Visit World - US Citizens Traveling to Somalia: Entry Rules, Visa Requirements & Regulations

Fully vaccinated travellers with proof of vaccination issued by a legitimate and competent authority can enter Somalia without needing to test.

If you’re not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate with a QR code from an authorised service provider (taken no more than 72 hours to arrival at the final destination) is required for entry into Somalia.

Tourists with disabilities who cannot take a PCR test, as well as children under the age of five, are exempt from taking the test and wearing a protective mask. All passengers arriving from abroad will also be checked for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and those who show any of these signs will undergo rapid antigen testing and, if positive, will be quarantined at the hotel at their own expense.

Visa to Somalia on arrival

All citizens must obtain a visa upon arrival in Somalia. The visa will be valid for 30 days, or 60 days in some cases.

You can get a visa on arrival at the following airports in Somalia:

Bosaso Airport
Garowe Airport
Abdullahi Yusuf Airport
Aden Adde International Airport
Kismayo Airport

Documents required for Somalia visa on arrival

1. A passport valid for at least six months after the date of travel to Somalia, issued within the last 10 years, with at least one or two blank "visa pages". Undamaged photos securely attached to the passport

2. Any documents confirming the purpose of your trip:

Air ticket (round trip) and hotel/apartment reservation/invitation for tourist purposes
An invitation letter for the purpose of a business or private visit
Any additional supporting documents

Somalia visa on arrival fee

The cost of a Somalia visa on arrival is US$50 for a 30-day single entry visa. It may vary slightly depending on your country and citizenship.

Where to apply for a visa to Somalia on arrival?

You will receive your visa upon arrival at the airport.

Short-term visa to Somalia.

For a short-term trip to Somalia, you can also apply for a traditional "paper" visa. The reasons for obtaining such a visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, short-term work and many other non-permanent reasons. Short-term Somalia visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days.

Required documents for obtaining a short-term visa in Somalia.

1. Questionnaire https://www.mfa.gov.so/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Somalia-Visa-Form.pdf

Fully completed, signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors under 18 years of age)

2. Passport

Valid for at least six months after the date of travel to Somalia.
Signed by bearer
The passport was issued within the last 10 years
At least one or two free "visa pages".
Undamaged photos that are securely attached to the passport.

3. Two photos

Must be made within the last 6 months.
A view of the face that occupies 70-80% (32-26 mm) of the photo.
Uniform and white background.
Size 3x4

4. A copy of the identity card

5. Copy of residence permit/visa (if the country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Route sheet

Booking a plane ticket
Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation reservation with full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, reservation number)

7. Supporting documents confirming the purpose of your trip

Invitation letter if you are traveling for a business/private visit
Any additional document confirming the reason for your trip to Somalia (if available)

How long does it take to get a short-term visa in Somalia?

The average term for issuing a short-term visa to Somalia is 3-15 calendar days. It depends on the country in which you are applying for a visa.

Fee for a short-term visa to Somalia.

The Somalia short-term visa fee is US$30-60 for foreign nationals (may vary by country and nationality).

Where to apply for a short-term visa to Somalia?

You can apply for a short-term visa for Somalia at visa centers, embassies, or consulates in Somalia, depending on which visa centers accept applications in your country of residence. If your country does not have any of them, you need to contact the nearest embassy or consulate to your place.

Visa-free regime only for transit.

Test requirements

Non-vaccinated passengers: Passengers must have a negative PCR test certificate received within 72 hours before departure.
Vaccinated passengers: The test is not required for passengers who have proof that they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. They must have a vaccination card with a QR code issued by an authorized body.

A person must:

Stay in the transit zone of the airport
Continue the trip on the same calendar day
Have a passport valid for the period of intended stay with one blank visa page
Have proof of sufficient funds
Have confirmation of availability of a return/onward flight
Have all the documents you need for your next destination
If necessary, have a visa for the next country
Confirm with your airline that you will be allowed to board the flight without a visa, as these conditions are subject to change.

Preparing for your pet's trip is not difficult. To ensure your pet can travel, you need to make sure it has:

Microchip
Vaccination
Rabies titer test
Treatment of external and internal parasites
Health certificate, animal passport and import permit

Police: 888

Ambulance: 999

Firefighters: 555

Traffic police: 777

A driver's license is not enough to drive on Somali roads. In addition to your native driver's license, you must have an International Driver's Permit or IDP as a valid document while in Somalia.

Driving rules in Somalia:

Somalia is a right-hand drive country.
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
A seat belt is mandatory for everyone.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol
The speed limit is 60 km/h in cities and 100 km/h in rural areas.

Free import:

400 cigarettes or 40 cigars or 400 grams of tobacco;
1 bottle of wine or spirits;
a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.

It is forbidden:

drugs
pornography

Limited:

Weapons and ammunition only with police permission. For more detailed information, contact the nearest embassy.

Somali embassies in different countries can be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/somalia

[email protected]

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