Somalia’s new eTAS meets Somaliland’s visa-on-arrival policy

Somalia made eVisa and Electronic Travel Authorization System applications mandatory for most foreign travelers on September 1, 2025, centralizing entry clearance before departure. Somaliland authorities have rejected Somalia’s federal eVisa for entry to Hargeisa and Berbera and introduced an overflight permit regime effective November 10, 2025. UK and German travel advisories acknowledge the federal eVisa while warning that it is not valid for entry into Somaliland, where visa on arrival remains the stated policy. Airlines have received warnings from Somalia’s aviation regulator over boarding without Somali eVisas, while regional administrations such as Puntland also contest federal implementation, contributing to travel disruption.

Background

Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency has digitized short-stay entry clearances via an online portal, marketed as improving security screening and eliminating cash-at-border processing. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority has aligned formal aeronautical information with this policy. In parallel, Somaliland, which is self-administered but not internationally recognized, continues to operate its own entry regime and has recently asserted additional control measures in its airspace.

Current situation

• Federal requirement: From September 1, 2025, most foreign nationals must secure an approved eVisa or eTAS before travel to Somalia-controlled entry points, including Mogadishu. The official application portal is live and the former eVisa site now redirects applicants to the new eTAS system.
• Somaliland stance: Somaliland’s Immigration and Border Control has declared Somalia-issued visas and travel authorizations invalid for entry to Somaliland. Visa on arrival remains available at Hargeisa Egal International Airport and Berbera International Airport subject to screening and fees. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that, effective November 10, 2025, all aircraft transiting Somaliland airspace must obtain a Somaliland overflight permit.
• Airline compliance: Somalia’s aviation regulator has warned carriers, including Flydubai, to verify Somali eVisas for passengers to Hargeisa, with possible penalties for non-compliance. Aviation industry reporting notes this has escalated the dispute between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
• Puntland position: Puntland authorities have publicly rejected the federal eVisa rollout and signaled separate visa and fee practices at regional airports.
• Official travel advice: The UK government’s entry guidance states that travelers to Mogadishu require a Somali eVisa, while travelers to Hargeisa may be asked for the Somali eVisa to board but must buy a Somaliland visa on arrival for entry.

Who is affected

• Travelers to Mogadishu or other federal-controlled entry points must apply online in advance.
• Travelers to Hargeisa or Berbera should expect visa on arrival for Somaliland entry and should not rely on a Somali federal eVisa for admission there.
• Airlines operating to Hargeisa must reconcile conflicting instructions from Somalia’s regulator and Somaliland’s aviation ministry, including the new Somaliland overflight permit requirement from November 10, 2025.

Key facts at a glance

• Policy start: Somali eVisa and eTAS mandatory from September 1, 2025.
• Where it applies: Federal Somalia entry points. Not accepted by Somaliland for entry to Hargeisa or Berbera.
• Somaliland airspace: Overflight permits required starting November 10, 2025.
• Passport validity: At least 6 months on arrival is required by Somali authorities. UK guidance also reflects 6 months validity for entry, including Somaliland.
• Somaliland stay length: UK guidance indicates visa on arrival at Hargeisa is typically valid for one month.
• Exemptions noted by ICA: Rwanda and Malaysia listed for visa-free entry, and certain African passports listed for visa on arrival according to the eTAS portal. Travelers should verify these categories at time of application.

How to apply and enter now

• For federal Somalia
• Create an account and apply through the official eTAS portal.
• Upload passport bio page and photo, provide itinerary and lodging details, and pay the fee online.
• Carry a digital or printed copy of the approved eVisa or eTAS and ensure your passport has at least one blank page and 6 months validity.
• For Somaliland
• Expect to obtain a visa on arrival at Hargeisa or Berbera and pay the applicable fee in USD.
• If an airline requests a Somali eVisa to board to Hargeisa, be aware UK guidance notes it will not be valid for entry on arrival in Hargeisa.
• For airlines and operators
• Check passenger routings carefully. If operating to Hargeisa or overflying northern airspace, obtain Somaliland overflight permits as required from November 10, 2025.
• For flights to Mogadishu or other federal airports, verify Somali eVisa or eTAS approvals prior to boarding.

Traveler insights and cautions

• Conflicting rules: Passengers may be asked for a Somali eVisa to board flights to Hargeisa, yet must still purchase a Somaliland visa on arrival for entry. Allow extra time, carry printed approvals and sufficient USD cash for fees.
• Data and privacy: Media in the region have reported allegations of data security vulnerabilities linked to the Somali eVisa platform. These claims have not been verified by government authorities. Applicants should use official portals, avoid third-party intermediaries, and consider common cybersecurity precautions.

Apply now

• Somali eTAS portal: https://etas.gov.so/

Sources

• Immigration and Citizenship Agency of Somalia eTAS portal: etas.gov.so. (etas.gov.so)
• Legacy eVisa domain notice directing applicants to eTAS: evisa.gov.so. (evisa.gov.so)
• Somalia Embassy in the United States guidance confirming mandatory eVisa from September 1, 2025: usa.mfa.gov.so. (usa.mfa.gov.so)
• Somali Civil Aviation Authority eAIP noting online visa requirement under GEN 1.3: aip.scaa.gov.so. (aip.scaa.gov.so)
• Somaliland Civil Aviation and Airports Development official site and explainer pages on overflight permits: mocaad.govsomaliland.org. (mocaad.govsomaliland.org)
• Somaliland directive on overflight permits from November 10, 2025, reported by Horn Tribune and allAfrica: horntribune.com, allafrica.com. (horntribune.com)