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United States to Somalia visa requirements

US passport holders need an eVisa (eTAS) to enter Somalia. Since September 1, 2025, an approved electronic travel authorization, applied for online at evisa.gov.so before departure, is mandatory for all foreign visitors. As of June 2026, US ordinary passport holders must obtain a Somalia eVisa (also called the Electronic Travel Authorization System, or eTAS) before traveling. The Federal Government of Somalia, through the Immigration & Citizenship Agency (ICA), launched the mandatory eTAS system on September 1, 2025, replacing the old visa-on-arrival arrangement that the US State Department had previously listed. The eVisa is applied for entirely online at the official portal (evisa.gov.so / etas.gov.so): applicants complete a digital form, upload a passport bio-page scan and photo, pay the fee, and receive approval by email, which must be printed and presented on arrival. The standard tourist eTAS is single-entry, costs around USD 60, and permits a stay of up to 30 days; entry must occur within the validity window specified at application. Critically, the US State Department maintains a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest, and the US government has extremely limited ability to provide consular assistance there. The eVisa being granted does not make travel safe or advisable.
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 / Electronic Travel Authorization (eTAS) - tourist/visit
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
Approx. USD 60 (government eTAS fee)
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically 3-7 working days
standard track
Validity
Enter within the approved window (commonly up to 90 days from issue); stay max 30 days
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport validity
Ensure your US passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Somalia and has a blank page.
· 6 months validity· Blank page
/02
Go to the official eTAS portal
Open the official Immigration & Citizenship Agency portal at evisa.gov.so (also reachable via etas.gov.so) and create an applicant account. Avoid unofficial third-party sites.
· evisa.gov.so· Official portal only
/03
Complete the online application
Fill in personal, passport, and travel details, including your intended arrival date and address/host in Somalia.
· Travel details· Arrival date
/04
Upload required documents
Upload a clear scan of your passport bio-data page and a recent passport-style photograph as specified by the portal.
· Passport scan· Photo
/05
Pay the fee and submit
Pay the eTAS fee (around USD 60) via the secure online payment gateway, then submit the application.
· ~USD 60· Card payment
/06
Receive approval and print
Wait for the approval email (typically 3-7 working days), then print the approved eTAS to present to immigration on arrival.
· Email approval· Print copy
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
United States -> Somalia · eVisa / Electronic Travel Authorization (eTAS) - tourist/visit
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredUS passport valid 6+ months beyond entry date
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least one blank passport page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved eTAS / eVisa printout
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRecent passport-style photograph (digital upload)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredScan of passport bio-data page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RecommendedConfirmed onward/return ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedProof of accommodation or host details in Somalia
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredPayment card for online eTAS fee
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedYellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from an endemic area)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedAwareness of US Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory
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.
Official sourcesEmbassy of Somalia in the USA - How to Apply for Somali eVisa OnlineSomalia Immigration & Citizenship Agency (ICA) - eTAS PortalU.S. Department of State - Somalia International Travel Information
Application link included: Embassy of Somalia in the USA - How to Apply for Somali eVisa Online
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
eTAS / eVisa government fee~USD 60Tourist/visit single-entry, paid online during application
Card/payment processingVariesPossible bank or gateway surcharge on the online payment
Expedited / agency service (optional)USD 30-100+Only if using a third-party visa agent; not required for the official portal
Total estimateUSD 60 — USD 160incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard eTAS online processing
3-7 working days
Apply directly at evisa.gov.so and receive approval by email. Recommended for most travelers.
Agency-assisted processing
2-7 working days
Third-party service handles the application for an added fee; not necessary when applying through the official portal.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Mandatory eTAS since September 2025
Somalia made the electronic visa (eTAS) compulsory for all foreign visitors from September 1, 2025, applied for online before travel.
High
/02
No visa-on-arrival for US citizens
The previous visa-on-arrival option for Americans has been superseded by the mandatory pre-travel eTAS; arriving without approval risks refusal.
High
/03
Incomplete or incorrect application
Missing passport scan, poor-quality photo, or mismatched details can delay or cause rejection of the eVisa.
Medium
/04
Passport validity shortfall
Passports with less than 6 months validity from entry may be rejected at application or at the border.
Medium
/05
Security and travel advisory
A US Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory is in effect; airlines and authorities may scrutinize purpose of travel.
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
United States of America to Somalia route verified
Confirmed mandatory eTAS/eVisa for US passport holders via the Somali Embassy (usa.mfa.gov.so) and ICA portal (evisa.gov.so); the prior visa-on-arrival listed by the US State Department is superseded by the September 1, 2025 eTAS system. Level 4 advisory noted.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do US citizens need a visa to visit Somalia?—
Yes. US ordinary passport holders must obtain an eVisa (eTAS) online before traveling. It has been mandatory for all foreign visitors since September 1, 2025.
Can I still get a visa on arrival in Mogadishu?+
Where do I apply for the Somalia eVisa?+
How much does the Somalia eVisa cost and how long does it take?+
How long can I stay on the Somalia eVisa?+
Is it safe to travel to Somalia?+
/11 — Passport tools

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