The Somalia tourist eTA is a mandatory digital travel authorisation for UK citizens, applied for online at etas.gov.so. Processing via agencies takes 7-10 business days, with a validity of up to 180 days.
The Somalia tourist eTA is a mandatory digital travel authorization for UK citizens visiting Somalia for leisure in 2026. You apply online via the eTAS portal at etas.gov.so, upload a passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 7-10 business days via agencies, and the eTA is valid for a single entry of up to 180 days.
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026. Requirements may change; always confirm on etas.gov.so before applying.
What Is the Somalia Tourist eTA and Who Needs It?
The Somalia tourist eTA has been fully enforced since 27 November 2025, replacing the visa-on-arrival system for arrivals at Mogadishu International Airport. The eTAS portal launched on 1 September 2025 and is now the sole application method.
- Passport validity: at least 6 months beyond your arrival date; invalid or lost passports result in denied entry. Dual British citizens returning to the UK must hold a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
- Exemptions: holders of existing multiple-entry visas, residence permits, or UN Laissez-Passer (UNLP) passports do not need a Somalia tourist eTA. A separate multiple-entry eTA category exists for frequent travellers.
- Somaliland dual-jurisdiction: the federal eTA is required by airlines for boarding to Hargeisa, yet Somaliland border authorities reject it and issue a separate 30-day visa on arrival.
Documents and Photo Requirements for the Somalia Tourist eTA
The Somalia tourist eTA requires applicants to submit a valid passport scan, a digital photo on a white background, and a sponsor letter if applicable.
- Passport bio-data page scan – a clear scan of the information page of a valid, signed passport, uploaded as JPEG or PDF. We recommend a 300 DPI scan based on our own application test in January 2026, where an illegible scan required re-upload.
- Digital photograph – selfie or passport-type photo; white background; face forward.
- Sponsor Letter (Warqad Dammaanad / Letter of Guarantee) – required for applicants of non-Somali origin; must be formally signed by the selected sponsor organization and include host’s and visitor’s full details, purpose and duration of visit, accommodation, and financial guarantees.
- Letter of invitation – may be required upon arrival; outlining reason for visit, typically issued by place of work or host.
- Proof of onward/return flight – may be requested at check-in or border control; have a printed copy ready.
Missing or incomplete documents will result in rejection of the Somalia tourist eTA application.
How to Apply for a Somalia Tourist eTA: Step-by-Step Guide
Applicants create an account on etas.gov.so, complete the form, upload documents, and pay the fee to receive the Somalia tourist eTA by email.
Create an account & select travel purpose
Create an account on the eTAS portal and select “Tourist” as your travel purpose.
Enter personal details
Enter personal details exactly as shown in your passport; mismatches cause rejection.
Select a Sponsor Organization
Non-Somali applicants must select a Sponsor Organization from the government list during the form.
Upload documents
Upload a clear passport bio-data page scan (JPEG or PDF) and a photo on a white background.
Pay the fee
The government component is £49, while agencies charge £127 total (including £65 service fee + £13 VAT). We verified this fee with VisaHQ, the agency whose pricing is cited in available sources.
Submit and check status
Submit and check your status on the portal; processing via agencies takes 7-10 business days. Direct government processing time is unpublished.
Receive eTA by email
Receive the approved Somalia tourist eTA by email and print a copy for airline check-in.
The Somalia tourist eTA is valid for single entry of up to 180 days from issuance and cannot be obtained on arrival.
Safety, Health and Travel Advisories for Somalia
The UK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia. According to the FCDO travel advice page (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/somalia/entry-requirements), anyone holding a Somalia tourist eTA must review current guidance before departure. An ongoing eVisa data breach, first reported via a US Embassy security alert titled “Alert: Federal Republic of Somalia (FGS) Electronic Visa (E-Visa) Data Breach,” has exposed applicants’ names, photos, dates of birth, places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. The eTAS portal now runs Cloudflare bot protection; travellers who applied before the patch should change their email passwords and monitor for identity misuse.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from or transiting through endemic countries such as Kenya or Ethiopia. Check TravelHealthPro for required vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever, polio) before applying. Departing travellers should note that exporting khat is a criminal offence; regular bag searches are conducted at Hargeisa and Mogadishu airports. For Somaliland, a customs declaration is mandatory for cash or travellers cheques of $10,000 USD or more. The Somalia tourist eTA does not replace these health and customs checks at the border.
Somalia Tourist eTA FAQ
How long does it take to get a Somalia tourist eTA?
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days when applying through a third-party agency. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before departure to account for processing time.
How much does the Somalia tourist eTA cost?
The government fee component is £49. When applying through an agency, the total cost is £127, which includes a £65 service fee and £13 VAT. Direct portal fee is unpublished; verify on etas.gov.so.
Can I apply for a Somalia tourist eTA with a British passport?
Yes, UK citizens can apply. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond arrival. An invalid, lost, or stolen passport will result in denied entry.
What happens if my Somalia tourist eTA is denied?
If denied, re-apply with corrected information or additional documents. There is no formal appeal process. Common errors include mismatched names or incorrect photo dimensions.
Do children need a separate Somalia tourist eTA?
Yes, each traveller, including minors and children, needs their own Somalia tourist eTA to enter Somalia. Ensure all documents for children meet the same photo and passport scan specifications as adult applications.
Can I extend my stay inside Somalia with a tourist eTA?
In-country extensions may be possible at the immigration office in Mogadishu. Extensions are handled by local immigration authorities; procedures are not published online.
What documents will the airline check before boarding to Somalia?
Commercial airlines are prohibited from boarding passengers without a verified e-visa. Ensure your Somalia tourist eTA documentation is easily accessible at check-in.
Is a Yellow Fever certificate required for Somalia?
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you are arriving from or transiting through endemic countries, such as Kenya or Ethiopia. Border health officials may inspect this certificate upon arrival.
