UK Citizens Must Obtain E-Visa for Somalia, but Somaliland Requires Separate Entry Permit
The United Kingdom has advised its citizens traveling to Somalia that they are required to obtain an electronic visa (E-visa) prior to arrival, particularly for flights to Mogadishu. The UK government stated that travelers may be asked to show their E-visa when boarding aircraft to Somalia.
However, the E-visa system issued by the Federal Government of Somalia does not apply to Somaliland, which maintains its own entry regulations. Travelers intending to visit Hargeysa or other parts of Somaliland must obtain a separate visa upon arrival or from Somaliland’s overseas offices.
Fu’aad Ahmed Nuux, Somaliland’s Minister of Aviation, told BBC Somali that the E-visa is not valid for entry into Somaliland, whether by land, air, or sea. He explained that travelers attempting to enter Somaliland with a federal E-visa will be denied entry and must acquire a Somaliland visa instead. Airlines, embassies, and countries sending passengers to Somaliland have been informed of this directive.
The federal E-visa system was implemented on September 1, 2025, requiring all foreign nationals to secure an electronic visa before entering Somalia. The Federal Government said the system aims to modernize and streamline entry procedures into the country.
Travelers are advised to check their destination carefully, as entry requirements differ between Somalia proper and Somaliland, and the federal E-visa will not be recognized in the autonomous region.
