Somalia Postpones Enforcement of National ID Requirement for Domestic Travel

The Immigration and Citizenship Agency of the Federal Republic of Somalia has announced the postponement of the enforcement of a previously issued decision requiring travelers to possess a National Identification Card in order to travel domestically.

In an official statement released by the agency, it was confirmed that the decision—originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026—has now been deferred. The new implementation date has been set for March 1, 2026. The postponement is intended to provide Somali citizens with additional time to complete the process of obtaining their National Identification Cards.

The agency explained that the decision was made in response to public needs and practical considerations, ensuring that citizens across the country have sufficient opportunity to register and acquire the required identification without disruption to their daily movements and travel plans.

The Immigration and Citizenship Agency has once again urged Somali citizens to take advantage of this extended grace period by promptly applying for and securing their National Identification Cards ahead of the new enforcement deadline. The agency emphasized that possession of the National ID will become mandatory for domestic travel once the decision comes into force in March 2026.

Authorities highlighted that the National Identification system is a key component of strengthening national governance, improving service delivery, enhancing security, and ensuring accurate citizen records. They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating a smooth and inclusive registration process nationwide.