Visa Types

Visa Types & Categories to Apply for Somalia

All nationals are required to obtain a visa to visit Somalia. Holders of passports issued by any country in the world can obtain a Visa on Arrival in Somalia. If you intend to stay a long period of time in Somalia or your travelling reason is specific, or just you want to get your visa beforehand to arrive in Somalia, you can also apply for a visa at Somalia embassies/consulates.

Somalia Visa on Arrival

All nationals can obtain Visa on Arrival in Somalia. Visa will be valid for 30 days, mainly or 60 days in some cases.

You can get Visa on Arrival at the following airports of Somalia:

  • Bosaso Airport
  • Garowe Airport
  • Abdullahi Yusuf Airport
  • Aden Adde International Airport
  • Kismayo Airport

 

Required Documents for Somalia Visa on Arrival

 

1. Passport

  • Valid for the duration of stay
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Any Supporting Documents Proving Your Purpose of Travel

  • Flight ticket (return) and hotel booking/apartment reservation/invitation letter for tourism purposes
  • Invitation letter for business or private visit purposes
  • Any additional supporting documents

*Additional documents can be required by the border control. 

 

Somalia Visa on Arrival Fee

Somalia Visa on Arrival fee is 50 USD for a 30-days single entry visa. It can slightly vary depending on your country and nationality.

 

Where to Apply for Somalia Visa on Arrival Application?

You will get your visa on arrival at the airports.

Somalia Short-term Visa

You can also apply for traditional "on paper" visas for realizing your short-term travel to Somalia. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, short-term work, and many other non-permanent nuances. Short-term visas of Somalia will be valid for a period of a maximum of 90 days.

 

Required Documents for Somalia Short-term Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed, signed, and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your travel to Somalia.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

7. Supporting Documents Prove Your Travel Purpose

  • Invitation letter, if you are traveling for business/private visit purposes
  • Any additional document proves your reason for travel to Somalia (if any)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 
Processing Time for Somalia Short-term Visa

The average processing time for Somalia Short-term visa is 3-15 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Somalia Short-term Visa Fee

Somalia Short-term visa fee is 30-60 USD for foreign nationals (it can vary depending on your country and nationality).

 
Where to Apply for Somalia Short-term Visa?

You will apply for the Somalia Short-term visa in Somalia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 

Somalia Long-term Visa

Different rules apply for applicants who intend to stay longer than 90 days in Somalia for different reasons. In this case, you may require authorization for a temporary stay. Most applicants are required to obtain a short-term visa and then apply for a Temporary Residence Permit when they enter Somalia. We strongly recommend checking and verify this information with Somalia embassies/consulates in your country or region before travel.

FAQ

What happens if my Somalia visa application is rejected?

If your Somalia visa application is rejected, you will be notified by your mission that your application has been unsuccessful. You will be informed of the grounds on which it was rejected. You can apply for a visa again if your circumstances have changed.

Will my fees be refunded if my visa is refused?

All fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa application is not successful.

Do I have to participate in the Embassy or Consulate in person?

It depends on your country of residence or the embassy/consulate’s rules and obligations. In some countries, sending your documents via courier is enough to the embassy/consulate.

Can I experience any problem with obtaining a visa on arrival despite I am eligible?

You have to present some required documents for obtaining a visa on arrival. Beyond these border control may require additional documents that prove your eligibility to enter Somalia.

Which nationals are eligible for Somalia Visa on Arrival?

All nationals from all the countries are eligible to Somalia Visa on Arrival.

Can I get Visa on Arrival to Somalia, if I am traveling by land?

Somalia Visa on Arrival is only applicable for foreigners who are traveling by air and you can get Visa on Arrival to Somalia only at the airports.