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Japan to Somalia visa requirements

Japanese ordinary passport holders need an eVisa (eTAS) for Somalia. Since 1 September 2025 every foreign visitor must obtain an approved electronic visa online before travel. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival channel for Japan. A Japanese national visiting Somalia for tourism must apply for the Somalia Electronic Visa and Travel Authorization System (eVisa/eTAS) before departure. Somalia made the eVisa mandatory for all foreign visitors on 1 September 2025 (system launched 28 August 2025), eliminating the previous airport visa-on-arrival practice. Japan is not on Somalia's short visa-exempt list (Rwanda, Malaysia) nor among the limited visa-on-arrival nationalities, so a Japanese tourist falls into the general eVisa category. The single-entry tourist eVisa is typically valid 90 days from issue for a stay of up to 30 days, costs roughly USD 60, and requires the applicant to select an approved Sponsor Organization and supply a sponsor/guarantee letter ("Warqad Dammaanad"). Applications are made online at the official ICA portal (immigration.gov.so / etas.gov.so), with approval delivered by email to present on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Note: most governments, including Japan's, advise against all travel to Somalia due to security risks; this guide covers entry formalities only, not safety.
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 Visa & Travel Authorization, single entry, tourist)
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days per entry
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
Approx. USD 60 (commonly cited USD 60-65)
consular fee only
Processing time
About 3-10 business days
standard track
Validity
Valid 90 days from issue to enter; 30-day stay
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm eVisa is required
Verify on the official ICA portal that, as a Japanese ordinary passport holder, you need an eVisa/eTAS. Since 1 September 2025 this is mandatory for all foreign visitors with no visa-on-arrival option.
· immigration.gov.so· Mandatory since Sep 2025
/02
Arrange a sponsor and guarantee letter
Tourists must select an approved Sponsor Organization from the official list and obtain a Sponsor/Guarantee Letter (Warqad Dammaanad) before applying.
· Sponsor required· Warqad Dammaanad
/03
Gather documents
Prepare a passport valid at least 6 months with a clear bio-page scan, a passport photo, the sponsor letter, and travel/accommodation details.
· Passport 6 months· Photo + scans
/04
Complete the online application
Fill in the digital form on the official portal (immigration.gov.so / etas.gov.so), upload the documents, and submit.
· etas.gov.so· Online form
/05
Pay the fee and await approval
Pay the eVisa fee (about USD 60) by card. Approval is sent by email, usually within 3-10 business days.
· ~USD 60· Email approval
/06
Print the eVisa and travel
Print the approved eVisa/eTAS and carry it with your passport and sponsor letter to present to immigration on arrival.
· Print approval· Present on arrival
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Japan -> Somalia · eVisa / eTAS (Electronic Visa & Travel Authorization, single entry, tourist)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredJapanese passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredClear scan of passport bio-data page
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
RequiredApproved Sponsor Organization selected from official list
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredSponsor / Guarantee Letter (Warqad Dammaanad)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredCompleted online eVisa/eTAS application
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredeVisa fee payment (card, ~USD 60)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredPrinted eVisa approval to show on arrival
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedConfirmed accommodation / itinerary details
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedCheck current security travel advisories 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: Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) Somalia - Visa
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Somalia eVisa / eTAS (tourist, single entry)USD 60Commonly cited USD 60-65; paid online by card
Sponsor / guarantee letterVariesCharged by the sponsor organization; may be free or a service fee
Visa extension (if staying beyond 30 days)VariesApplied in-country through ICA if needed
Total estimateUSD 60USD 65+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Japan is not on Somalia's visa-exempt list
Only a small number of nationalities (e.g. Rwanda, Malaysia) enter without a visa; Japan is not among them.
High
/02
No visa-on-arrival for Japanese citizens
The eVisa/eTAS replaced informal airport visa issuance; Japan is not in the limited VoA group.
High
/03
Mandatory eVisa/eTAS since 1 September 2025
All foreign visitors, including children, must hold an approved electronic visa before travel.
High
/04
Sponsor letter requirement
Tourists must be backed by an approved Sponsor Organization, which can delay or complicate applications.
Medium
/05
Security advisories
Many governments advise against travel to Somalia, affecting visa scrutiny and insurance.
Medium
/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
Japan to Somalia route verified
Confirmed via Somalia ICA and Wikipedia visa policy that Japanese ordinary passport holders require an eVisa/eTAS (mandatory since 1 September 2025); no visa-free or visa-on-arrival channel. Fee ~USD 60, single entry, 90-day validity, 30-day stay, sponsor letter required.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Japanese citizens get a visa on arrival in Somalia?
No. Since 1 September 2025 Somalia requires all foreign visitors to obtain an approved eVisa/eTAS online before travel. The previous on-arrival practice has ended.
How much does the Somalia eVisa cost for a Japanese tourist?+
How long can I stay in Somalia on the tourist eVisa?+
Do I need a sponsor to visit Somalia as a tourist?+
Where do I apply for the Somalia eVisa?+
How long does processing take?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Japan passport

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