Somalia recently updated its electronic visa system with the launch of eTAS, a more “user friendly” site to simplify the process for travelers.
In a bid to improve the experience of travelers, Somalia has recently made significant changes to its electronic visa application system.
While travelers previously had to submit their applications via the old visa.gov.so portal, the authorities have introduced a new platform called “eTAS”, now accessible at evisa.gov.so.
The previous electronic visa application site, which served as a one-stop shop for foreign travelers’ administrative procedures, has carried the following statement since early 2025: “Sorry for the inconvenience but we have moved to the all new user friendly eTAS site”.
Who can apply for an electronic visa for Somalia?
On their new, optimized site, the Somali authorities explain that all visitors, including babies and children, intending to travel to Somalia “must have an approved Electronic Visa (eTAS) before the start of their journey”.
International travelers can use this portal to apply for an e-Visa for :
- tourism, including visiting family and friends;
- business, including sports and entertainment;
- transit through the Somalia;
- a Permitted Paid Engagement;
- short-term study (up to 6 months), including recreational course;
- private medical treatment;
- marriage or civil partnership;
- academic visit, including teaching, exchange and visiting as a dependant of an academic visitor.
How to get an electronic visa for Somalia?
Travelers must complete an online form at evisa.gov.so, providing personal information, passport details, reason for travel and contact details for accommodation in Somalia.
It is necessary to upload a copy of the passport (valid for at least 6 months after the planned date of arrival in Somalia and with at least one blank page) and a “selfie” or passport photo.
Once the application has been submitted, users proceed to pay the visa fee by credit card or via the other online payment options offered by the site (the online payment module appears not to be functional at present).
Applicants are advised to track the status of their application and download the approved visa via the application tracking page on the portal. The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) states that it “holds no obligation to notify applicants via email or other communication methods”.
The approved eTAS is a single-entry permit, allowing the applicant to enter Somalia only once, within the approved dates specified on the visa.
The validity period of the e-Visa begins on the “Arrival Date in Somalia” specified by the applicant at the time of application. Entry into the country must take place within 180 days of this date (inclusive). “Both the start and end dates of validity are clearly stated on the eTAS”, say the Somali authorities.
eTAS holders can enter Somalia via the following checkpoints:
- Mogadishu International Airport;
- Baidoa International Airport;
- Bosaso International Airport;
- Galkacyo International Airport;
- Garowe International Airport;
- Kismayo International Airport.
Separate visa policies for Somalia and Somaliland
While the introduction of the eTAS system is intended to simplify formalities for entering Somalia, it is important to note that the situation is different for those wishing to travel to the Somaliland region.
Somalia requires travellers to obtain a visa prior to arrival. However, certain nationalities can obtain one on arrival at specific entry points.
Somaliland, which declared itself independent in 1991, does not recognize visas issued by Somalia. All visitors must therefore obtain a specific Somaliland visa, which cannot be used to enter Somalia and vice versa.
Visas for Somaliland can be :
- requested in advance from Somaliland representations, notably in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) or London (UK).
- issued on arrival for certain nationalities, notably Europeans, Canadians and Americans, but this option depends on current agreements and may vary over time.
This distinction between Somalia and Somaliland can lead to confusion, which is why travelers should make sure they have all the information they need before they leave, to avoid any inconvenience at the border.
