The Somalia visa application is submitted entirely online through the official eTAS (Electronic Travel Authorization System) portal at etas.gov.so. Since September 1, 2025, all foreign travelers must obtain an approved eVisa before arriving in Somalia – there is no embassy visa option and no visa on arrival at Mogadishu. This guide covers the complete Somalia visa application process, including required documents, fees, processing times, and critical warnings every applicant should know. For a broader overview of the eTAS system, see our Somalia eVisa guide.
What Is the Somalia eTAS Visa Application System?
The Somalia eTAS (Electronic Travel Authorization System) is the mandatory online visa application platform launched by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) on August 28, 2025, replacing all previous visa issuance methods. Before eTAS, travelers could apply for a Somalia visa through Somali embassies abroad or obtain a visa on arrival at Mogadishu International Airport. Both options are no longer available for federal Somalia.
The eTAS system was designed to modernize immigration procedures, enhance border security, and streamline the visa application process. According to the ICA, the platform allows foreigners to apply for a visa from anywhere in the world and receive approval within a short time frame.
When Was eTAS Launched and Why?
The eTAS system launched on August 28, 2025, and became mandatory for all foreign visitors starting September 1, 2025. The Somali government introduced eTAS to replace the previous patchwork of embassy-issued visas and airport visa-on-arrival counters, which were inconsistent and difficult to manage.
The system is managed by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), which trained specialized staff to handle the digital application workflow. The official portal is accessible at etas.gov.so (also referenced as evisa.gov.so in some sources).
How eTAS Replaced Embassy Visas
Before eTAS, travelers could visit a Somali embassy or consulate to obtain a visa in advance. This option has been completely eliminated. The ICA confirmed that embassy visa issuance is no longer available – eTAS is the only method for obtaining a Somalia visa. Airlines now verify eTAS approval before allowing passengers to board flights to Mogadishu.
Who Needs to Apply for a Somalia Visa?
All foreign passport holders must complete the Somalia visa application through eTAS, with exceptions only for citizens of five visa-free countries. This requirement applies to tourists, business travelers, transit passengers, and even infants and children traveling on their own passports.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the following countries can enter Somalia without a visa:
- Djibouti – visa-free entry
- Kenya – up to 90 days without a visa
- Uganda – up to 90 days without a visa
- Ethiopia – up to 90 days without a visa
- Eritrea – up to 90 days without a visa
All other nationalities must apply for a Somalia visa through the eTAS system before travel. There are no additional exemptions.
Special Case: Somaliland
Somaliland operates a separate immigration system from federal Somalia. The eTAS visa is NOT valid for entry into Somaliland. If you are traveling to Hargeisa or other Somaliland destinations, you can still obtain a visa on arrival at Hargeisa International Airport – this is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, paid in cash (USD).
However, airlines may still ask for eTAS approval when boarding flights to Hargeisa. The eTAS will not be accepted as a valid entry document upon arrival in Somaliland. Always confirm the latest requirements with local authorities before traveling to Somaliland.
How to Apply for a Somalia Visa: Step-by-Step Process
The Somalia visa application process involves six steps: creating an account on etas.gov.so, filling in personal and travel details, uploading documents, selecting a sponsor, paying the $67 USD fee, and waiting for approval. The entire process is completed online – there is no in-person component.
Step 1: Create an Account on etas.gov.so
Visit etas.gov.so and click the registration button. For a detailed walkthrough of each field, see our Somalia visa application form guide. You will need to provide a valid email address and create a password. The system will send a verification email – click the link to activate your account before proceeding.
Step 2: Fill in Personal Information
Complete the personal details section with your full name (as it appears on your passport), date of birth, nationality, gender, and passport number. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly – discrepancies can cause delays or rejections.
Step 3: Enter Travel Details
Provide your intended travel dates, purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, or other), flight information, and accommodation details. You must include your hotel booking confirmation or host’s address in Somalia.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies or clear photos of your passport’s information page and a passport-type photograph. The photo should be taken against a white background with your face clearly visible. File size and format requirements are specified on the portal.
Step 5: Select Sponsor Organization and Upload Sponsor Letter
Non-Somali origin travelers must select a Sponsor Organization from the official list provided on the portal. You will also need to upload a Warqad Dammaanad (Letter of Guarantee / Sponsor Letter) from this organization. This letter must meet official criteria and confirm that the sponsoring organization takes responsibility for your visit. Business travelers may also need a letter of invitation from their host company.
Step 6: Pay and Submit
Pay the $67 USD government fee using a credit or debit card through the portal’s secure payment system. After payment, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number to track your application status.
Documents Required for the Somalia Visa Application
The Somalia visa application requires six core documents: a valid passport, a photograph, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, return travel proof, and a sponsor letter. All documents must be uploaded digitally through the eTAS portal.
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | 6+ months remaining validity from date of entry | Information page scan required |
| Passport photograph | Recent, white background, face forward | Selfie or passport-type photo accepted |
| Travel itinerary | Flight details and dates | Must show entry and exit dates |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel booking or host address | Confirmation email or letter |
| Return/onward travel | Flight booking leaving Somalia | One-way tickets may cause delays |
| Sponsor letter | Warqad Dammaanad from approved organization | Required for non-Somali origin travelers |
Passport Validity Requirements
Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your intended date of entry into Somalia. This applies to all nationalities without exception. You will be denied entry if you attempt to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen, even if a valid visa was issued on that passport.
The Sponsor Letter (Warqad Dammaanad)
The Warqad Dammaanad (Letter of Guarantee) is a formal document from an approved Sponsor Organization in Somalia. It confirms that the organization is responsible for your visit and will vouch for your purpose of travel. You must select your sponsor organization from the official list during the eTAS application process and upload the letter they provide. Without a valid sponsor letter, your Somalia visa application will not be processed.
Somalia Visa Application Fees and Processing Time
The Somalia visa application costs a flat $67 USD government fee, with total costs ranging from $94 to $150 when service charges are included. Standard processing takes 3-5 business days from submission.
For a full breakdown of all charges, see our Somalia eVisa fee guide.
| Fee Component | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | $67 USD | Flat fee for all nationalities |
| Service charges | $27-$83 USD | Varies by payment method and processing |
| Total cost range | $94-$150 USD | All charges included |
| Somaliland VOA | Cash (USD) | Paid at Hargeisa Airport, separate system |
Processing Time Details
The standard processing time for a Somalia visa application is 3-5 business days. For more details on timelines and expedited options, see our Somalia visa processing time guide. This begins from the date of successful submission and payment, not from the date of account creation. Processing may take longer during peak travel periods or if additional verification is required.
The approved eVisa grants a single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days. The visa is valid for the specific travel dates you provided in your application. If your travel dates change, you may need to submit a new application.
Payment Methods
Payment is made exclusively through the eTAS portal using a credit card or debit card. Cash payments are not accepted for the eTAS system. The payment is non-refundable even if your application is rejected. A receipt is sent to your registered email address after successful payment.
Important Warnings for Somalia Visa Applicants
Three critical warnings apply to every Somalia visa applicant: an ongoing data breach has compromised the eTAS system, the eTAS visa does not cover entry to Somaliland, and a letter of invitation may be required at the border.
eTAS Data Breach Warning
There are confirmed reports of a data breach affecting Somalia’s eVisa system. The leaked data includes visa applicants’ names, photographs, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. Both the UK Foreign Office (GOV.UK) and the US Embassy in Somalia have issued public alerts about this breach.
The breach is reported as ongoing, meaning any personal data entered into the eTAS system could be exposed. Travelers should carefully consider the security risks before submitting a Somalia visa application. If you proceed, avoid using your primary email address and be aware that your passport photo and personal details may not be secure.
Somaliland Is Not Covered by eTAS
As noted above, eTAS is not valid for entry into Somaliland. Somaliland maintains its own immigration system, and you will need to purchase a separate visa on arrival at Hargeisa International Airport. This is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, paid in cash (USD). Entry at other Somaliland points may have different requirements – confirm with local authorities before travel.
Letter of Invitation Requirement
Beyond the sponsor letter, travelers may also need to provide a letter of invitation upon arrival in Somalia. This letter outlines the reason for your visit and can usually be obtained from your host organization, employer, or business partner in Somalia. Without this letter, immigration officials may deny entry even with a valid eTAS visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a Somalia visa?
The Somalia visa application is completed entirely online through the official eTAS portal at etas.gov.so. Create an account, fill in your personal and travel details, upload your documents (passport, photo, sponsor letter), pay the $67 USD fee, and wait 3-5 business days for processing. There is no in-person application option.
How much does a Somalia visa application cost?
The government fee for a Somalia visa application is $67 USD. Total costs including service charges range from $94 to $150 USD depending on your payment method. Payment is made by credit or debit card through the eTAS portal and is non-refundable.
How long does a Somalia visa application take to process?
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days from the date of submission and payment. Processing may take longer during busy periods. The approved eVisa grants a single entry with a maximum 30-day stay.
Do US citizens need a visa for Somalia?
Yes. US citizens must apply for a Somalia visa through the eTAS system before travel. The US Embassy in Somalia has also issued alerts about the eTAS data breach, advising US citizens to consider the security risks before applying.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Somalia?
No. Visa on arrival is no longer available at Mogadishu International Airport. Since September 1, 2025, all travelers must have an approved eTAS visa before boarding their flight. The only exception is Somaliland (Hargeisa Airport), where a separate visa on arrival is still available. Learn more about Somalia visa on arrival options.
What documents do I need for a Somalia visa application?
You need six documents: a valid passport (6+ months validity), a passport photograph, a travel itinerary, accommodation booking, return flight booking, and a sponsor letter (Warqad Dammaanad) from an approved organization.
Is the Somalia eTAS system safe to use?
There are confirmed reports of a data breach affecting the eTAS system. The UK Foreign Office and US Embassy have both issued warnings. Leaked data includes names, photos, birth dates, email addresses, and home addresses. Travelers should weigh the security risks before submitting personal data.
Can I use my Somalia eTAS visa to enter Somaliland?
No. The eTAS visa is valid only for entry into federal Somalia (including Mogadishu). Somaliland has a separate immigration system and does not recognize eTAS. You need a separate visa on arrival at Hargeisa Airport for Somaliland.
What is the Warqad Dammaanad for Somalia visa?
The Warqad Dammaanad (Letter of Guarantee) is a sponsor letter required for non-Somali origin travelers applying for a Somalia visa. It must be obtained from an approved Sponsor Organization listed on the eTAS portal and uploaded during the application process.
Can children and infants travel to Somalia without a visa?
No. All foreign visitors, including infants and children, must have an approved eTAS visa to enter Somalia. Parents or guardians must submit separate applications for each child traveling on their own passport.
