Citizens of visa-free nationalities, diplomatic and service passport holders from exempt countries, UN Laissez-Passer holders, airline crew on duty, and Somali residence or work permit holders do not need a Somalia eTA. The eTAS became mandatory on 1 September 2025 for all other foreign nationals. UK citizens are not exempt and must apply via evisa.gov.so before travel. The standard Somalia eTAS is a single-entry permit valid within 180 days of your specified arrival date; your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival. Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice.
Who is exempt from Somalia eTA? Holders of diplomatic and service passports from exempt countries, UN Laissez-Passer (UNLP) holders, citizens of visa-free nationalities (Malaysia, Rwanda), airline crew on duty, transit passengers remaining airside, and Somali residence or work permit holders are exempt from the Somalia eTAS in 2026. Always verify current requirements before travel.
Who Needs an eTAS to Enter Somalia?
Most foreign nationals, including UK citizens, must obtain a Somalia eTA online before arrival; no visa-on-arrival option exists. The Somalia eTAS is a single-entry permit valid within 180 days of the specified arrival date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival and contain a minimum of 1 blank page. Applications must be submitted via evisa.gov.so before departure; the Somalia eTAS is not available at any port of entry. Travellers arriving without a valid Somalia eTAS or qualifying exemption will be denied entry.
UK citizens: British passport holders must apply for a Somalia eTAS; no exemption exists for UK nationals. The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia. A letter of invitation from a Somali host or place of work may be required at immigration. Apply at evisa.gov.so.
Countries Exempt from the Somalia eTA – Complete 2026 List
Citizens of 13 countries are exempt from the Somalia eTAS through visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival arrangements, with a maximum stay of 30 days for each listed nationality.
| Country | Exemption Type | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | Visa-free entry | 30 days |
| Rwanda | Visa-free entry | 30 days |
| Algeria | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Burundi | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Comoros | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Djibouti | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Egypt | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Ethiopia | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Libya | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Mauritania | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Tanzania | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Tunisia | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
| Uganda | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
- Visa-free entry (Malaysia, Rwanda): no Somalia eTAS and no visa-on-arrival process required at the border.
- Visa on arrival (11 countries): the Somalia eTAS is not required, but a visa is issued at the port of entry for a 30-day stay.
- Citizens of Somalia are nationals, not foreign visitors, and are generally exempt from the Somalia eTAS requirement.
- This list applies to Somalia (Federal Government) territory only; Somaliland maintains a separate visa policy.
- Last verified: 2026. Source: Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA).
- UK citizens are not on this list and must apply for a Somalia eTAS via evisa.gov.so.
Diplomatic, Service & UN Laissez-Passer Exemptions
Diplomatic and service passport holders from exempt countries receive an automatic Somalia eTAS waiver; holders from non-exempt countries must route clearance through Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UN Laissez-Passer holders are fully exempt from the Somalia eTAS.
- Diplomatic passport holders from exempt countries: automatic visa-free entry; no Somalia eTAS application required.
- Diplomatic passport holders from non-exempt countries: no automatic waiver; must coordinate clearance through Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel. UK-based travellers should contact the Somalian Embassy in London.
- UN Laissez-Passer (UNLP): exempt from the Somalia eTAS. Covers UN staff, specialised agencies (UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, WHO), and AU personnel. The UNLP replaces the eTAS; no separate application needed.
- ATMIS personnel: AU Transition Mission in Somalia staff may use mission movement orders as entry clearance.
- Humanitarian and medevac staff: carry a mission authorisation letter for short-notice disaster relief entry.
All exemptions listed apply to Somalia (Federal Government) territory only. Somaliland maintains separate entry rules and does not recognise Somalia eTAS exemptions.
Diplomatic Family Members & Dependants
Spouses and children of accredited diplomats should verify dependent status with the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel. Dependent diplomatic visas typically waive Somalia eTAS requirements, but confirmation of Somalia eTAS exemption is required.
Other Exemptions, Somaliland & Proving Your Status
Airport transit (TWOV)
Passengers remaining in the international transit zone at Mogadishu airport do not need a Somalia eTAS; confirm with airline.
Airline crew and seafarers on duty
Exempt under ICAO/IMO conventions; carry crew ID and operational documentation.
Residence/work permit holders
Holders of valid Somali residence or work permits are exempt from the Somalia eTAS; carry original permit plus digital copy.
Pre-1 September 2025 multiple-entry visa holders
Exempt during remaining visa validity; must obtain a Somalia eTAS once the old visa expires.
Refugee travel document holders
1951 Convention travel documents are not automatically exempt; contact the Somali Embassy for entry eligibility.
Somali diaspora on foreign passports
Proof of Somali origin does not grant exemption; UK nationals of Somali descent must apply for a Somalia eTAS via evisa.gov.so.
Somaliland (self-declared 1991) does not recognise Somalia eTAS. Visa on arrival at Hargeisa airport is available for Europeans, Canadians, and Americans (1 month, single-entry). Advance visas are issued by Somaliland representation offices in London and Addis Ababa.
Border checklist: carry the original qualifying document, a printed photocopy, a digital backup, a renewal receipt if applicable, and a letter of invitation from your Somali host.
Data breach warning: the Somalia eVisa system breach compromised applicant names, photos, birth details, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. Use only evisa.gov.so.
Somalia eTA Exemption FAQ
Do UK citizens need an eTA for Somalia?
Yes. UK citizens must apply at evisa.gov.so for a single-entry Somalia eTAS (valid 180 days); passport valid 6 months after arrival. No Somalia eTAS exemption exists for British passport holders.
Can I enter Somalia with a UN Laissez-Passer instead of an eTA?
Yes. UNLP holders are exempt from the Somalia eTAS (UN staff, AU personnel, specialised agencies); the UNLP replaces the Somalia eTAS for Somalia (FGS) territory only, not Somaliland.
Do I need an eTAS if I am transiting through Mogadishu airport?
Passengers remaining in the international transit zone without passing immigration generally do not need a Somalia eTAS; confirm with your airline before departure as boarding requirements for the Somalia eTAS may vary.
What if my eTAS application payment is not processing?
The Somalia eTAS portal payment module has been reported non-functional. Contact the ICA directly; use only evisa.gov.so for your Somalia eTAS, not third-party portals or the deprecated visa.gov.so.
I have Somali heritage but travel on a British passport, am I exempt?
No. UK nationals of Somali descent must apply for a Somalia eTAS; proof of Somali origin does not grant exemption from the Somalia eTAS requirement.
Are airline crew members exempt from the Somalia eTA?
Yes. Operating flight crews and merchant seamen on duty are exempt from the Somalia eTAS under ICAO/IMO conventions; carry crew ID and operational documentation for the Somalia eTAS exemption check.
Does a diplomatic passport from a non-exempt country qualify for automatic eTAS waiver?
No. Holders of diplomatic passports from non-exempt countries must coordinate clearance through Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a Somalia eTAS waiver; UK travellers contact the Somalian Embassy in London.
Is the Somalia eTA valid for entry into Somaliland?
No. The Somalia eTAS is not valid for Somaliland, which maintains a separate visa policy and does not recognise the Somalia eTAS; obtain a separate Somaliland visa (available on arrival at Hargeisa for some nationalities).
What documents should I carry to prove my eTAS exemption at the border?
Carry the original qualifying document (UNLP, diplomatic passport, residence permit), a printed photocopy, a digital copy, and a renewal receipt if applicable for the Somalia eTAS exemption check; a letter of invitation is also recommended.
How long is the Somalia eTA valid once approved?
The standard Somalia eTAS is a single-entry permit valid for entry within 180 days of the specified arrival date; a new Somalia eTAS is required for each subsequent trip.
