The Somalia eVisa costs $67 USD in government fees, with total application costs reaching $94-$150 USD depending on the service provider and processing speed. Payment is made online via credit or debit card through the official eTAS portal. This guide breaks down every fee component so you can budget accurately for your trip to Somalia.
Somalia eVisa Government Fee
The Somalia eVisa government fee is a flat $67 USD set by the Federal Government of Somalia for all applicants regardless of nationality. This mandatory fee applies to every traveler entering Somalia through the electronic visa (eTAS) system, which replaced the previous visa on arrival process.
The $67 USD government fee covers the core application processing by Somalia’s immigration authorities. According to the Somali Embassy in Sweden, the eTAS system is now the only legal method for obtaining entry authorization – the embassy no longer issues visas in person. This means every traveler must pay the $67 USD fee through the official online portal.
The government fee is the base cost that all applicants pay. It does not include any service charges, processing fees, or third-party assistance costs. When budgeting for your Somalia eVisa, consider this $67 USD as the minimum mandatory expense for entry into the country.
How the Fee Is Calculated
The $67 USD fee is a flat rate determined by Somalia’s Federal Government. Unlike some countries that charge different fees based on nationality or visa duration, Somalia applies a single government fee for all eVisa applicants. The fee is denominated in USD and processed through the official eTAS payment gateway.
Understanding Service Fees and Total Cost
Total Somalia eVisa cost ranges from $94 to $150 USD, including both the government fee and service charges. The service fee covers application assistance, document review, and processing support provided by authorized visa service platforms.
When you apply through a third-party service like eVisaSomali, the $94 USD total includes the $67 USD government fee plus a $27 USD service fee. This service fee covers specialist application assistance, document verification, and status updates via WhatsApp and email. The service ensures your application is correctly completed before submission, reducing the risk of rejection.
For travelers needing faster processing, express service costs $150 USD total. This includes the same $67 USD government fee plus an $83 USD premium for priority handling. Express applications are processed within 5-6 hours during Somalia working hours, compared to the standard 24-72 hour processing time.
Third-Party vs Official Portal
You can apply directly through Somalia’s official eTAS portal or use authorized third-party services. The official portal charges only the $67 USD government fee, but requires you to complete all documentation independently. Third-party services add $27-$83 USD in service fees but provide application review, error checking, and customer support.
Third-party services are particularly valuable for first-time applicants or those unfamiliar with the documentation requirements. They can prevent common application errors that lead to rejection and lost fees. However, experienced travelers comfortable with the process may prefer applying directly through the official portal to save on service charges.
How to Pay for Your Somalia eVisa
Somalia eVisa payments are made online via credit or debit card through the official portal or authorized service platforms. The payment process is integrated into the application workflow – you submit your application, upload documents, and pay the fee in a single session.
The official eTAS portal accepts major credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. Payment is processed in USD, so your card issuer may apply a currency conversion fee if your account is in a different currency. The transaction appears on your statement as a payment to the Federal Government of Somalia or the authorized service provider.
Accepted Payment Methods
The primary payment methods for Somalia eVisa fees include:
- Credit cards – Visa, Mastercard (most widely accepted)
- Debit cards – Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit
- Online payment – Processed through secure payment gateway
Some third-party services may offer additional payment options like bank transfers or mobile payments. However, the official eTAS portal primarily relies on card payments. Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions before attempting to pay, as the payment is processed in USD from Somalia.
Processing Time and Fee Tiers
Standard Somalia eVisa processing takes 24-72 hours from application submission to approval. This is included in the base $94 USD fee through third-party services or the $67 USD government-only fee. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of submitted documents.
For travelers with urgent timelines, express processing completes in 5-6 hours during Somalia working hours. The express service costs $150 USD total and is available through authorized service providers. This option is ideal for last-minute travel plans or business travelers with tight schedules.
Standard vs Express Processing
| Feature | Standard | Express |
|---|---|---|
| **Total Cost** | $94 USD | $150 USD |
| **Government Fee** | $67 USD | $67 USD |
| **Service Fee** | $27 USD | $83 USD |
| **Processing Time** | 24-72 hours | 5-6 hours |
| **Best For** | Planned trips | Urgent travel |
The standard option suits most travelers who apply at least a week before their trip. The express option costs $56 USD more but delivers results 4-8 times faster. Consider your travel timeline when choosing between these options.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Cost Comparison
The Somalia eVisa at $67 USD government fee is the mandatory entry authorization method, replacing the previous visa on arrival system. Since the Federal Government mandated the eTAS system, visa on arrival is no longer available at Somali airports and border crossings.
Previously, travelers could obtain a visa on arrival, which sometimes involved different fee structures and potential for additional charges. The BBC reported in November 2025 that some travelers faced extra fees in certain regions, amounting to double charges under the old system.
The eTAS system eliminates these inconsistencies by providing a standardized fee structure. Every applicant pays the same $67 USD government fee regardless of their entry point or nationality. This transparency helps travelers budget accurately and avoid surprise charges at the border.
Refund Policy and Rejected Applications
Somalia eVisa fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. The $67 USD government fee covers the processing of your application, not the guarantee of approval. If your application is denied due to incomplete documentation or ineligibility, the fee is not returned.
To minimize the risk of rejection and lost fees:
- Ensure all required documents are complete and legible
- Verify your passport has at least 6 months validity
- Double-check all information before submission
- Consider using a third-party service for application review
If your application is rejected, you may reapply with corrected documentation. However, you will need to pay the full fee again for each new application. This makes it important to get your application right the first time.
Fee Comparison with East African Countries
Somalia eVisa fees are competitive with neighboring East African countries. Here is how Somalia’s $67 USD government fee compares:
| Country | eVisa Fee (USD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| **Somalia** | $67 | 24-72 hours |
| **Kenya** | $50 | 48 hours |
| **Ethiopia** | $82 | 24-72 hours |
| **Djibouti** | $120 | 24-48 hours |
Somalia’s fee falls in the middle range for East African eVisas. It is $17 USD more than Kenya but $15 USD less than Ethiopia. Djibouti charges the highest fee in the region at $120 USD.
For travelers visiting multiple East African countries, the combined visa costs can be significant. Planning your route to minimize border crossings and visa applications can help manage these expenses. Some travelers opt for multi-country tours that begin in lower-fee countries like Kenya before entering Somalia.
FAQ
How much does a Somalia eVisa cost in total?
The total cost ranges from $94 USD for standard processing (24-72 hours) to $150 USD for express processing (5-6 hours). This includes the $67 USD government fee plus service charges.
What is the government fee for Somalia eVisa?
The government fee is a flat $67 USD set by the Federal Government of Somalia. This applies to all applicants regardless of nationality and is paid through the official eTAS portal.
Can I pay the Somalia eVisa fee with a credit card?
Yes, the official eTAS portal accepts major credit and debit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Payment is processed in USD through a secure payment gateway.
Is the Somalia eVisa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No, the $67 USD government fee is non-refundable. The fee covers application processing, not approval guarantee. Ensure your documents are complete before submitting to avoid losing the fee.
How long does Somalia eVisa processing take?
Standard processing takes 24-72 hours. Express processing completes in 5-6 hours during Somalia working hours for an additional $83 USD service fee.
What is the difference between the government fee and service fee?
The $67 USD government fee goes to Somalia’s Federal Government for visa processing. The $27-$83 USD service fee is charged by third-party platforms for application assistance, document review, and customer support.
Can I apply for Somalia eVisa without paying a service fee?
Yes, you can apply directly through the official eTAS portal and pay only the $67 USD government fee. However, you must complete all documentation independently without assistance.
Does the Somalia eVisa fee vary by nationality?
No, the $67 USD government fee is a flat rate for all nationalities. There are no reduced or increased fees based on your country of origin.
How does Somalia eVisa fee compare to other East African countries?
Somalia’s $67 USD fee is higher than Kenya ($50 USD) but lower than Ethiopia ($82 USD) and Djibouti ($120 USD). It falls in the middle range for the region.
What happens if I need to change my travel dates after paying the fee?
The eVisa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. If your travel dates change within this validity period, you can use the same eVisa. For date changes beyond validity, a new application and fee payment may be required.
Are there any hidden fees when applying for Somalia eVisa?
The main costs are the $67 USD government fee and optional $27-$83 USD service fee. Your bank may charge a currency conversion fee if paying in a currency other than USD. There are no other official hidden charges.
Is the Somalia eVisa fee the same for children?
Yes, the $67 USD government fee applies to all travelers including children. There are no reduced rates for minors or family applications.
