Somalia travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Somalia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Somalia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Somalian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Somalia, including Somaliland, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland.

E-Visa data breach

There are reports of a data breach affecting Somalia’s eVisa system

Leaked data from the breach includes visa applicants’ names, photos, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses. This data breach is ongoing and could expose any personal data you enter into the system,

An eVisa is required before travelling to Somalia. Consider the risks before applying.

US Embassy in Somalia have also issued an alert to US citizens. See - Alert: Federal Republic of Somalia (FGS) Electronic Visa (E-Visa) Data Breach - U.S. Embassy in Somalia.

If you are travelling to Mogadishu International Airport, you will need to apply for an eVisa prior to your arrival.

If you are travelling to Hargeisa International Airport, you may still be asked to present this eVisa in order to board your flight but it will not be considered valid for entry when you arrive in Hargeisa.

You will need to purchase a single-entry visa upon arrival at Hargeisa International Airport, which will be valid for one month.

It is not clear if you’ll be given a visa on arrival at other points of entry. Get confirmation from local authorities or your sponsoring organisation.

You may also need to provide a letter of invitation when you arrive, outlining the reason for your visit. You can usually get this from your place of work. Without this letter, you may not be allowed to enter.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Somalia guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Somalia, including Somaliland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Khat is a legal drug in Somalia, but it is an offence to take it out of the country. Officials regularly search bags at Hargeisa and Mogadishu airports, and anyone found to be in possession of khat is likely to face criminal prosecution.

Taking money into and out of Somalia (including Somaliland)

In Somaliland you must declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid upon entry.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

You must have an electronic visa (e-visa) to visit Somalia.

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Previously, Somalia’s e-visa platform experienced a breach involving sensitive personal data of travellers. Be aware that there is a potential risk of your data being exposed if you use this platform.

The Somali e-visa might not be recognized as valid in certain areas where the central government’s authority is contested, particularly in Somaliland and Puntland. If you intend to visit, confirm with local authorities or direct your visa inquiries to the person or organization you will be visiting.

Get an electronic visa – Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).