Somalia Unveils e-Visa System to Streamline Travel and Strengthen Security

Somalia will make a major shift in how visitors apply for entry starting this year, unveiling a nationwide digital system that replaces paper applications and long embassy visits. The government has confirmed that a new e-Visa and electronic travel authorization system, known as eTAS, will be required for most foreign nationals from September 1, 2025. The online platform opened for testing on August 24, 2025 and is now accepting applications ahead of the full launch.

Officials say the move will strengthen border security, cut wait times, and bring Somalia’s immigration services in line with countries that already use digital screening tools at their frontiers.

Platform and Administration

The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) will run the platform through the official portal, where travelers can create an account, complete the application, upload documents, and pay the fee online.

• The portal is described as a “single window” and is hosted at the official e-Visa portal.
• The system is intended to help manage growing visitor flows tied to trade, aid work, and family visits by the Somali diaspora.
• It also supports wider digital reforms that have been rolling out across the public sector in 2025.

“The e-Visa and eTAS framework shows Somalia is ready to welcome travelers under a more secure and transparent process,” said Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

Key ICA and government officials involved:
– Mustafa Duhulow, Director-General, ICA — called the change historic and aligned with international digital visa standards.
– Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, Minister of Internal Security — stressed the e-Visa will be mandatory from September 1 and that payments route directly to government accounts to prevent misuse.
– Isaaq Hassan Taakow, Director of Foreigners and Immigration — said ICA trained specialized staff to process cases quickly once live.

Why the Shift Matters

Officials highlight three main benefits:

1. It replaces a patchwork of paper-based steps with one secure platform accessible from anywhere.
2. It adds digital screening to support security checks before a traveler boards a flight.
3. It makes fees more transparent by moving all payments through official channels.

The government expects the reforms to help tourism, business travel, and aid operations by reducing uncertainty at the border and giving travelers a clear answer before departure.

Exemptions and Two-Track System

Not everyone will need an eTAS. Exempt categories include:

• Holders of multiple-entry visas
• Residents with valid permits
• Diplomats
• United Nations Laissez-Passer (UNLP) holders
• Citizens of countries with bilateral free movement agreements with Somalia

For all other travelers, entry will require an e-Visa. This two-track approach mirrors practices in other regions where lower-risk or differently screened groups follow special rules.

Relation to Broader Digital Reforms

The e-Visa/eTAS is part of a broader push to digitize public services:

• In July 2025, Somalia launched SOMQR, a unified national QR code for mobile payments, and rolled out the first NFC-enabled wearable payment device.
• These tools support a more phone-first digital economy based on mobile money, better identity management, and faster data exchange between agencies.
• Immigration systems joining this network are expected to speed up airport checks and make records more secure.

How the Application Process Works (For Travelers)

The process is similar to other e-Visa systems and includes a clear set of steps:

1. Create an account on the portal.
2. Complete the online form with personal and travel details.
3. Upload a passport scan, a recent photo, and any supporting documents required.
4. Pay the fee online via the secure gateway and keep the electronic receipt.
5. Submit the request and wait for approval notice (via the portal and often by email).
6. Save or print the e-Visa or eTAS to present during travel and at the port of entry.

• Airlines and border officers will receive digital confirmation linked to the traveler’s passport number.
• The portal guides applicants and flags missing fields before submission.

Payment, Fees, and Accountability

• All fees must be paid through the portal’s secure gateway.
• Payments are deposited directly into Ministry of Finance accounts — no cash handling at the border.
• This removes opportunities for side payments and improves accountability.
• The ICA warns travelers to avoid third-party sites promising faster approvals or special treatment.

Digital Screening and Security

Digital screening enables structured checks on:

• Watchlists
• Document validity
• Travel history

This pre-clearance model helps border teams focus on higher-risk cases and allows low-risk travelers to pass more quickly. Officials say secure transmission and storage protocols are in place and access is limited to trained staff.

Important: Documents like passport scans and photos are kept in a controlled system, reducing fraud risk and speeding case progression.

Who Benefits First

• Tourists
• Business travelers
• Aid workers
• Family visitors / diaspora

Benefits include predictable entry, reduced need for embassy visits, and less risk of last-minute travel denials. Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests that modern e-Visa systems often deliver measurable gains in arrivals and faster processing once stable.

Operational Details and Timeline

• Early access (testing): August 24, 2025 — applicants can create accounts and start submitting requests.
• Mandatory switch for most foreign arrivals: September 1, 2025.
• Travelers with valid multiple-entry visas may use them until expiry; new applicants must use the portal.
• Processing times depend on case type and volume; no fixed timelines were published for launch.
• Applicants speed up processing by uploading clear, legible documents and matching names/dates/passport numbers exactly.

Data Protection and Privacy

• Platform uses secure transmission and storage protocols.
• Access restricted to trained staff.
• Digitally stored records reduce risks associated with email attachments and paper copies.
• Officials say digital trails will also aid investigations, disaster response, and public health contact tracing when needed.

Practical Questions & Guidance

• Residents with valid permits are exempt and should travel with their permit and passport.
• Diplomats and UNLP holders should continue to use established channels; they do not need an eTAS.
• Where bilateral free movement applies, citizens enter under those agreements.
• If a passport is renewed after applying, update the application before travel to avoid mismatches.
• If a child travels with one parent or guardian, carry consent documents where required.

Advice for Applicants (Four Key Actions)

1. Check whether an exemption applies to you.
2. Create an account on the official portal and complete the application carefully.
3. Pay the fee online and keep the receipt.
4. Travel with the same passport used for the application and carry the e-Visa/eTAS confirmation.

Airlines will expect proof of approval at check-in for flights to Somalia once the system is mandatory.

Support, Feedback, and Future Expansion

• The portal includes support contacts and feedback tools so ICA can “live tune” forms and guidance based on user data (devices, trouble points, stage durations).
• The platform is built to scale and could later include other case types such as work permits or residence applications, though no dates are set.
• Priority for the launch period is to stabilize the system, shorten processing times, and improve customer support.

Impact on Stakeholders

• Employers and HR teams can track staff applications centrally.
• Students and researchers avoid consulate visits for short stays.
• Tour operators can plan group travel with fewer gate surprises.
• Aid organizations get more predictable access for rotating teams in emergencies.
• Airlines face fewer last-minute denials at gates, improving operations and passenger experience.

Border and Airport Experience

• Border officers will scan passports, verify electronic records, and match the traveler’s purpose to the visa type.
• Travelers should carry supporting documents: hotel bookings, return tickets, invitation letters, etc.
• An e-Visa or eTAS is permission to travel, not a guarantee of entry — standard border checks and stay conditions still apply.

Warnings and Practical Considerations

• No cash payments accepted at the border — fees paid online only.
• Avoid unofficial intermediaries or third-party websites promising special treatment.
• Keep documents consistent and respond to portal requests through the portal (not by email) to avoid delays.
• Overstays can affect future visa applications.

Key Takeaways

• The e-Visa and eTAS platform opened for early access on August 24, 2025 and is mandatory from September 1, 2025 for most foreign arrivals.
• Applications and payments must be made through the official portal.
• Exemptions apply for multiple-entry visa holders, residents with permits, diplomats, UNLP holders, and citizens of bilateral free-movement partners.
• The system aims to deliver clearer steps, faster answers, safer borders, and fairer payments, while supporting Somalia’s broader digital transformation.

For travelers planning trips, the practical guidance remains: apply early, keep copies of all documents, pay online through the official portal, and travel with the same passport used in the application.