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🇫🇷France
🇸🇴SomaliaFR-SO

France to Somalia visa requirements

French (FR) ordinary passport holders need an eVisa to enter Somalia. Since 1 September 2025, an online Electronic Visa / Travel Authorization (eVisa/eTAS) is mandatory and visa-on-arrival has been abolished. Apply before travel at the official portal evisa.gov.so. France is not on Somalia's visa-exempt list, so French citizens must obtain a visa before traveling for tourism or a short visit. As of 1 September 2025, Somalia replaced its old visa-on-arrival regime with a mandatory online Electronic Visa / Travel Authorization System (eVisa/eTAS), administered by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) at evisa.gov.so. Travelers who arrive without an approved eVisa cannot obtain one at the airport and will be denied entry. The single-entry tourist eVisa typically costs around USD 65, is valid for 90 days from issue (i.e. you must enter within 90 days), and permits a stay of up to 30 days, extendable in-country. A critical requirement is a sponsor / letter of guarantee ("Warqad Dammaanad") from a licensed Somali tour agency or registered business selected from the official sponsor list. Processing is usually 3-7 working days. Note that Somaliland (entry via Hargeisa / Egal International Airport) operates a separate visa system and is not covered by the federal eVisa. Somalia remains under strong travel advisories from many governments, including France, due to terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict; this guide covers entry documents only, not safety.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE 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 / Electronic Travel Authorization (eTAS), single entry, tourist
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days per entry (extendable in-country)
per entry
Entries
Single entry (multiple-entry options available for some categories)
from issue date
Visa fee
Approx. USD 65 (single-entry tourist eVisa)
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically 3-7 working days; apply well in advance
standard track
Validity
eVisa valid 90 days from issue (must enter within this window)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport and sponsor
Ensure your French passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with a blank page, and secure a sponsor (licensed Somali tour agency or registered business) who will issue a Letter of Guarantee and a sponsor code.
· Passport 6+ months· Sponsor code required
/02
Open the official eVisa portal
Go to the Immigration and Citizenship Agency portal at evisa.gov.so. Do not use unofficial third-party sites, which charge extra and are not the issuing authority.
· evisa.gov.so· Official only
/03
Complete the online application
Fill in personal and travel details, select your sponsor organization from the official list, and choose the tourist single-entry visa category.
· Tourist category
/04
Upload documents and pay
Upload your passport bio page, a passport-style photo/selfie, and the sponsor letter, then pay the fee (approx. USD 65) with an international credit or debit card.
· Card payment· USD ~65
/05
Wait for approval by email
Processing normally takes 3-7 working days. The approved eVisa arrives as a PDF by email.
· 3-7 working days· PDF by email
/06
Print and carry on arrival
Print the approved eVisa and present it with your passport at immigration. Without a valid eVisa you will be refused entry.
· Print copy· No VOA
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
France -> Somalia · eVisa / Electronic Travel Authorization (eTAS), single entry, tourist
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredFrench passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival, with at least one blank page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved Somalia eVisa printout (PDF)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredSponsor / Letter of Guarantee from licensed Somali agency or business
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredSponsor code obtained from the Immigration Agency
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRecent passport-style photo or selfie (plain background)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredInternational credit/debit card for the online fee
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedProof of onward/return travel
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedConfirmed accommodation or invitation details
Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements
recommended
RecommendedTravel and medical insurance covering Somalia
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedCheck government travel advisories before booking (high-risk destination)
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: Immigration & Citizenship Agency (ICA) Somalia - Official eVisa Portal
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Single-entry tourist eVisaUSD 65Paid online on evisa.gov.so by card; figure varies slightly (~USD 60-65)
Sponsor / agency service feeVariesCharged by the licensed Somali sponsor for the guarantee letter; not a government fee
Expedited processing (optional)VariesOffered by licensed operators for faster turnaround
Total estimateUSD 65USD 150+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Expedited processing
1-3 working days
Faster turnaround offered by licensed sponsor agencies for an additional fee.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
France is not visa-exempt for Somalia
Somalia's visa policy does not grant visa-free entry to French ordinary passport holders, so a visa must be arranged before arrival.
High
/02
Visa-on-arrival abolished in 2025
Since 1 September 2025 the old visa-on-arrival system was replaced by a mandatory online eVisa/eTAS; arriving without one means denied entry.
High
/03
Sponsor / guarantee letter requirement
Non-Somali tourists must be backed by a licensed sponsor and obtain a Letter of Guarantee, a frequent point of confusion and delay.
Medium
/04
Separate system for Somaliland
Entry via Hargeisa (Egal International Airport) uses a separate Somaliland visa, not the federal eVisa.
Medium
/05
Security and advisory considerations
High terrorism and kidnapping risk means extra scrutiny and strong government travel warnings affecting trips.
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
France to Somalia route verified
Confirmed against the official ICA eVisa portal, Somali Embassy guidance and Fragomen that French passport holders require an online eVisa/eTAS (mandatory since 1 September 2025; visa-on-arrival abolished).
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can French citizens get a visa on arrival in Somalia?
No. Visa-on-arrival was abolished on 1 September 2025. You must obtain an approved eVisa/eTAS online before travel, or you will be denied entry.
Where do I apply for the Somalia eVisa?+
How much does the Somalia eVisa cost?+
How long can I stay and how long is the eVisa valid?+
Do I really need a sponsor letter?+
Does the eVisa cover Somaliland and Hargeisa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the France passport

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