Do Germany passport holders need a visa to visit SO?
German passport holders need an eVisa to enter Somalia. Since 1 September 2025 Somalia requires every foreign traveler to obtain an electronic visa (eTAS) online before arrival via the official portal evisa.gov.so. The previous visa-on-arrival channel is no longer a reliable option. Note: the German Federal Foreign Office issues a standing warning against all travel to Somalia for safety reasons. A German (DE) ordinary passport holder traveling to Somalia for tourism or a short visit must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa / eTAS) before departure. On 28 August 2025 Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) launched its Electronic Travel Authorization System, and from 1 September 2025 an approved eVisa became mandatory for all foreign visitors, including infants. Applications are submitted online at the official portal (evisa.gov.so) and approval is delivered electronically by email; no embassy visit is required. The tourist eVisa is typically issued as a single-entry permit allowing a stay of 30 days, with the visa usually valid for entry within 90 days of issue. The fee is paid online by international card and is commonly around USD 60. Standard processing takes roughly 3 to 7 business days, though applicants are advised to apply 4 to 6 weeks ahead because a sponsor/guarantee letter (Warqad Dammaanad) may be required and visas issued via evisa or by Somali missions abroad are not always recognized at every border crossing. Somalia is not in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Travelers to the self-declared region of "Somaliland" need a separate Somaliland visa; a Somalia eVisa is not sufficient there. Critically, the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswaertiges Amt) maintains a travel warning against all travel to Somalia and its coastal waters due to terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping risk and piracy.
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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