Last updated: 15 September 2026. Somalia’s Electronic Travel Authorization System (eTAS), sometimes referred to informally as an eTA, offers single-entry and multiple-entry permits across tourist, business, and transit categories. A single-entry eTAS costs approximately £127 and is valid for up to 180 days. Multiple-entry is possible under regulations, but current processing channels mainly issue single-entry permits only. Issued by the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), the system replaced the previous visa-on-arrival regime on 1 September 2025.
Somalia’s eTAS (Electronic Travel Authorization System) comes in single-entry and multiple-entry types across tourist, business, and transit categories. A single-entry eTAS allows one admission within its validity window (up to 180 days), costing UK travellers approximately £127. A multiple-entry eTAS permits several entries but availability depends on sponsor category; confirm eligibility with the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) before applying.
Single-Entry vs Multiple-Entry Somalia eTAS – Key Differences, Cost & Stay Limits
The Somalia eTAS single-entry permit allows one admission within a 180-day window; multiple-entry authorization permits several entries but remains limited in current channels.
| Parameter | Single-Entry eTAS | Multiple-Entry eTAS |
|---|---|---|
| Entries allowed | 1 entry within validity window | Multiple entries within validity window |
| Validity window | Up to 180 days from specified arrival date | Not publicly specified; dependent on visa type |
| Cost (UK tourist) | £127.00 total (£49 gov fee + £65 service + £13 VAT) | Not publicly specified |
| Processing time | 7 to 10 business days | Not publicly specified |
| Max stay per entry | Not publicly specified by any source | Not publicly specified by any source |
| Best for | One-off holidays, family visits, single business meetings | Frequent business travellers with repeated itineraries |
The Somalia eTAS regulatory framework permits both types (Fragomen 2025), but current channels (VisaHQ, VisasNews) only process single-entry. Multiple-entry requires sponsor qualification; confirm eligibility with ICA before applying. The 180-day window defines the entry period, not stay duration; max stay per entry remains unspecified across all public sources as of September 2026.
Tourist vs Business Somalia eTAS – Which Category Applies to You?
The Somalia eTAS splits into tourist and business categories with distinct permitted activities, document requirements, and sponsor obligations for UK travellers.
| Parameter | Tourist eTAS | Business eTAS |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted activities | Sightseeing, visiting family and friends | Business, sports, entertainment |
| Documents required | Passport scan + photo (white background, face forward) | Same as tourist + Sponsor Organization from official list + Warqad Dammaanad (Letter of Guarantee) |
| Estimated fee (UK) | £127 total (£49 gov fee + £65 service fee + £13 VAT at 20%) | Not publicly specified |
| Processing time | 7-10 business days | 7-10 business days |
| Sponsor letter content | Not required | Host details, visitor details, purpose, duration, accommodation, financial guarantees |
A 3-day conference in Mogadishu needs Business with a signed Warqad Dammaanad; a two-week family visit uses Tourist. Other Somalia eTAS categories include transit, short-term study (up to 6 months), medical treatment, and permitted paid engagement.
Somalia eTAS Application Requirements, Documents & Processing Time (2026)
All Somalia eTAS applicants need a passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival, a scan, and a photo; business applicants additionally require a sponsor letter.
- All applicants:
- Passport valid 6+ months after planned arrival + minimum 1 blank page (applies to Somalia, including Somaliland).
- Mandatory online application before travel via the etas.gov.so portal.
- Passport scan (information page of a valid, signed passport).
- Selfie/passport photo: white background, face forward.
- Personal info, passport details, reason for travel, accommodation contact in Somalia.
- Payment by credit card or other online options on the portal.
- Business applicants only:
- Sponsor Organization selected from the official list during online application.
- Warqad Dammaanad (Letter of Guarantee): signed by sponsor, containing host and visitor details, purpose, duration, accommodation, financial guarantees.
Standard Somalia eTAS processing takes 7-10 business days, counted from the next business day after submission. The ICA does not notify by email; download the approved eTAS via the tracking page on the portal. No expedited option or refund policy for refused applications is publicly confirmed; retain all payment receipts.
Somalia eTAS Validity, Stay Limits & Somaliland Entry Distinctions
The 180-day Somalia eTAS validity window defines when you must enter, not the duration of stay; no public source specifies max consecutive days per entry.
A Somalia eTAS cannot be used to enter Somaliland, which does not recognise Somali visas. At Hargeisa International Airport, certain nationalities (notably Europeans, Canadians, and Americans) can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival valid for 1 month; an eVisa may still be requested for flight boarding. Mogadishu International Airport requires an approved eTAS before arrival. Kismayo International Airport is another authorised eTAS entry checkpoint.
For medical and vaccine requirements, consult TravelHealthPro. Khat is legal inside Somalia but illegal to export; taking it out of the country carries criminal prosecution. In Somaliland, declare cash or travellers cheques of 10,000 USD or more.
The UK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia. An ongoing data breach affecting the Somalia eVisa system, flagged by gov.uk and the U.S. Embassy, has compromised names, photos, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. Monitor the ICA portal status before submitting sensitive information.
Somalia eTAS Single vs Multiple Entry FAQ
What is the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry Somalia eTAS?
Single-entry: 1 entry within 180 days. Multiple-entry: several entries. Regulatory framework supports both, but current channels primarily process single-entry; confirm multiple-entry eligibility with ICA.
How much does a Somalia eTAS cost for UK citizens in 2026?
A tourist single-entry eTAS costs approximately £127 (£49 gov fee + £65 service fee + £13 VAT at 20%). Multiple-entry and business pricing remain unconfirmed publicly.
How many days can I stay in Somalia on a single-entry eTAS?
No public source specifies a max stay limit. The 180-day window is for entry, not stay; contact ICA for clarification.
Can UK citizens visit Somalia without an eTAS?
No. All foreign nationals require an approved eTAS. Exception: Hargeisa International Airport offers a single-entry visa on arrival (1 month) for certain nationalities.
Is the Somalia eTAS application safe to use online?
The UK FCDO and U.S. Embassy report a data breach (names, photos, DOB, emails, marital status, addresses). Monitor ICA portal status before applying.
What happens if I overstay my Somalia eTAS?
No public source specifies overstay fines, detention, or re-entry bans. Contact ICA or the Somali Embassy in the UK for current penalty details.
Can I extend my Somalia eTAS while inside the country?
No official guidance exists on extending an eTAS within Somalia. Contact ICA directly for the latest extension policy.
Do I need a different eTAS for Somaliland?
Yes. Somaliland does not recognise Somali visas; a separate Somaliland visa is required, available on arrival for certain nationalities (Europeans, Canadians, Americans) or via advance application in London, UK.
How long does Somalia eTAS processing take?
Standard processing takes 7-10 business days, counted from the next business day after submission. Download the approved eTAS via the portal tracking page.
Is urgent or expedited processing available for the Somalia eTAS?
No expedited processing is publicly confirmed. Apply at least 1-2 months before your intended travel date.
Can I switch from a tourist eTAS to a work permit in Somalia?
No public source documents a status conversion from tourist eTAS to work permit. Work permit holders are exempt from eTAS; contact ICA for guidance.
Is there a refund if my Somalia eTAS application is refused?
No refund policy for refused applications is publicly specified. Retain all payment receipts and confirm with your processing channel before applying.
