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🇸🇴SomaliaAU-SO

Australia to Somalia visa requirements

Australian passport holders need a Somalia eVisa (eTAS) obtained online before travel. Visa-on-arrival was abolished on 1 September 2025. The single-entry tourist eVisa costs USD 65, allows a 30-day stay, and must be approved before boarding. As of 30 May 2026, Australian (AU) ordinary passport holders cannot enter Somalia without a pre-approved electronic visa. Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) launched a mandatory electronic travel authorization system (eTAS / eVisa) effective 1 September 2025, replacing the old paper and visa-on-arrival processes. Every foreign visitor, including minors and travelers who previously used visa-on-arrival, must now apply online at the official portal (etas.gov.so / evisa.gov.so) and receive an emailed approval before departure. The standard single-entry tourist eVisa costs USD 65, is valid for 90 days from issue, and permits a stay of up to 30 days, extendable in-country. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months on the date of entry with at least two blank pages. Processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days, so travelers should apply well ahead of departure. Important: this guidance covers federal Somalia (entry via Mogadishu/Aden Adde International Airport). The self-declared region of Somaliland operates a separate visa-on-arrival/visa system (about USD 60) and is not covered by the federal eVisa. Separately, the Australian Government (Smartraveller) maintains a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for all of Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and violent crime, with severely limited consular assistance. Travelers should also note that ICA reported a data breach of its e-visa system in November 2025.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
eVisa (eTAS electronic travel authorization), single entry, tourist
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days per entry (extendable in-country)
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 65 (tourist eVisa)
consular fee only
Processing time
3 to 7 working days (apply at least 3-5 business days ahead)
standard track
Validity
Valid 90 days from issue to enter
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your route and passport validity
Verify you are entering federal Somalia (e.g. Mogadishu/Aden Adde International Airport). Ensure your Australian passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and has at least two blank pages. Somaliland uses a separate system not covered by the federal eVisa.
· 6-month passport validity· 2 blank pages
/02
Create an account on the official portal
Go to the Immigration and Citizenship Agency eVisa portal (etas.gov.so / evisa.gov.so) and register an account. Do not use unofficial third-party agents to avoid overcharging and fraud.
· etas.gov.so· Official portal only
/03
Complete the online application
Enter your personal and passport details, travel purpose, itinerary and accommodation/contact details in Somalia. Some applications require a sponsor code issued by the Somali Immigration Agency.
· Sponsor code may apply
/04
Upload documents
Upload a scan of your passport bio-data page and a passport-style photo (PDF or JPG), plus proof of travel/accommodation as requested.
· Passport scan· Passport photo
/05
Pay the visa fee online
Pay the USD 65 tourist eVisa fee using an international debit or credit card through the official portal.
· USD 65· Card payment
/06
Wait for approval and carry it on arrival
Await email approval (typically 3 to 7 working days). Print the approved eVisa and present it on arrival, along with your passport. Apply well before departure as visa-on-arrival is no longer available.
· Print approval· Present on arrival
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Australia -> Somalia · eVisa (eTAS electronic travel authorization), single entry, tourist
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredAustralian passport valid 6+ months from date of entry
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least two blank passport pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved Somalia eVisa (eTAS) printout
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredDigital passport bio-data page scan (PDF/JPG)
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredRecent passport-style photograph
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredAccommodation/contact details in Somalia
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredInternational debit/credit card for the USD 65 fee
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
ConditionalSponsor code (if requested by ICA)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
RecommendedConfirmed return/onward travel ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedCheck Smartraveller 'Do Not Travel' advisory before booking
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Somalia Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) eTAS portal
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist eVisa (eTAS) feeUSD 65Single-entry; paid online by card via official portal
Visa extension (in-country)VariesPayable to ICA if staying beyond 30 days
Somaliland visa (separate region)USD 60Only if entering Somaliland; not part of federal eVisa
Total estimateUSD 65USD 65incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Early submission buffer
Apply 1-2 weeks ahead
Recommended margin to absorb delays since visa-on-arrival is no longer available
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Mandatory eVisa (eTAS) since 1 September 2025
Somalia made an online electronic travel authorization compulsory for all foreign visitors entering federal Somalia, replacing paper and on-arrival processes.
High
/02
Visa-on-arrival abolished
Travelers can no longer obtain a visa at the airport for federal Somalia; approval must be secured before boarding.
High
/03
Passport validity or blank pages insufficient
Entry can be refused if the passport is not valid 6 months from entry or lacks blank pages.
Medium
/04
Confusion between federal Somalia and Somaliland
Somaliland runs a separate visa system; using the wrong one for your point of entry can cause refusal.
Medium
/05
Applying too late for processing
Processing can take up to 7 working days, so last-minute applications risk missing departure.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Australia to Somalia route verified
Confirmed via Somali ICA eTAS portal and Somali MFA that a mandatory eVisa (eTAS) applies to Australian passport holders since 1 September 2025; visa-on-arrival abolished; USD 65 single-entry, 30-day stay.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Australians need a visa for Somalia?
Yes. Australian passport holders must obtain a Somalia eVisa (eTAS) online before travel to federal Somalia. There is no visa-free entry and no visa-on-arrival.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Somalia?+
How much does the Somalia eVisa cost?+
How long does the Somalia eVisa take to process?+
How long can I stay in Somalia on the tourist eVisa?+
Is it safe to travel to Somalia?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Australia passport

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