Last verified: 15 September 2026. This guide is reviewed quarterly against gov.uk and evisa.gov.so updates. Every child entering Somalia, including infants under 2, requires a separate eTAS application submitted by an accompanying adult via the evisa.gov.so portal, supported by a valid passport, unabridged birth certificate, and parental consent letter.
The Electronic Travel Authorization System (eTAS) replaced the visa-on-arrival framework, with full rollout completed on 27 November 2025. Families travelling from the UK must ensure each child meets specific passport validity, documentation, and health requirements before departure. Immigration rules in Somalia can change with short notice due to the security situation; always confirm requirements with the Somali embassy in London before booking non-refundable flights.
Do Somali Children Need a Separate eTAS to Enter Somalia?
Somalia eTA rules for minors require a separate electronic travel authorisation for every traveller regardless of age, including newborns. The eTAS system, launched on 1 September 2025 with full rollout on 27 November 2025, replaced the visa-on-arrival framework and is mandatory for all visitors via the evisa.gov.so portal. The previous URL visa.gov.so now redirects to evisa.gov.so. Authorisation is not available upon arrival at federal checkpoints (Aden Adde, Kismayo); airlines are blocked from issuing boarding passes without eTAS.
Security advisory (gov.uk): An ongoing data breach affecting the Somalia eVisa system has been reported, compromising applicant home addresses. Due to this, use a dedicated payment card with low limits, avoid reusing passwords on evisa.gov.so, and monitor for phishing attempts referencing your Somalia application. Source: UK FCDO travel advisory for Somalia.
Age Requirements – When Is a Child Considered a Minor?
Somalia eTA rules for minors define any person under 18 as a minor for eTAS purposes, with sub-categories: infant (0-2), child (3-11), and teenager (12-17). The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) does not publish exact age thresholds; these sub-categories are based on regional practice and airline policies (e.g., Kenya’s confirmed under-18 threshold), not on published Somali law. Verify with ICA directly before booking.
| Age tier | Category | eTAS requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Infant | Mandatory | Car seat photo acceptable |
| 3-11 | Child | Mandatory | Parental consent required |
| 12-17 | Teenager | Mandatory | Same fee as adults |
Required Documents for a Minor’s eTAS Application
A minor’s eTAS application requires the child’s passport with minimum 6 months validity after the planned arrival date and at least 1 blank page, an unabridged birth certificate, a compliant photo, and a signed parental consent letter. Lost or stolen passports result in denied entry.
- Child’s passport – minimum 6 months validity after the planned arrival date, at least 1 blank page; lost or stolen passports result in denied entry.
- Unabridged birth certificate – proof of identity and parental relationship; certified translation required if not in English or Somali.
- Biometric photo or selfie – white background, face forward; for infants, a car seat photo is acceptable if the face is visible and adult hands are not in frame.
- Parental consent letter – signed by both parents or legal guardian; must include child’s name, date of birth, passport number, travel dates, and both parents’ details.
- Sponsor letter (Warqad Dammaan) – each child must be listed by full name, date of birth, and passport number; “and family” phrasing may cause entry refusal. Signed by the sponsor organization in Somalia with financial guarantees.
Parental Consent Letters and Guardianship Documents
Non-parental guardians must supply a court custody order, adoption decree, or foster care order. Carry both originals and notarised copies.
Travelling Without Both Parents – Consent, Unaccompanied Minors & FCDO Advice
Somalia eTA rules for minors require a notarised consent letter from the absent parent when only one parent accompanies the child, plus a copy of that parent’s passport and contact details. Sole custody demands a court order; a deceased parent’s absence must be substantiated with a death certificate.
For unaccompanied minors, ICA regulations are not publicly available – contact the airline and the Somali embassy in London before departure. FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia for British citizen passport holders (gov.uk). British dual nationals need a valid UK passport or certificate of entitlement to return.
How to Apply for a Family Group eTAS – Process, Fees & Processing Time
An accompanying adult registers on the evisa.gov.so portal and submits individual eTAS applications for each child as dependents, uploading separate passport scans and photos per minor.
Register an adult account
on the eTAS portal.
Add each child as a dependent
Every minor needs a separate passport scan and photograph.
Select a travel purpose
Matching the parent’s: tourism, family visit, academic, or business.
Pay the government fee
£49 per applicant via credit card or online payment. No confirmed child discount exists as of 2026; the ICA does not publicly disclose a minor fee schedule.
Track the application
Via the portal – the ICA holds no obligation to notify applicants by email.
Processing takes up to 7-10 business days; submit at least 2 weeks before travel. The single-entry permit is valid up to 180 days from the specified arrival date. Both start and end dates are clearly stated on the document. The online payment module was not fully functional in 2025; verify current status on evisa.gov.so before submitting.
Vaccination Requirements for Children Entering Somalia
Children must hold polio and yellow fever vaccination certificates, checked upon arrival at Somali airports including Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Kismayo. Consult the TravelHealthPro Somalia guide (referenced by gov.uk) for age-specific vaccination schedules and ensure all health mandates are met before departure.
Somaliland Entry Rules for Families – Separate from Federal eTAS
Somaliland declared self-independence in 1991 and does not recognise federal eTAS. Families arriving at Hargeisa International Airport must purchase a separate single-entry visa-on-arrival valid for 30 days (gov.uk). An advance visa can be obtained from the London office. Families travelling to both regions must complete two separate entry applications.
FAQ
Do I need a separate eTA for my baby travelling to Somalia?
Yes, eTAS is mandatory for every traveller regardless of age, including newborns and infants under 2. Each infant requires a separate application submitted by an accompanying adult through the evisa.gov.so portal, supported by their own valid passport and compliant photograph.
What age is considered a minor for Somalia eTA purposes?
Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor for eTAS purposes. Sub-categories include infant (0 to 2 years), child (3 to 11 years), and teenager (12 to 17 years). The ICA does not publicly publish exact thresholds; these are based on regional practice. Verify before travel.
Can I include my children in my eTA application?
Each child requires a separate application, but an adult can submit on their behalf through the eTAS portal by adding children as dependents. The adult registers an account, adds child dependents, and uploads individual passport scans and photos for each minor.
Do I need a birth certificate for my child’s eTA?
Yes, an unabridged birth certificate is required as proof of identity and parental relationship. If the original document is not in English or Somali, a certified translation must be provided alongside the application.
What if only one parent is travelling with the child?
A child travelling with only one parent needs a notarised consent letter from the absent parent, plus a copy of that parent’s passport. In cases of sole custody, a court order proving exclusive custody is required. If a parent is deceased, a death certificate must be provided.
Are there different eTA fees for children?
No confirmed child discount exists as of 2026. The standard government fee is £49 per applicant regardless of age, payable by credit card or other online payment options. Always check the evisa.gov.so portal for the most current fee schedule before submitting an application.
Do children need a sponsor letter for Somalia eTA?
Yes, each child must be individually listed by full name, date of birth, and passport number in the sponsor letter, known locally as Warqad Dammaanad. Generic phrasing like “and family” may cause entry refusal. The letter must be formally signed by the sponsor organization in Somalia.
Is the Somalia eTA the same as a visa?
No – eTAS is an electronic travel authorization that simplifies entry. A traditional visa is a separate document required in some circumstances. eTAS replaced the visa-on-arrival system on 27 November 2025.
Do I need an eTA for Somaliland?
No, Somaliland has its own independent visa regime and does not recognise federal Somalia eTAS. A separate single-entry visa-on-arrival valid for 30 days is available at Hargeisa International Airport. Families travelling to both regions must complete two separate entry applications.
What vaccinations do children need for Somalia?
Children must hold polio and yellow fever vaccination certificates, which are checked upon arrival at Somali airports including Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Kismayo. Consult TravelHealthPro’s Somalia guide for age-specific vaccination schedules and ensure all health mandates are met before departure.
How long does eTA processing take for minors?
Standard processing takes up to 7 to 10 business days. The direct processing time from the Immigration and Citizenship Agency is not publicly specified. Applicants should submit their minor’s application a minimum of 2 weeks before travel to ensure sufficient time for verification and approval.
