If you hold a British passport and plan to travel to Somalia, you will need a visa. The process differs depending on whether you are visiting mainland Somalia (Federal Republic of Somalia) or the self-declared republic of Somaliland. This guide covers everything UK citizens need to know – from fees and application steps to the documents you will need at the border.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Somalia?
Yes. All UK passport holders must obtain a visa before entering Somalia, including Somaliland. There is no visa-free arrangement between the United Kingdom and Somalia. The type of visa you need depends on your destination within the country.
- Mainland Somalia (Mogadishu and other federal areas): You need an electronic visa (eVisa) issued through the official eTAS portal before you travel.
- Somaliland (Hargeisa, Berbera): You can obtain a visa on arrival at Hargeisa Egal International Airport or Berbera International Airport. However, airlines increasingly require passengers to hold a Somalia eVisa even when flying to Hargeisa.
There is no Somali Embassy in the United Kingdom that processes visa applications directly. All applications go through the online eVisa system or are handled on arrival in Somaliland.
Somalia eVisa for British Citizens
The Somalia eVisa is the standard entry permit for UK citizens travelling to mainland Somalia. It is issued by Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) through the electronic Travel Authorization System (eTAS).
How to Apply for the Somalia eVisa
Applications are submitted online at etas.gov.so. The process is straightforward:
- Create an account on the eTAS portal with your email address
- Fill in the application form with your personal details, travel dates, and purpose of visit
- Upload your documents – passport copy, passport-style photograph, and sponsor letter
- Pay the fee by credit card through the portal
- Wait for processing – typically 7 to 10 business days
- Receive your eVisa by email as a PDF document
You must print the eVisa approval and present it when checking in for your flight and at immigration on arrival in Mogadishu.
eVisa Requirements
To complete your Somalia eVisa application, you will need the following:
- Valid UK passport with at least 6 months’ validity from your date of arrival
- Passport-style photo – a clear, front-facing headshot against a white background
- Sponsor letter (Warqad Dammaanad) – a formal letter of guarantee from a registered sponsor organisation in Somalia
- Flight itinerary – return or onward flight tickets
- Contact information – phone number, email address, and physical address
- Additional details – marital status, country of birth, country of residence, and whether you have visited Somalia before
The sponsor letter is a critical requirement. If you are not of Somali origin and are travelling for tourism, business, or a family visit, you must select a sponsor organisation from the official list during the application process. The letter must be formal, signed by the sponsor, and include both the host’s and visitor’s full details, the purpose and duration of the visit, accommodation arrangements, and financial guarantees.
eVisa Fees and Processing Time
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee | $67 USD |
| Visa type | Single entry |
| Validity | Up to 180 days from issuance |
| Processing time | 7 to 10 business days |
| Payment method | Credit card via the eTAS portal |
Third-party visa agencies may charge additional service fees on top of the government fee. For example, VisaHQ charges a total of approximately £127 GBP (including a £49 embassy fee, £65 service fee, and 20% VAT). Applying directly through the eTAS portal is significantly cheaper.
Somaliland Visa on Arrival
Somaliland operates its own immigration system, separate from mainland Somalia. Since September 2025, all nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points in Somaliland.
Where to Get a Visa on Arrival
Somaliland visas on arrival are available at two airports only:
- Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA)
- Berbera International Airport (BBO)
Land borders and seaports do not offer visa on arrival. If you are entering Somaliland overland, you must arrange your visa in advance through a Somaliland Liaison Office (offices are located in the USA, UK, Djibouti, and Ethiopia).
Requirements
To obtain a Somaliland visa on arrival, you need:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds – cash or an ATM card
- Hotel booking or contact person in Somaliland
- Visa fee paid in cash (USD only) at the airport
Exception: Travellers of Somali origin or Somali diaspora are exempt from the return ticket and proof of funds requirements.
Fees
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | $61 USD (cash only) |
| Visa type | Single entry |
| Validity | 30 days from issuance |
| Payment method | Cash in USD only – cards are not accepted |
There is currently no online visa application system for Somaliland. Your only options are the visa on arrival at airports or arranging the visa in advance through liaison offices.
Key Differences: Somalia eVisa vs Somaliland Visa
The table below summarises the main differences between the two visa systems:
| Feature | Somalia eVisa (Mainland) | Somaliland Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Covered area | Federal Somalia (Mogadishu, etc.) | Somaliland (Hargeisa, Berbera) |
| Application method | Online via etas.gov.so | On arrival at airport |
| Fee | $67 USD | $61 USD |
| Validity | Up to 180 days | 30 days |
| Payment | Credit card online | Cash (USD only) |
| Processing time | 7-10 business days | Immediate |
| Sponsor letter required? | Yes | No |
Important: A Somalia eVisa is not valid for entry into Somaliland, and a Somaliland visa is not valid for mainland Somalia. If you plan to visit both regions, you will need separate visas.
However, airlines now commonly require a Somalia eVisa even for passengers flying to Hargeisa. The Federal Government of Somalia has instructed airlines to ensure all foreign passengers hold an eVisa before boarding – even those heading to Somaliland. To avoid complications at check-in, many travellers obtain both the Somalia eVisa and the Somaliland visa on arrival.
Important Considerations for UK Travellers
Passport Validity
Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in Somalia. This rule applies to both mainland Somalia and Somaliland. If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned arrival, renew it before applying for a visa.
You will be denied entry if you attempt to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Sponsor Letter (Warqad Dammaanad)
The sponsor letter – formally known as a “Warqad Dammaanad” or Letter of Guarantee – is mandatory for most non-Somali-origin applicants for the Somalia eVisa. The letter must come from a registered sponsor organisation in Somalia and include:
- Full details of both the sponsor and the visitor
- Purpose and duration of the visit
- Accommodation arrangements
- Financial guarantees for the visitor’s stay
If you do not have a contact in Somalia, some travel agencies and tour operators can arrange sponsorship as part of their service packages.
Data Breach Warning
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning about a data breach affecting Somalia’s eVisa system. Leaked data includes visa applicants’ names, photographs, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. The US Embassy in Somalia has issued a similar alert.
The FCDO advises UK travellers to consider the risks before entering personal data into the eVisa system. This is an ongoing issue, and any information you submit could potentially be exposed.
Travel Advisory
The FCDO advises against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland, due to terrorism, civil unrest, and piracy. If you choose to travel despite this advice, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance, a clear security plan, and up-to-date information from your sponsoring organisation or employer.
Dual Nationals
If you hold both British and Somali nationality, you must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when returning to the UK. See the FCDO guidance on dual citizenship for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Somalia have a visa on arrival?
Mainland Somalia does not offer visa on arrival – you must apply for an eVisa online before travelling. However, Somaliland (a separate region) does offer a visa on arrival at Hargeisa and Berbera airports for all nationalities, costing $61 USD in cash.
How much does a Somalia visa cost?
The Somalia eVisa costs $67 USD when applied for directly through the eTAS portal. Third-party agencies may charge additional service fees. The Somaliland visa on arrival costs $61 USD, payable in cash only.
Can UK citizens go to Somalia as a tourist?
Yes, UK citizens can travel to Somalia for tourism, but the FCDO advises against all travel due to security concerns. You will need a valid eVisa, a sponsor letter from a registered organisation, and a passport with at least 6 months’ validity.
How long does it take to get a Somalia eVisa?
Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after submitting your application through the eTAS portal. It is recommended to apply at least 1 to 2 months before your intended travel date.
Do I need a separate visa for Somaliland?
Yes. A Somalia eVisa is not valid for entry into Somaliland, and a Somaliland visa is not valid for mainland Somalia. If visiting both regions, you need separate visas. However, airlines may require a Somalia eVisa even for flights to Hargeisa, so many travellers carry both.
