Do UAE passport holders need a visa to visit SO?

UAE ordinary passport holders need an eVisa (eTAS) to visit Somalia. Since 1 September 2025 Somalia requires every visitor to obtain the mandatory electronic travel authorization online before departure; visa-on-arrival has been discontinued. As of 2026, United Arab Emirates ordinary passport holders are NOT visa-free for Somalia and must obtain a Somalia eVisa (the eTAS electronic travel authorization) before traveling. Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) launched a mandatory online eVisa/eTAS system effective 1 September 2025, replacing the previous visa-on-arrival practice. Applicants apply at the official portal (evisa.gov.so / etas.gov.so), upload a passport valid at least six months with a blank page plus a photo/selfie, and provide accommodation and onward-travel details. The single-entry tourist eVisa typically costs about USD 60-65 on the federal portal, is valid 90 days from issue for entry, and permits a stay of up to 30 days. Standard government processing is generally a few business days, though travelers are advised to apply 1-2 weeks ahead. The approved eVisa arrives by email as a PDF and must be printed and presented to the airline and to immigration on arrival. Note: only certain international airports (Mogadishu, Bosaso) are served by the federal eVisa; Somaliland (Hargeisa) operates its own separate visa system. Somalia is not part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Given that a no-visa channel cannot be confirmed and an electronic authorization is mandatory, the verdict is eVisa.