The Somalia eTA (eTAS) has a **180-day entry window from the date of issue**, during which you must enter the country. Once you arrive, the maximum allowed stay is **30 days per visit** on a single-entry tourist authorisation. Extensions require discretionary approval from the Immigration & Citizenship Agency. The eTAS became mandatory on **1 September 2025**, replacing the previous visa-on-arrival system.
How long is the Somalia eTA valid for? The Somalia eTA (eTAS) allows entry into Somalia for up to **180 days from the date of issue**. Once you arrive, the maximum allowed stay is **30 days per visit** (single-entry tourist eTA). You cannot carry over unused days if you leave early. Extensions require a valid reason and approval from the Immigration & Citizenship Agency.
Warning: The federal Somalia eTA is **not accepted** at Hargeisa International Airport (HGA) in Somaliland. UK travellers arriving at Hargeisa must obtain a separate Somaliland visa on arrival.
Somalia eTA Validity Period and Duration of Stay Rules (2026)
The Somalia eTA is valid for a **180-day entry window** from the date of issue and permits a maximum stay of **30 days** on a single-entry basis, requiring a passport valid for at least **6 months** beyond arrival. The eTAS became mandatory for all travellers on **1 September 2025**, replacing the previous visa-on-arrival system. Applications are submitted online only, with a standard processing time of 15-20 working days and a starting fee of **from €99** (non-refundable, debit card only). The eTAS is not available upon arrival; travellers without a valid eTA face denied entry.
The official eTAS portal at etas.gov.so states: “Entry to Federal Republic of Somalia must occur within 180 days from this date (inclusive). If not, the visa will no longer be valid.” Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival, as confirmed by UK FCDO guidance.
Data security note: The Somalia eVisa system has been affected by an ongoing data breach compromising home addresses, per a US Embassy in Somalia security alert. Apply via the official portal only and avoid third-party submission services.
Entry Window vs Duration of Stay: The Core Distinction
The Somalia eTA entry window is a **180-day period** from the date of issue during which you must enter the country, while the **30-day duration of stay** begins only on your actual arrival date. For example, if your authorisation is issued on **1 March**, you must enter Somalia by **27 August** (180 days). If you arrive on **15 July**, your 30-day stay runs until **14 August**, regardless of how many days remain in the entry window. Because the standard tourist Somalia eTA is **single-entry**, leaving before day 30 forfeits all remaining days and the authorisation cannot be reactivated.
The Somalia eTA validity starts from the date of issue, not from your arrival. You must enter within 180 days of issue and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival.
How Many Days After Approval Must You Enter Somalia? (180 vs 90 Days Explained)
The official Somalia eTAS portal (etas.gov.so) specifies a **180-day entry window** from the date of issue. Some third-party sources, including, reference a **90-day** figure, which likely reflects an earlier pre-launch rule or a specific sub-category. The 180-day rule is the authoritative figure as of 2026. Always verify the exact entry deadline printed on your Somalia eTA approval PDF immediately upon receiving the confirmation email. The Somalia eTA does not have a fixed calendar expiration date independent of your application; it expires 180 days from the date of issue.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry eTA: What’s Available in 2026?
The standard Somalia tourist eTA is single-entry with a 30-day maximum stay, while multiple-entry authorisations exist only for specific business and special-category applicants. The tourist eTA prohibits work activities; business visitors needing multiple entries must apply under a business category with a signed **Warqad Dammaanad** (Letter of Guarantee from a sponsor organisation in Somalia).
| Category | Entries | Validity from issue | Max stay per visit | Processing time | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Single entry | 180 days | 30 days | 15-20 working days | Proof of accommodation, return ticket |
| Business / Special | Multiple entries (varies by type) | Depends on visa sub-category | Varies | 15-20 working days | Warqad Dammaanad (sponsor letter) |
| Transit | Not documented | Not documented | Not documented | Not documented | Separate category; duration not publicly specified |
Can You Extend Your Somalia eTA or Stay Beyond 30 Days?
A Somalia eTA stay extension is possible only with a valid reason and discretionary approval from the Immigration & Citizenship Agency in Mogadishu. As of 2026, the application deadline, fees, and accepted payment methods for extensions are **not publicly documented**. Extensions are not guaranteed; plan departure within the original 30-day window. For case-specific guidance, contact the Immigration & Citizenship Agency directly. UK citizens can also consult FCDO travel advice for Somalia for current contact details.
What Happens If You Overstay Your Somalia eTA?
Overstaying the Somalia eTA may result in fines, immigration detention, or a re-entry ban, though no published penalty schedule exists as of 2026. Exact fine amounts and ban durations are not publicly documented. For escalation, contact the Immigration & Citizenship Agency in Mogadishu directly. If your Somalia eTA allows a 30-day stay and you remain for 35 days, you may face penalties upon departure at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ). UK citizens can also contact the Somali Embassy in London via gov.uk for current contact details.
The Somaliland Exception: Your Somalia eTA Is Not Valid at Hargeisa Airport
The federal Somalia eTA is not accepted at Hargeisa International Airport (HGA) in Somaliland, which operates as a self-declared republic with its own entry regulations. UK travellers arriving at Hargeisa must obtain a separate Somaliland visa on arrival, valid for **30 days** on a **single-entry** basis. The federal Somalia eTA remains valid only at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu and Bosaso International Airport (BSA). Visa availability at other land border crossings is not confirmed and requires verification from local authorities.
Editorial note: This article was last reviewed on 15 September 2026. Primary sources: official eTAS portal (etas.gov.so), UK FCDO travel advice, and Embassy of Somalia guidance (usa.mfa.gov.so). Somalia’s immigration policies may change without public notice; confirm all details with the Immigration & Citizenship Agency no more than 72 hours before departure.
Somalia eTA Validity and Duration of Stay FAQ
How long is the Somalia eTA valid for from the date of issue?
The Somalia eTA is valid for a **180-day entry window** from the date of issue. You must enter Somalia within this timeframe. If you do not enter within 180 days, the travel authorisation will no longer be valid. Always check the exact dates on your approval PDF.
What is the maximum allowed stay in Somalia with a Somalia eTA?
The maximum allowed duration of stay with a standard single-entry tourist Somalia eTA is **30 days per visit**. This period begins on the date of your entry into the country. You must depart before or on the 30th day to avoid overstaying.
How many days after approval must I enter Somalia with a Somalia eTA?
You must enter Somalia within **180 days** from the date your Somalia eTA is issued. The eTAS portal specifies this 180-day entry window. Some third-party sources cite 90 days, but you should rely on the 180-day rule and verify your approval document.
Does the Somalia eTA expire on a fixed date or from the date of issue?
The Somalia eTA expires **180 days from the date of issue**. If you do not use the eTA to enter Somalia within this 180-day window, it will automatically expire and become invalid. You would need to submit a completely new application.
Can I enter Somalia multiple times with the same Somalia eTA?
The standard Somalia eTA for tourism and family visits is **single entry**. Multiple entries are available only for specific business and special-category authorisations, depending on the visa type you apply for.
What happens if my passport expires before my Somalia eTA validity ends?
The Somalia eTA is tied exclusively to the passport stated in your application. If that passport expires or is lost, the eTA becomes invalid. You must re-apply for a new Somalia eTA using your new passport details before travelling.
How do I calculate my Somalia eTA validity period for a 30-day trip?
Count 180 days from your Somalia eTA issue date to find the entry deadline, then count 30 days from your planned arrival date for your stay. For example, if issued on 1 March, enter by 27 August; if arriving 15 July, depart by 14 August. The Somalia eTA validity and stay run on separate clocks.
What are the overstay penalties for exceeding the maximum stay on a Somalia eTA?
Overstaying the Somalia eTA maximum stay limit may result in daily fines, immigration detention, or a re-entry ban. However, a published penalty schedule is not publicly documented as of 2026. Contact the Immigration & Citizenship Agency for specific details.
Do unused days carry over if I leave Somalia early on a Somalia eTA?
No, unused days do not carry over. Because the standard tourist Somalia eTA is a single-entry authorisation, leaving Somalia before your 30-day maximum stay immediately nullifies any remaining days. You cannot reactivate the eTA for a future visit.
Is there a grace period after my Somalia eTA expires?
There is no grace period documented for the Somalia eTA after it expires. If your 180-day entry window passes without you entering the country, the Somalia eTA is no longer valid and you must submit a completely new application.
What if my passport expires during my 30-day stay in Somalia?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. If your passport expires during your 30-day Somalia eTA stay, contact the Immigration & Citizenship Agency immediately, as your eTA is linked to that specific passport and you may face complications upon departure.
Are Somalia eTA validity and stay rules different for UK citizens?
No, the Somalia eTA validity period and maximum stay rules apply equally to UK citizens. However, UK citizens travelling via Hargeisa must obtain a separate Somaliland visa on arrival, as the federal Somalia eTA is not accepted there.
