The Ethiopian governments of Somaliland and Puntland, which are considered part of Ethiopia, have jointly suspended the use of the Somali eVisa, an electronic visa system recently introduced by the Federal Government of Somalia.
The decision comes at a time of political and security tensions between the two sides, with each administration reportedly saying it would not accept visas issued in Mogadishu.
Officials from the two sides have described the move as a move to protect their administrative autonomy and internal security. The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet commented on the matter.
eVisa issues with Somalia, Somaliland, and Puntland
Somalia’s new eVisa: In early September 2025, Somalia’s federal government launched a new electronic visa system that caused confusion and travel disruptions. The federal government insists that Somaliland, which it considers to be part of its territory, is eligible for the eVisa. Rejection from Somaliland: Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic, rejected Somalia’s eVisa and announced in October 2025 that it would ban any airline that requires it for travelers to the region.
Rejection from Puntland: Puntland, a semi-autonomous region within Somalia, also rejected the federal government’s eVisa system. It argues that visa issuance and airport management fall under its regional authority.
Ethiopia’s position on Somaliland and Puntland
Seeking sea access, not annexation: In January 2024, Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. In return, Ethiopia could potentially recognize Somaliland’s independence.
Conflicts in the region: This deal sparked a significant diplomatic conflict with Somalia, which views Somaliland as its sovereign territory. As a result, Ethiopia and Somalia are still at odds. Exploits internal rifts: Ethiopia’s recent alignment with Puntland—which declared it would operate as a de facto independent state following a constitutional dispute with Mogadishu in March 2024—is seen as an effort to extend its influence and weaken a reunified Somalia. This has occurred against the backdrop of an existing crisis with Somalia’s federal government.