Published: 15 September 2026. Last reviewed: 15 September 2026.
This is an independent informational guide for UK travellers, not affiliated with the Somali government or the eTAS portal. Always verify current rules at etas.gov.so and gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/somalia.
Somalia eTA applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date in Somalia. The passport biographical page must be uploaded as a clear colour scan during the online application. UK passport holders follow the same Somalia eTA passport validity requirements as all other nationalities. The eTAS system launched on 1 September 2025 and charges $32.50 USD per application, with processing taking 7 to 10 business days.
Somalia eTA 6-Month Passport Validity Rule and Calculation
The Somalia eTA passport validity requirements state that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Somalia, according to the UK FCDO travel advice. The 6-month validity countdown starts from your date of arrival, not from your UK departure date or the date you submit your application. For example, if you arrive on 15 October 2026, your passport must remain valid until at least 15 April 2027. The Somalia eTA is electronically tied to your passport number and its expiry date, so the system verifies validity against your stated arrival date.
Use the table below to check whether your passport passes or fails the rule. If it fails, renew your passport with the HM Passport Office before submitting your Somalia eTA application.
| Arrival Date | Passport Expiry | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Oct 2026 | 20 Apr 2027 | ✅ Eligible (6 months + 5 days) |
| 15 Oct 2026 | 15 Apr 2027 | ✅ Eligible (exactly 6 months) |
| 15 Oct 2026 | 14 Apr 2027 | ❌ Ineligible (1 day short) |
| 15 Oct 2026 | 15 Jan 2027 | ❌ Ineligible (only 3 months) |
A passport that falls short of the six-month threshold will trigger eTA rejection or entry denial at the border.
Submitting Your Passport Data Page and Biographical Details
Somalia eTA applicants must upload the passport biographical page as a colour scan in PDF, JPG, or PNG format at minimum 300 DPI. The biographical page (page 2 in most UK passports) contains your photograph and personal data. Submit this page digitally via the eTAS portal at etas.gov.so.
Technical Scan Specifications
- File format: PDF, JPG, or PNG
- Resolution: minimum 300 DPI
- Colour: full colour only, no black-and-white scans
- Glare: none, avoid camera flash on the laminate
- Cropping: full page visible, no cut edges
- MRZ: both Machine Readable Zone lines fully visible and unobstructed
- Passport must be signed
Required Fields on the Biographical Page
- Passport number
- Full name (surname and given names as printed)
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Nationality
- Date of issue and date of expiry
- Passport photograph
- MRZ strip
The uploaded scan must match the details entered in the Somalia eTA application form exactly. Any discrepancy triggers rejection. Common rejection causes include blurry images, black-and-white scans, cropped edges, glare on the laminate, and an obscured MRZ.
The Somalia eTA application also requires a passport-type photograph with a white background and face forward pose. Both passport-type photos and selfies are accepted.
Somalia vs. Somaliland Entry Rules and Passport Issues
Federal Somalia requires an eTA obtained before travel; arriving without authorisation results in entry denied. Somaliland issues separate visas on arrival at Hargeisa (HGA) and Berbera (BBO) airports, with 1-month validity. The Somalia eTA is not accepted at Somaliland immigration counters. Visa on arrival is available only at airports; land borders and seaports are ineligible. Travellers using land borders or seaports must arrange an online visa request before commencing their journey via (Somaliland Department of Immigration, WhatsApp: +252 63 9022222).
| Aspect | Federal Somalia (MGQ) | Somaliland (HGA / BBO) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry document | eTA required before travel | Visa on arrival at airports only |
| eTA accepted? | Yes | No |
| Passport validity | ≥6 months after arrival | ≥6 months on entry date |
| VOA validity | N/A | 1 month |
| Land borders / seaports | Confirm with local authorities | VOA ineligible |
Rejection triggers for the Somalia eTA include: under 6 months validity, damaged pages, illegible MRZ, or fewer than 1 blank page (2 recommended). Airlines operating routes to Mogadishu (MGQ) and Hargeisa (HGA) verify passport validity at check-in and may deny boarding. Using a passport reported lost or stolen results in denied entry. Dual nationals must use the same passport for application, boarding, and arrival. Work permit holders are exempt from the Somalia eTA requirement.
The UK FCDO currently advises against all travel to parts of Somalia. Check the latest FCDO travel advice on gov.uk before booking.
Somalia eVisa Data Breach and UK Traveller Safety
The UK FCDO confirmed an ongoing data breach affecting the Somalia eVisa/eTA portal, exposing personal data including home addresses. The US Embassy in Somalia issued a formal alert titled “Alert: Federal Republic of Somalia (FGS) Electronic Visa (E-Visa) Data Breach.” Anyone who submitted passport and personal data through the online portal may be affected.
Before submitting your passport scan, check whether the eTAS portal (etas.gov.so) uses HTTPS encryption (look for the padlock icon), review the FCDO security notice, and confirm the portal’s privacy policy states how your data is stored. The Somalia eTA passport validity requirements do not override the need to protect your personal information during the application process.
Take the following protection steps if you have already submitted data:
Monitor credit reports
Monitor credit reports for unusual activity linked to your home address.
Update passwords
Update passwords on email accounts used for Somalia eTA correspondence.
Watch for phishing emails
Watch for phishing emails referencing Somalia travel applications.
Consider identity monitoring
Consider identity monitoring services if your home address was among the leaked data.
FAQ: Somalia eTA Passport Validity Requirements
Can I apply for a Somalia eTA if my passport expires in less than 6 months?
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Somalia. If your passport expires sooner, you must apply for a passport renewal before submitting your Somalia eTA application. The system will check your passport expiry against your intended arrival date.
Does the 6-month passport validity rule start from my departure date or arrival date?
The 6-month validity period is calculated from your date of arrival in Somalia, not from your UK departure date and not from the date you submit the eTA application. For example, arriving on 15 October 2026 means your passport must be valid until at least 15 April 2027.
How many blank pages do I need in my passport for Somalia?
You need at least 1 blank page for the Somalia entry stamp. Having 2 blank pages, one for the entry stamp and one for the exit stamp, is recommended. A passport with no blank pages may result in delays or denial at Somali immigration.
Can I use an emergency or temporary passport for the Somalia eTA?
Standard machine-readable passports are accepted. Emergency travel documents and temporary passports carry a higher risk of rejection by the eTA system. Contact the Somali Embassy in the UK (refer to gov.uk for current contact details) to verify whether your specific document type is eligible before applying.
What file format should I use to upload my passport data page?
Accepted formats are PDF, JPG, and PNG. Use a colour scan at a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the biographical page must be fully visible with no glare or cropping. Avoid black-and-white scans.
Do I need a biometric (chip-enabled) e-Passport for the Somalia eTA?
No. Standard machine-readable passports, including those without an embedded electronic chip, are accepted for the Somalia eTA application and for entry into Somalia. The eTA system reviews your uploaded passport scan, not the chip data.
What happens if I renew my passport after my eTA is approved?
Your Somalia eTA is electronically tied to the passport number used during the application. If you renew your passport or change your name, you must submit a new eTA application with your updated passport details. The standard fee of $32.50 USD applies again, and processing takes 7 to 10 business days. The old eTA cannot be transferred or refunded.
Will the airline check my passport validity before flying to Somalia?
Yes. Most airlines operating routes to Mogadishu (MGQ) and Hargeisa (HGA) verify passport validity at check-in. If your passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining beyond your arrival date, you may be denied boarding before you reach Somalia.
Is my personal data safe when I submit my passport scan for the Somalia eTA?
A data breach affecting the Somalia eVisa/eTA system has been reported by the UK FCDO and the US Embassy. Home addresses were among the leaked data. Monitor your personal information, update passwords, and check the latest FCDO guidance on gov.uk before applying.
