Somalia opens up air travel with launch of E-Visa

In what the government says is a move to streamline travel and bolster national security, the E-Visa — which will be mandatory for all travellers entering the East African nation — will be rolled out on September 1, 2025, via a new online visa portal.

Officials explained that applicants will be able to submit visa requests from anywhere in the world through the system, which is designed to simplify the application process, reduce wait times, and enhance transparency in visa issuance.

Isxaaq Hassan Taakow, Director of the Department of Foreigners and Entry Permits, said the E-Visa system has been developed with a number of checks and balances to ensure its efficiency. It will be managed by a specialized team trained to operate the platform effectively and securely.

“This is a modern solution built to serve the needs of travelers while protecting national interests,” he said.

Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuxulow, described the rollout as a historic milestone. “It demonstrates Somalia’s commitment to digital transformation and integration with global systems. It also supports economic growth and safeguards sensitive data,” he noted.

Under the new policy, certain individuals will be exempt from the E-Visa/ETAS requirements. These include holders of multiple-entry visas, diplomatic and UNLP passports, residency permit holders, and citizens from countries that maintain visa-free or movement agreements with Somalia.

Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag emphasized the system’s importance in improving border control and increasing financial transparency. “All visa fees will go directly to government accounts, helping to strengthen our financial institutions,” he said.

The introduction of the E-Visa system is part of Somalia’s broader vision to open its doors to international trade, tourism, and investment.

The move comes a year after Somalia's official entry into the East African Community (EAC), an eight-nation bloc that includes Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo, and South Sudan, which allows for the free movement of goods and people within member countries.