Last updated: 15 September 2026. This article is based on publicly available official sources and independent research. It is not a government publication. Verify current rules at etas.gov.so before travelling.
Somalia’s federal government requires UK citizens to obtain an eTA online via etas.gov.so before departure, eliminating visa on arrival at Mogadishu in September 2025. However, Somaliland still issues visa on arrival at Hargeisa airport. The eTA costs $64 and takes 7-10 business days to process.
The right choice depends on destination: federal Somalia mandates eTAS; Somaliland offers visa on arrival at Hargeisa. Apply for the federal eTA before departure; understanding regional regimes avoids denied boarding.
Why Somalia Has Three Different Entry Options
Somalia operates as three separate immigration jurisdictions: Federal Somalia, Somaliland, and Puntland, each enforcing its own visa rules. Federal Somalia introduced a mandatory eTA on 1 September 2025, eliminating visa on arrival at Mogadishu. Somaliland (de facto sovereign since 1991) still issues visa on arrival at Hargeisa. Puntland rejects the federal eVisa and charges $60 at Garowe.
Federal Government vs Somaliland vs Puntland – What Travellers Need to Know
Somalia’s fragmented governance creates three parallel entry regimes. Federal Somalia’s eTAS applies to Mogadishu and federal airports. Somaliland maintains its own visa regime and immigration authority. Puntland, an autonomous federal state with its administrative seat in Garowe, rejects the federal eVisa as illegal and charges an additional $60 USD arrival fee at Garowe Airport. The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia; verify current conditions before planning your trip.
eTA and eVisa for Somalia – How the Federal System Works
Federal Somalia replaced visa on arrival with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTAS) on 1 September 2025, applied for at etas.gov.so. The system was first announced on 28 August 2025. Both “eTAS” and “eVisa” refer to the same federal portal system; the eTAS must be obtained online before departure and is not available upon arrival. Entry processing is faster than the previous visa-on-arrival system. The eTAS supports multiple entries depending on visa type, covering short-term studies, tourism, and business purposes.
Who Is Exempt from the eTA?
Somalia’s eTAS exempts work permit holders, travellers holding multiple-entry visas or passports, and visa-exempt nationals who instead receive a free visa on arrival. Exemption status can be verified on the etas.gov.so portal.
Somalia eVisa Data Breach – What You Should Know Before Applying Online
The FCDO reports a data breach on Somalia’s eVisa system involving leaked home addresses. The US Embassy issued an alert titled “Alert: Federal Republic of Somalia (FGS) Electronic Visa (E-Visa) Data Breach”. Travellers should use only the etas.gov.so portal and monitor FCDO updates for the latest security advice. This eVisa security concern remains active; exercise caution when submitting personal data online.
Visa on Arrival – Still Available in Somaliland
Somaliland issues a single-entry, one-month visa on arrival at Hargeisa, confirmed by its Ministry of Civil Aviation on 9 September 2025. The federal eTA or eVisa obtained via etas.gov.so is considered invalid for entry at Hargeisa. The Somaliland Immigration Authority does not recognise federal electronic authorisations. Visa on arrival at other federal entry points remains unclear; confirm with local authorities or your sponsoring organisation.
Payment and Documents for Somaliland VoA
Carry USD cash (card acceptance unconfirmed); passport must be valid 6 months after arrival. Confirm the unpublished fee with Somaliland immigration before departure. Travellers carrying $10,000 USD or more (including travellers cheques) must declare this on arrival.
Airline Check-In for Hargeisa Flights
Airlines operating Hargeisa routes may require proof of travel documents at check-in. Ethiopian Airlines reportedly requires eVisa proof at check-in for Hargeisa flights. Print all booking confirmations and carry USD cash before departure, as requirements can vary by carrier.
eTA vs visa on arrival Somalia – Head-to-Head Comparison
The eTA costs $64 USD online for Federal Somalia; Somaliland visa on arrival is purchased at Hargeisa airport; no single document covers both jurisdictions.
| Option | Available? | Where? | Cost | Processing Time | Validity | Entry Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eTA / eVisa | Yes (federal) | Online via etas.gov.so | $64 USD | 7-10 business days | Up to 180 days | Single entry (multiple entries depending on visa type) | Mogadishu trips |
| Visa on Arrival | Somaliland only | Egal International Airport, Hargeisa | USD cash (amount not published) | Immediate | One month | Single entry | Hargeisa-only trips |
Cost Breakdown – Government Fees vs Agency Markups
The direct government fee on etas.gov.so is $64 USD. A UK agency example totals £127 GBP (£49 embassy fee + £65 service fee + £13 VAT at 20%). Puntland charges an additional $60 USD at Garowe Airport.
How Long Does Processing Take?
The eTA/eVisa takes 7-10 business days, starting the next business day after submission. No official SLA is published by ICA Somalia. Apply 1-2 months before departure. Somaliland visa on arrival is issued immediately at the border.
Which Option Is Best for Your Trip?
UK travellers heading to Mogadishu need the eTA; those flying only to Hargeisa can use Somaliland’s visa on arrival at the airport.
| Traveller Profile | Recommended Option | Why | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist visiting Mogadishu | eTA/eVisa (tourist e-visa) | Only valid authorisation for federal entry | Apply online at etas.gov.so |
| Business traveller | eTA/eVisa (business e-visa) + sponsor letter | Non-Somali-origin applicants need guarantee | Warqad Dammaanad from sponsor organisation |
| Hargeisa-only flyer | Somaliland visa on arrival | Federal eTA is invalid for Somaliland entry | Purchase at Egal International Airport |
| Transit passenger (Mogadishu) | Verify with airline | Airside transit rules unclear at Aden Adde | Check if transit e-visa is required |
Quick Trip vs Long Stay – Does Duration Affect Your Choice?
Somalia’s eTA and eVisa permit a maximum stay of up to 180 days from date of issuance. The Somaliland visa on arrival allows one month, single-entry. No public in-country extension procedure exists; contact ICA Somalia for guidance.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step for the eTA/eVisa
UK citizens apply for Somalia’s eTA at etas.gov.so by uploading a passport scan and photo, paying $64, and awaiting email approval.
Start an application
Visit the federal portal and begin your application
Upload passport
Valid at least 6 months after arrival (check portal for accepted file format and size limits)
Pay the fee
Pay the $64 government fee online (verify accepted payment methods on the portal before starting)
Receive approval
Approval by email within 7-10 business days; processing starts the next business day
Do UK Tourists Need a Sponsor Letter?
Non-Somali-origin applicants must submit a Warqad Dammaanad (Letter of Guarantee) from a selected sponsor organization in Somalia. A separate letter of invitation outlining the visit purpose may also be requested upon arrival. The sponsor letter must be formal, signed, and include financial guarantees.
Avoiding Scams – Using the Correct Application Portal
Fraudulent visa websites target UK travellers seeking Somalia entry documents. Verify you are on the correct portal by checking the URL is etas.gov.so, secured by Cloudflare. The Somalian Embassy in the UK can be contacted for entry requirement inquiries. Do not use third-party agencies claiming to process applications faster than the government portal.
What Happens at the Border – Entry Procedures for Somalia
Somalia’s border control collects biometrics on arrival. A passport reported lost or stolen results in denied entry. Carry a printed copy of your eTA approval; digital copies may not be accepted at all checkpoints. Verify current entry requirements with the FCDO Somalia travel advice before departure.
Airside Transit at Aden Adde International Airport
Specific airside transit rules at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu are not clearly defined. Travellers connecting through Mogadishu should verify current transit requirements with their airline. A transit e-visa or eTA may be required even for airside transit; check before booking connecting flights.
Health & Vaccination Checks
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be checked at border control for arrivals from endemic countries. Consult TravelHealthPro’s Somalia guide for recommended vaccinations. Customs: mandatory declaration for prohibited or taxable goods. Khat is legal domestically but criminal to export; enforcement occurs at Hargeisa and Mogadishu airports, with criminal prosecution for export possession.
FAQ
Does Somalia offer a visa on arrival for UK citizens in 2026?
Federal Somalia does not offer a visa on arrival for UK citizens in 2026, having eliminated the system in September 2025. However, Somaliland offers a visa on arrival at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa for all international travellers, valid for one month.
What is the difference between an eTA and an eVisa for Somalia?
For Somalia, both terms refer to the same federal portal system at etas.gov.so. The federal system uses the acronym eTAS (Electronic Travel Authorization System), while diplomatic and commercial entities often use the term eVisa interchangeably. Both represent the mandatory pre-departure electronic entry clearance.
How much does the Somalia eTA cost in 2026?
The direct government application fee for the Somalia federal eTA or eVisa is $64 USD when applying directly through the etas.gov.so portal. If using a UK agency, the total cost can be higher, such as £127 GBP including embassy fees, service fees, and VAT at 20%.
How long does it take to get a Somalia eVisa or eTA?
The processing time for a Somalia eVisa for UK citizens is 7-10 business days, with processing starting the next business day following submission. No officially published turnaround time exists from the immigration authority. Apply 1-2 months before travel.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu airport?
No, you cannot get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu International Airport. The federal government eliminated the visa on arrival system in September 2025. Travellers must apply for and obtain an eTA or eVisa online via etas.gov.so prior to arrival at Mogadishu.
Do I need a sponsor letter for a Somalia tourist visa?
Non-Somali origin applicants must select a Sponsor Organization from an official list and obtain an official Sponsor Letter, known as Warqad Dammaanad. This letter must be formal, signed, and include financial guarantees from the selected sponsor organization in Somalia.
Can I extend my Somalia eTA or eVisa while in the country?
Information regarding in-country visa extension procedures for the Somalia eTA or eVisa is not publicly available. Travellers seeking to extend their stay should contact the relevant immigration authority, such as ICA Somalia, or their sponsor organization for guidance before their current authorisation expires.
Is it safe to apply for a Somalia visa online after the data breach?
The FCDO has reported a data breach on Somalia’s eVisa system involving leaked home addresses, and the US Embassy issued a security alert. To minimise risks, use only the government portal at etas.gov.so and monitor FCDO updates for the latest security advice.
Do I need a visa to transit through Mogadishu airport?
Specific airside transit rules at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu are not clearly defined. Travellers connecting through Mogadishu should verify current transit requirements with their airline to ensure they comply with immigration regulations. A transit e-visa may be required.
What happens if I arrive in Somalia without an eTA or visa?
Travellers arriving in federal Somalia without the required eTA will be denied entry, as it cannot be obtained upon arrival. Additionally, attempting to use a passport reported lost or stolen, or failing to present a required letter of invitation, may also result in entry refusal.
