A Somalia business visa allows foreign nationals to enter Somalia for commercial activities such as meetings, conferences, trade negotiations, and investment exploration. You can obtain it through the online eTAS system at evisa.gov.so or as a visa on arrival with a pre-approved letter from a Somali sponsor. Fees start at $60 for a single-entry visa.
What Is a Somalia Business Visa?
A Somalia business visa is a travel authorization issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit Somalia for business-related purposes. This includes attending meetings with Somali companies, participating in trade conferences, exploring investment opportunities, negotiating contracts, or conducting market research.
Since the launch of the Electronic Travel Authorization System (eTAS) in September 2025, all foreign visitors — including business travelers — must obtain an approved visa before or upon arrival in Somalia. The Somalia eVisa system replaced the traditional embassy-based process, making it possible to apply entirely online.
Who Needs a Business Visa?
Citizens of virtually all countries need a visa to enter Somalia for business. The only exemptions are:
- Rwanda — visa-free entry for up to 30 days
- Malaysia — visa-free entry for up to 30 days
All other nationalities, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Gulf states, must obtain a business visa through the eTAS system or via visa on arrival.
Somalia Business Visa Fees
The Somali immigration department sets visa fees based on the type and duration of entry. Business travelers should budget for the following:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry visa | $60 | 30 days |
| Six-month multiple-entry visa | $400 | 6 months |
| One-year multiple-entry visa | $800 | 12 months |
Fees are payable in US dollars at the port of entry or online through the eTAS portal. Mobile money (EVC or Zaad) may also be accepted at some entry points. Credit cards are generally not accepted at immigration counters.
For a full breakdown of all visa categories, see our guide to Somalia visa fees.
How to Apply for a Somalia Business Visa
There are two main pathways to obtain a business visa for Somalia: the online eTAS application and the visa on arrival with a pre-approved letter.
Option 1: Apply Online via eTAS
The eTAS portal at evisa.gov.so is the official online system for Somalia visa applications. Business travelers can apply from anywhere in the world without visiting an embassy.
Steps to apply:
- Visit the official eTAS portal at evisa.gov.so
- Create an account with your email address
- Select “Business” as your visa type
- Fill in personal details, passport information, and travel dates
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, invitation letter)
- Pay the visa fee online
- Wait for approval — typically 2-5 business days
- Download and print your approved eVisa
Processing times vary, but most applications are approved within 48 hours to 5 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your planned travel date to account for any delays.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival With Pre-Approved Letter
Business travelers can also obtain a visa on arrival at Somali airports, but this requires advance preparation through a local sponsor.
Steps for visa on arrival:
- Contact your Somali business partner, company representative, or protocol officer in Somalia
- Your representative files a formal visa-on-arrival approval request on your behalf, providing:
- Your full name and passport number
- Purpose of visit
- Address in Somalia
- Your email address
- A guarantee letter for your security
- Your representative attaches supporting documents:
- Copy of your passport data page
- Copy of your valid return ticket
- The request is processed and an approval letter is issued within 48 hours (2 working days)
- An advance copy of the approval letter is emailed to you and sent to your airline and immigration officers at the port of entry
- Upon arrival, proceed to the visa-on-arrival desk, present your approval letter, passport, and evidence of payment
- Pay the visa fee and receive your entry visa
The approval letter is valid for 14 days from the date of issuance, so plan your travel accordingly.
For complete step-by-step instructions on the application process, visit our Somalia visa application guide.
Required Documents for a Business Visa
Whether applying online or on arrival, business travelers must prepare the following documents:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay, with blank pages for stamps |
| Passport-sized photos | Two recent photographs |
| Business invitation letter | From a Somali company, organization, or business partner |
| Return ticket | Valid return or onward flight booking |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel reservation or host address in Somalia |
| Visa fee payment | $60 (single-entry), $400 (6-month), or $800 (1-year) |
| Company registration documents | If applicable, documents from your employer or business |
For a complete checklist, see our Somalia visa requirements guide.
Business Visa vs. Other Visa Types
Somalia issues several visa categories depending on the purpose of your visit. Here is how the business visa compares to other common types:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Key Requirement | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business visa | Meetings, conferences, trade, investment | Invitation letter from Somali entity | $60-$800 |
| Tourist visa | Sightseeing, cultural visits, visiting family | Hotel booking, itinerary | $60-$800 |
| Work visa | Employment in Somalia | Employment contract from Somali employer | $60-$800 |
| Transit visa | Passing through Somalia to another destination | Onward travel proof | $60 |
| Student visa | Education and research | Enrollment letter from Somali institution | $60-$800 |
If your primary purpose is employment rather than business meetings, you will need a work visa instead. For leisure travel, a tourist visa is more appropriate. Read more about Somalia visa types in our complete guide.
Key Business Travel Information for Somalia
Business Customs and Etiquette
Somalis have a strong entrepreneurial tradition and value direct business relationships built on trust. Here are key cultural considerations:
- Work week: Sunday to Thursday. Fridays are reserved for prayers, and most Somalis decline meetings on Fridays.
- Meetings: Expect meetings to start late and run longer than scheduled. Reconfirm appointments 1-2 days in advance, preferably by phone or social media.
- Dress code: Smart casual for internal meetings; business attire for official meetings. Dress is conservative, especially for women.
- Greetings: Islamic greetings and salutations are common in business settings.
- Language: Somali is the official language, but most businesspeople and government officials speak English.
- Tea culture: Traditional Somali sweetened tea and snacks are usually offered during business meetings — accepting them is a sign of respect.
Currency and Payments
The US dollar is the most commonly accepted currency in Somalia. Mobile money denominated in US dollars (EVC, Zaad) is the preferred payment method for most vendors and services. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major international hotels. Carry limited US dollar cash as a backup.
Security Considerations
Business travelers should be aware of the security situation in Somalia. Most international business meetings in Mogadishu take place within the airport “green zone,” where international organizations, the UN, and diplomatic missions are located. Travel outside secured areas requires security escorts and armored vehicles.
A local contact or business partner is essential for navigating logistics, facilitating visa clearance at the airport, and arranging secure transportation.
Air Travel
Multiple international airlines serve Somalia, including Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Air Djibouti. International airports operate in Mogadishu and Hargeisa, with regional airports in Garowe, Kismayo, and Bosaso. Confirm flight status before travel, as cancellations can occur without notice.
Somaliland: A Separate Visa System
Important: Somaliland (with its capital in Hargeisa) maintains a separate visa policy from the rest of Somalia. A valid Somalia eVisa or visa on arrival is not accepted in Somaliland. Business travelers visiting Hargeisa or other Somaliland cities must apply for a separate Somaliland visa through its own process.
If your business itinerary includes both Mogadishu and Hargeisa, you will need two separate visas.
FAQs About Somalia Business Visa
How much does a Somalia business visa cost?
A single-entry business visa costs $60. A six-month multiple-entry visa costs $400, and a one-year multiple-entry visa costs $800. Fees are payable in US dollars.
Can I get a Somalia business visa on arrival?
Yes. Business travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Somali airports, but they must have a pre-approved visa letter arranged by a Somali sponsor or business partner. The approval process takes approximately 48 hours, and the letter is valid for 14 days.
How long does it take to get a Somalia business visa?
Online eTAS applications are typically processed within 2-5 business days. Visa-on-arrival approval letters are issued within 48 hours (2 working days). Apply at least two weeks before travel to allow for any delays.
Do I need an invitation letter for a Somalia business visa?
Yes. A business invitation letter from a Somali company, organization, or business partner is required for business visa applications. The letter should state the purpose of your visit, your host’s details, and your accommodation in Somalia.
Can US citizens get a business visa for Somalia?
Yes. US citizens can apply for a Somalia business visa through the eTAS portal or obtain a visa on arrival. The US State Department advises against travel to Somalia due to security concerns, but the visa is available. US citizens receive the same fee structure as other nationalities.
What is the difference between a Somalia business visa and a tourist visa?
A business visa requires an invitation letter from a Somali entity and is intended for meetings, conferences, trade, and investment activities. A tourist visa requires hotel bookings and a travel itinerary and is for leisure purposes. Both have the same fee structure ($60-$800 depending on duration).
Is the Somalia eVisa the same as the business visa?
The eTAS (Electronic Travel Authorization System) is the platform through which you apply for your visa. The business visa is the visa type you select during the application. You apply for a business visa through the eTAS system at evisa.gov.so.
Can I extend my Somalia business visa?
Visa extensions may be possible through the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) of Somalia. Overstaying your visa without extension is a violation of Somali immigration law and may result in fines or deportation. Contact the ICA or your local sponsor for extension procedures.
