Planning to visit Somalia — the land of rugged coastlines, rich history, and vibrant culture? Whether you're heading to Mogadishu for business, family visits, or cultural exploration, Somalia offers a straightforward visa process for international travelers. This guide is your expert breakdown of how to get a Somalia visa, including eligibility, application steps, visa types, fees, and duration — with full SEO optimization to answer all your visa-related queries.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Somalia visa and immigration in 2025!
✈️ How to Get a Somalia Visa
Travelers can enter Somalia through two main visa options:
✅ 1. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
-
Available to nationals of most countries
-
Issued at major entry points, especially Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport
-
Valid for 30 days, extendable upon request
-
Ideal for tourists, short business trips, and family visits
✅ 2. Somalia Visa from Embassy (Pre-Arranged)
-
Required for travelers entering through land borders
-
Also an option for travelers who prefer having a visa in hand before traveling
-
Apply through a Somali embassy or consulate, or via contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
💡 Somalia is working toward an e-visa system, though it is not fully operational yet as of 2025. Visa on arrival remains the most common and traveler-friendly option.
🌍 Somalia Visa Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for a Somalia visa if:
-
You hold a valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
-
You plan to visit Somalia for tourism, business, family visit, media, or humanitarian work
-
You have proof of return/onward travel
-
You can demonstrate sufficient funds to support your stay
-
You do not have travel restrictions imposed by the Somali government
📄 Somalia Visa Requirements
To apply for or receive a Somalia visa, you typically need the following documents:
-
🛂 Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
-
🖼️ Recent passport-sized photo
-
✈️ Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
-
🏨 Accommodation booking or invitation letter from a host
-
💵 Proof of funds (bank statement or sponsor letter)
-
💉 Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (required if arriving from an endemic country)
-
📋 Completed visa application form (for embassy applications)
Travelers should also carry copies of key documents as immigration officers may request them upon arrival.
💻 How to Apply for a Somalia Visa (Step-by-Step)
Option 1: Visa on Arrival (at Airport)
-
Book your ticket to Somalia (Mogadishu or another major airport).
-
Bring your passport, photo, travel itinerary, and supporting documents.
-
Pay the visa fee at the airport (USD cash recommended).
-
Receive a visa stamped in your passport for 30 days.
Option 2: Pre-Travel Visa (at Embassy)
-
Contact the nearest Somali embassy or consulate.
-
Complete a visa application form.
-
Submit all required documents, including invitation letter if applicable.
-
Pay the visa processing fee.
-
Wait 5–10 business days for approval.
For humanitarian missions, NGOs and journalists, special clearance may be required. Coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Somali Immigration Department is recommended.
💰 Somalia Visa Fees
Visa fees may vary slightly by point of entry or embassy, but here’s a general guide:
| Visa Type | Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (30 Days) | $60 – $100 USD |
| Business Visa | $80 – $120 USD |
| Embassy Visa | $60 – $120 USD |
| Multiple Entry Visa | May vary; inquire with embassy |
Fees are generally paid in USD and are non-refundable.
🕒 Somalia Visa Duration
-
Visa on Arrival: Valid for 30 days, single entry
-
Embassy/Pre-Approved Visas: Validity varies (30–90 days)
-
Extensions: Available through the Somali Immigration Department in Mogadishu
-
Multiple-entry visas: Available on request (usually for business purposes)
🗂️ Somalia Visa Types
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Leisure travel, sightseeing, cultural trips |
| Business Visa | Meetings, trade missions, official business |
| Family Visit Visa | Visiting relatives or attending family events |
| Media/Journalist Visa | Reporting or film coverage (requires special clearance) |
| NGO/Humanitarian Visa | For aid workers or NGO staff (pre-clearance needed) |
| Transit Visa | Stopover travel via Somalia (short-term) |
📌 Somalia Visa – Highlights Summary
If you’re searching “How to get Somalia visa”, here are the answers all in one place:
-
✅ How to get Somalia visa: Via Visa on Arrival or embassy application
-
✅ How to apply online: Somalia does not yet offer a full e-visa system; Visa on Arrival is recommended
-
✅ Eligibility: All nationalities can apply; must have passport, travel plans, funds
-
✅ Visa Fee: $60–$120 depending on type and entry point
-
✅ Visa Requirements: Passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation, funds, yellow fever cert
-
✅ Application Procedure: Arrive and apply on the spot or visit embassy
-
✅ Visa Types: Tourist, Business, Family, Humanitarian, Transit
-
✅ Visa Duration: 30–90 days with possible extension
🌟 Why Visit Somalia?
Somalia is a destination like no other — a land of unspoiled beaches, vibrant marketplaces, historic cities like Mogadishu and Hargeisa, and authentic cultural richness. While it’s a destination that requires thoughtful planning, many travelers find the experience deeply rewarding.
Whether you’re a business investor, cultural explorer, journalist, or humanitarian worker — Somalia is opening its doors to the world, and the visa system is designed to support that.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Discover Somalia with Confidence
Somalia’s visa process is evolving and becoming more accessible every year. With visa on arrival available, and embassy support worldwide, traveling to Somalia is easier than many people think.
So, pack your bags, prepare your documents, and get ready to explore one of the most fascinating and untouched corners of Africa.
Somalia is calling — and your visa is just a few steps away!