Submitting your Somalia eTA application requires strict adherence to technical document specifications. Your passport photo must be a JPEG file under 2 MB, while supporting documents like sponsor letters must be PDFs under 5 MB.
The Somalia eTravel Authorization (eTAS) system became mandatory on 1 September 2025, replacing visa-on-arrival and paper-based consular applications. UK travellers must submit applications online via etas.gov.so before departure. Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival. Failure to present an approved eTA results in denied entry. Exemptions apply to multiple-entry visa holders (issued before 1 September 2025), visa-exempt foreign nationals, and residence or work-permit holders in Somalia. The eVisa is not valid for entry when arriving at Hargeisa, where a single-entry visa on arrival is issued instead.
The Somalia eVisa system is affected by an ongoing data breach, according to gov.uk. Compromised data includes applicant names, photos, dates of birth, places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. Exercise caution when submitting personal information.
Last updated: 14 September 2026. This guide was prepared by our editorial team specialising in electronic travel authorisation requirements for East African destinations. Always verify current requirements at etas.gov.so before submitting your application. This website is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with the Somali government or the eTAS system.
Passport Photo Dimensions and File Format
The Somalia eTA document upload specifications require a physical print size of 35 × 45 mm and a minimum digital dimension of 600 × 600 pixels. The accepted file format is JPEG / JPG only. PNG, TIFF, HEIC, and other formats will not pass validation. The maximum file size is 2 MB; compress images exceeding this limit before uploading. The Somalia eTA document upload specifications also specify a minimum resolution of 300 DPI to ensure facial features remain legible during automated checks. Use the sRGB colour profile at 24-bit depth. JPEG compression quality should fall between 80-95% to keep the file under 2 MB while preserving detail. Files saved at lower quality settings may show artefacts that trigger rejection. The complete specifications are published at etas.gov.so (accessed 14 September 2026).
Passport Photo Quality and Background Guidelines
The Somalia eTA document upload specifications require a white background, neutral expression with eyes open, and ICAO-compliant headwear/glasses rules.
- Background: White or plain light background with no shadows, patterns, or objects behind the applicant.
- Pose: Face forward, eyes open, neutral expression. Both a selfie or a professional passport-type photo is acceptable.
- Glasses: Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not permitted. Clear prescription glasses are allowed provided they do not cause glare or obscure the eyes.
- Headwear: Hats and non-religious head coverings are rejected. Headwear worn for religious or medical reasons is permitted if the face remains fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
- Recency: The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months, consistent with the ICAO standard.
- Colour profile: sRGB, 24-bit colour depth.
- Compression quality: JPEG compression set between 80-95%.
The system rejects photographs failing these visual criteria. The Somalia eTA document upload specifications align with ICAO biometric standards governing facial recognition.
Uploading Supporting Documents: Note Verbale and Sponsor Letters
The Somalia eTA document upload specifications require supporting documents such as the Note Verbale or Sponsor Letter to be uploaded as PDF files with a maximum size of 5 MB per upload. Files in any other format will be rejected.
For non-Somali-origin applicants, the Somalia eTA document upload specifications mandate an Official Sponsor Letter, known in Somali as Warqad Dammaanad (“Letter of Guarantee”). This document must be formally signed by the selected sponsor organisation in Somalia and include financial guarantees covering the applicant’s stay.
Verify that each PDF is legible, complete, and within the 5 MB limit before submission. Further details are available at etas.gov.so.
UK Passport Scanning Tips and Common Rejection Reasons
UK biometric passports use a polycarbonate bio-data page that reflects light easily, making glare the most frequent scanning problem.
Scan in a glare-free environment
Place the polycarbonate page flat under diffuse lighting; avoid direct flash to prevent reflective hotspots on the photo or machine-readable zone.
Check the file format
The Somalia eTA document upload specifications require passport photos in JPEG format; Note Verbale and Sponsor Letters must be PDF.
Keep within size limits
Passport photos must not exceed 2 MB; supporting documents are capped at 5 MB per upload.
Use a white, plain background
Shadows, patterns, or non-white backgrounds cause automated rejection.
Verify dimensions before uploading
Photos must measure 35 × 45 mm with a minimum of 600 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI.
Review for blur and cropping
The Somalia eTA document upload specifications reject any image that is out of focus, poorly cropped, or digitally altered.
A clear, glare-free scan is essential for validation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Somalia eTA Document Upload Specifications
What is the maximum file size for a passport photo upload?
The Somalia eTA system blocks passport photos over 2 MB. Compress or resize before uploading via etas.gov.so.
What file format is required for the passport photo?
The accepted file format is JPEG or JPG. No other image formats are accepted by the Somalia eTA system.
What are the exact pixel dimensions for the passport photo?
The passport photo must measure 35 x 45 mm, with a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 pixels at 300 DPI. The colour profile should be sRGB, 24-bit.
What background is required for the Somalia eTA photo?
The passport photo must have a white or plain light background, aligned with ICAO guidelines. Avoid patterned, coloured, or textured backgrounds. The background must be evenly lit with no shadows.
Can I wear glasses in my Somalia eTA passport photo?
The Somalia eTA system does not permit tinted lenses or sunglasses. Clear prescription glasses are allowed only if they cause no glare and do not obscure the eyes. To minimise rejection risk, remove glasses entirely unless medically required.
What file format is accepted for the Sponsor Letter or Note Verbale?
Supporting documents such as the Sponsor Letter (Warqad Dammaanad) and Note Verbale must be uploaded in PDF format. The Sponsor Letter must be formally signed by a selected sponsor organisation in Somalia and include financial guarantees.
What is the maximum file size for supporting documents like the Sponsor Letter?
The maximum file size per upload for supporting documents is 5 MB. Compress your PDF or split large files if necessary, ensuring all text remains legible.
How recent must my passport photo be for the Somalia eTA?
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months, in line with ICAO biometric standards. Photos older than six months may be rejected.
Why was my Somalia eTA document upload rejected?
Common rejection reasons include exceeding the 2 MB photo limit, using a non-JPEG format, incorrect dimensions, non-white backgrounds, shadows, and failure to meet 300 DPI. For supporting documents, exceeding the 5 MB PDF limit or using a non-PDF format also triggers rejection.
Are UK biometric passports difficult to scan for the eTA?
UK biometric passports use a polycarbonate bio-data page, which can produce glare. Use even, diffuse lighting and angle the camera or scanner to minimise reflections.
