Planning a trip to Somalia and wondering whether you need a visa? A handful of nationalities can enter Somalia without arranging a visa in advance. For everyone else, the country’s Electronic Travel Authorization System (eTAS) has replaced the old embassy and on-arrival processes since September 2025.
This guide lists every country whose citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Somalia, explains the eTAS requirement for other nationalities, and covers what Somali passport holders should know about their own visa-free travel options.
Countries Whose Citizens Can Enter Somalia Visa-Free
As of 2026, citizens of the following countries can enter Somalia without a visa. They simply present a valid passport at the port of entry and are admitted for the duration listed.
| Country | Region | Maximum Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Djibouti | East Africa | 90 days | Bilateral agreement; shared border and close diplomatic ties |
| Kenya | East Africa | 90 days | East African Community (EAC) member state; visa-free under regional protocols |
| Uganda | East Africa | 90 days | EAC member state; reciprocal visa-free arrangement |
| Ethiopia | East Africa | 90 days | Bilateral agreement; strong regional cooperation |
| Eritrea | East Africa | 90 days | Bilateral agreement; shared cultural and linguistic heritage |
These five countries are all located in the Horn of Africa or the broader East African region. The visa-free arrangements reflect longstanding diplomatic, economic, and cultural relationships between Somalia and its neighbours.
Key Details for Visa-Free Travellers
Even without a visa, you must meet Somalia’s standard entry requirements:
- Valid passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry.
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking or a letter from your host may be requested.
- Return or onward travel: Immigration officers may ask for evidence that you plan to leave Somalia within the permitted stay.
- Yellow fever certificate: If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, carry proof of vaccination.
Visa-free entry applies to arrivals at Mogadishu Aden Abdulle International Airport and other official ports of entry. It does not automatically cover entry into Somaliland, which operates a separate immigration system (see below).
Somalia’s eTAS System: What Other Nationalities Need
If your country is not listed above, you must obtain an electronic visa through Somalia’s eTAS portal before travelling. The eTAS system launched on 1 September 2025 and replaced both embassy visa applications and the traditional visa-on-arrival process at Mogadishu airport.
How it works:
- Visit the official portal at etas.gov.so.
- Create an account and complete the online application form.
- Upload a passport photo, a selfie, and copies of your travel documents.
- Pay the fee (USD 67 government fee; total cost with service charges ranges from USD 94 to USD 150).
- Receive your approved eTAS by email within three to five business days.
Your eTAS is a single-entry authorization valid for a 30-day stay. You must print or download the approval and present it alongside your passport when you arrive in Somalia.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see https://etas-somalia.info/somalia-evisa/.
Important eTAS Security Notice
In 2025, reports surfaced of a data breach affecting the eTAS system. Leaked information reportedly included names, photographs, dates and places of birth, email addresses, and home addresses. Both the UK Foreign Office and the US Embassy have issued advisories. Check the latest travel advice from your government before submitting personal data to any eVisa portal.
Somaliland: A Separate Immigration System
Somaliland, the self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia, operates its own immigration system independently of the federal government in Mogadishu.
Key differences:
- The federal eTAS is not valid for entry into Somaliland.
- Visa-free arrangements with Somalia’s five partner countries may not automatically apply at Somaliland entry points.
- At Hargeisa Airport, many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days), paid in cash (USD).
- A letter of invitation from a Somaliland-based host may be required.
If you plan to visit both federal Somalia and Somaliland, you will need separate authorizations for each. Confirm current requirements with Somaliland immigration authorities before you travel.
Somali Passport Holders: Where Can You Travel Visa-Free?
Somali passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 30 to 35 countries and territories worldwide. Here is a summary of the main categories.
Fully Visa-Free Destinations
| Country | Region | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Benin | West Africa | 90 days |
| Dominica | Caribbean | 21 days |
| Gambia | West Africa | 30 days |
| Haiti | Caribbean | 90 days |
| Kenya | East Africa | 90 days |
| Malaysia | Southeast Asia | 30 days |
| Micronesia | Pacific | 30 days |
| Rwanda | East Africa | 90 days |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Caribbean | 30 days |
Many of these are fellow African states that maintain open-border policies under the East African Community or ECOWAS regional agreements.
Visa on Arrival Destinations
Somali citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in a broader set of countries, typically for stays of 30 to 90 days. Popular options include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, the Maldives, Mozambique, Nepal, Palau, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia (returning citizens), Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, and Tuvalu.
eVisa Destinations
An increasing number of countries offer electronic visas that Somali passport holders can apply for online before departure. These include Djibouti, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
For the complete, up-to-date list, see https://etas-somalia.info/somalia-visa-free-countries/.
Somalia Passport Ranking
The Somali passport currently ranks around 99th to 105th globally, depending on the index used (Henley, Arton Capital, or Passport Index). While this places it among the lower-ranked passports, the number of accessible destinations has been gradually increasing as Somalia strengthens diplomatic ties and joins regional organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which African countries can I visit from Somalia without a visa?
Somali passport holders can travel visa-free to several African nations, including Benin (90 days), Gambia (30 days), Kenya (90 days), and Rwanda (90 days). Additional African countries offer visa on arrival, such as Cape Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.
Do Kenyan citizens need a visa to visit Somalia?
No. Kenyan citizens can enter Somalia visa-free for up to 90 days under East African Community agreements. They need a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
Can US citizens visit Somalia without a visa?
No. US citizens must apply for an eTAS through the official portal at etas.gov.so before travelling. The eTAS is a single-entry authorization valid for 30 days, with a government fee of USD 67. The US State Department currently advises against all travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, and piracy.
Can UK citizens visit Somalia without a visa?
No. UK citizens need an eTAS to enter Somalia. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland. UK nationals should check the latest GOV.UK travel advice before applying.
Is the eTAS valid for Somaliland?
No. The federal eTAS is not valid for entry into Somaliland. Somaliland has its own immigration system and issues visas on arrival at Hargeisa Airport for most nationalities.
How many countries can Somali passport holders visit without a visa?
Somali passport holders have completely visa-free access to approximately 10 sovereign nations and can obtain a visa on arrival in roughly 20 additional countries. The total number of accessible destinations (visa-free plus visa on arrival) is around 30 to 35.
What is the difference between visa-free and visa on arrival?
Visa-free means you can enter a country with just your passport and no visa of any kind. Visa on arrival means you receive your visa at the airport or border when you arrive, typically for a fee. Both eliminate the need to visit an embassy or apply online in advance, but visa-on-arrival destinations require payment (usually in cash) at the port of entry.
Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa for Somalia?
No. Ethiopian citizens can enter Somalia visa-free for up to 90 days. This arrangement reflects the strong bilateral relationship and geographic proximity of the two countries.
How Visa-Free Entry Compares Across East Africa
Somalia’s visa-free arrangements with its East African neighbours fit into a broader regional trend. The East African Community (EAC), which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, promotes free movement of citizens among member states. Somalia joined the EAC in 2023 and is gradually aligning its immigration policies with the bloc’s standards.
For travellers, this means that the Horn of Africa is becoming more accessible. A Kenyan or Ugandan citizen can enter Somalia without a visa, just as Somali citizens can visit Kenya and Uganda without one. Ethiopia maintains bilateral visa-free arrangements with several neighbours, including Somalia and Djibouti.
The African Union’s broader Free Movement of Persons protocol, still in the process of ratification across the continent, aims to extend visa-free access to all AU member states. If fully implemented, it would significantly expand the list of countries whose citizens can enter Somalia without a visa.
Final Tips
- Apply early: If you need an eTAS, submit your application at least two weeks before your travel date to allow for processing delays.
- Check advisories: Somalia’s security situation remains volatile. Consult your government’s travel advice before booking.
- Carry USD: US dollars are widely accepted in Somalia. If you are entering Somaliland, bring cash for visa on arrival fees.
- Verify requirements: Visa policies change. Always confirm current rules with the Somali embassy in your country or the official eTAS portal before you travel.
- Travel insurance: Given the security environment, comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. See https://etas-somalia.info/somalia-travel-insurance/ for guidance.
If you are ready to apply, visit https://etas-somalia.info/somalia-visa-application/ for a complete guide to the application process.
