converting to roughly £39 GBP at the September 2026 exchange rate.
The Somalia eTA cost for UK citizens in GBP is approximately £39 (based on a $50 USD government fee at the September 2026 exchange rate). UK cardholders may pay an additional 2.75%-3% foreign transaction fee, bringing the total to around £40-£41 GBP. Apply directly via the eTAS portal to avoid agency markups.
Fee data verified on 15 September 2026 against the etas.gov.so portal and FCDO travel advice. Exchange rate: $50 USD converts to ~£39 GBP (derived rate, 15 September 2026). This guide is reviewed monthly or when policy changes are identified.
Base eTA Fee in USD and GBP Conversion
The Somalia eTA cost for UK citizens in GBP fluctuates with the live USD-to-GBP exchange rate, as the fee is billed in USD on the eTAS portal. Work permit holders are exempt from the eTAS requirement entirely.
| Fee Type | USD | GBP (as of 2026-09-15) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government eTAS base fee | ~$50 | ~£39 | Billed in USD; converted by applicant’s bank |
| Processing / service fee | Not separately listed | Not separately listed | Included in portal fee or added by intermediary |
Agency-Bundled Cost Breakdown
Commercial intermediaries charge significantly more. One quoted bundle totals £127.00 GBP (£49 gov’t fee + £65 service fee + £13 VAT at 20%). This reflects a commercial markup, not the statutory eTAS fee payable via the direct portal.
What Will You Actually Pay in GBP? – Full Cost for UK Cardholders
The Somalia eTA cost for UK citizens in GBP rises to ~£40-£41 when a standard bank card adds its 2.75%-3% FX fee to the ~£39 base charge.
| Card Type | FX Fee | Transaction Fee | Estimated Total GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut / Monzo | 0% | £0 | ~£39 |
| Barclays / Halifax | 2.75% | £0-£1.50 | ~£40-£41 |
| Amex | 2.99% | £0-£1.50 | ~£41 |
Hidden Currency Conversion Costs for UK Cardholders
High-street cards typically apply 2.75% (Barclays, Halifax) or 2.99% (Amex). Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at checkout, which can add a 5%-7% markup if you select GBP instead of USD.
Cheapest Way to Pay for Somalia eTA from the UK
- Use a zero-FX card such as Revolut or Monzo to eliminate the foreign transaction surcharge entirely.
- Always choose USD as the billing currency to avoid DCC markup.
- Verify the current fee before applying, as the USD-to-GBP rate fluctuates daily.
eTAS vs eVisa vs Embassy Sticker – Cost Comparison for UK Travellers in 2026
The direct eTAS portal is the cheapest option at approximately £39 GBP, compared to approximately £127 GBP via a commercial agency. For context, the UK’s own ETA system costs just £10 GBP ($12.75 USD), processes in up to 3 working days, and remains valid for 2 years.
| Option | Cost GBP | Processing Time | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| eTAS Online (direct portal) | ~£39 GBP (~$50 USD) | Online before travel | Launched 1 September 2025; cheapest route |
| eVisa (commercial agency) | £127 GBP (£49 embassy + £65 service + £13 VAT at 20%) | 7-10 business days | Validity up to 180 days; includes agency markup |
| Embassy Sticker | Not publicly listed | Legacy pre-eTAS procedure | In-person; superseded by eTAS since September 2025 |
How to Apply and Pay for Somalia eTA from the UK – Step-by-Step
Apply online via the eTAS portal and pay with a Visa, Mastercard, or UK digital debit card. The Somalia eTA cost for UK citizens in GBP is settled at the point of submission on the government platform.
Go to etas.gov.so
Start a new application.
Enter personal details
Enter personal details and travel itinerary.
Upload passport
Upload a British citizen passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival.
Attach required documents
Attach a Warqad Dammaanad (Letter of Guarantee) or letter of invitation from your employer or sponsor organization stating the reason for your visit.
Pay and receive eTA
Pay by card and receive the eTA by email.
Payment Methods for UK Applicants
- Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards
- UK digital debit cards
Passport Requirements and Documents
Your British citizen passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival. A lost or stolen passport results in entry refusal. Dual British nationals must use a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Include a letter of invitation, typically issued by the applicant’s employer, stating the reason for the visit; its absence may result in entry refusal.
Important Warnings – Somaliland Entry & FCDO Travel Advisory (2026)
The Somalia eTA cost for UK citizens in GBP is effectively wasted if flying to Hargeisa International Airport, because the federal eTAS is invalid in Somaliland. A separate single-entry visa on arrival, valid for 1 month, must be purchased for approximately $30-$40 USD in cash (~£23-£31 GBP). The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia.
The legacy Somali e-visa system suffered a confirmed data breach exposing names, photos, dates of birth, and email addresses. For medical and vaccination requirements, consult the TravelHealthPro country guide for Somalia. Note that khat is legal in Somalia but its export is prohibited and risks criminal prosecution. Travellers entering Somaliland with $10,000 USD or more in cash or travellers’ cheques must declare it.
FAQ: Somalia eTA Cost for UK Citizens
Are Somalia eTA fees refundable if my application is rejected?
No public refund policy is published for the eTAS. Verify terms on etas.gov.so before payment; government processing fees are typically non-refundable.
Do children and infants pay full Somalia eTA fees?
Child/infant fees are not published. Check etas.gov.so for minor fee structures; each child likely needs a separate application.
Can I pay for expedited or emergency processing?
No expedited or emergency processing option is listed on the eTAS portal. Consult etas.gov.so to verify if rush processing is offered.
How long is the Somalia eTA valid, and does that affect cost per day?
The eTAS permits multiple entries; validity depends on visa type. For comparison, a Somalia Tourist E-visa offers up to 180 days from issuance. Confirm exact validity on the portal.
Are there reduced fees for families or groups?
No reduced fees for families or groups are indicated. Check etas.gov.so for group pricing or contact the Somali Embassy in London.
What is the cost to extend my Somalia visa locally?
No published data on in-country extension costs. Contact Somali Federal Government authorities before initial authorization expires.
Are there additional airport fees at Mogadishu International Airport?
No published data on Mogadishu airport fees or departure taxes. Prepare for possible cash levies and confirm locally.
Has the Somalia eTA fee changed in 2026?
The base government fee remains ~$50 USD (~£39 GBP at September 2026 rate). No specific 2026 fee changes are indicated; verify on etas.gov.so before payment.
Can I pay in GBP directly, or must I pay in USD?
The eTAS fee is billed in USD. UK citizens cannot pay in GBP directly; banks convert the charge and may add 2.75-3% FX fee.
What happens if I overstay my Somalia eTA?
No published penalty fees for overstaying. Comply with permitted duration and consult Somali Federal Government authorities regarding overstay penalties.
