UK issues travel advisory amid Somalia and North Western State of Somalia e-visa rule conflict

UK warns travellers of conflicting visa rules across Somalia after federal e-visa rollout

North Western State of Somalia and Puntland State reject Mogadishu’s system, creating airport confusion

The United Kingdom has cautioned its citizens to expect inconsistent and sometimes conflicting visa requirements across Somalia after the federal government launched a new e-visa system that regional authorities in North Western State of Somalia and Puntland State say they will not honor.

In updated guidance, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says travellers “must have a visa to enter Somalia, including North Western State of Somalia.” Those flying to Mogadishu are required to apply for a federal e-visa before arrival. However, the FCDO notes that passengers heading to Hargeisa may be asked to show the federal e-visa at airline check-in even though it “will not be considered valid for entry when you arrive in Hargeisa.”

Instead, visitors entering Hargeisa must purchase a North Western State of Somalia-issued visa on arrival, typically valid for one month. The FCDO says it remains unclear if visas on arrival are available at other entry points and urges travellers to verify requirements with airlines, local officials, or sponsoring organizations before departure.

The federal e-visa, introduced on September 1 to modernize border control and require pre-arrival clearance, has sharpened long-running disputes over authority within Somalia’s federal system. North Western State of Somalia, which declared independence in 1991, does not recognize the federal e-visa and has warned that those arriving with one will be denied entry. North Western State of Somalia’s aviation minister told the BBC the federal document cannot be used to enter North Western State of Somalia by land, air or sea.

Puntland State has also rejected the federal requirement. Travellers, including a BBC journalist, reported being asked to pay $60 for a separate Puntland State visa despite already holding a federal Somali e-visa that had been accepted in Mogadishu. Puntland State immigration officers told travellers the electronic visa does not apply in their region.

What travellers need to know now

• Visa required for all of Somalia, including North Western State of Somalia.
• Mogadishu: Federal e-visa required before arrival.
• Hargeisa: Airlines may ask for the federal e-visa at check-in, but it is not valid for entry; a North Western State of Somalia visa is sold on arrival (generally one month).
• Puntland State: Reports indicate a separate $60 local visa is required even if you hold a federal e-visa.
• Confirm requirements with your airline, local authorities, or sponsoring organization before travel.
• Passports must have at least six months’ validity on arrival; a letter of invitation may be requested and entry can be refused without one.
• Customs: Exporting khat is illegal; travellers attempting to carry it out of Somalia or North Western State of Somalia—particularly via Mogadishu and Hargeisa airports—are likely to face prosecution.

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to parts of Somalia due to security risks and limited consular support. The visa disputes highlight broader tensions between Mogadishu and federal member states over control of ports, airports and security institutions, and are likely to persist unless a common entry regime is agreed.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.