Somalia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders need an approved e-visa before flying to Somalia. There's no visa-on-arrival, so plan ahead. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia e-VisaWithout an approved e-Visa you will be denied boarding and entry. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-Visa for Somalia before arrival. The e-Visa is not extendable. Apply through the official Somali immigration e-Visa portal, upload your passport bio page and a passport-style photo, and pay the fee online. Processing typically takes a few business days. | Required |
| Passport validitySomalia enforces a 6-month validity rule; a passport expiring sooner may be rejected. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Somalia. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period before you travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesIf you have no blank pages, you will be refused entry. At least 1 blank page for entry stamp | Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank page (not counting the endorsement pages) for the immigration officer to affix the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketA booked onward ticket proves you will leave before your visa expires. Proof of departure from Somalia | You must present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Somalia within the validity of your e-Visa. Immigration may ask to see this at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself; having proof avoids issues. For your stay in Somalia | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your accommodation and expenses for the duration of your stay. The exact amount is not fixed but should be reasonable for your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsHaving a clear address speeds up the entry process. Where you will stay | Have the name, address, and contact number of your hotel or host in Somalia ready. Immigration may ask for this information upon arrival. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou can skip any arrival declaration step – it is not part of the entry process. Not required for UAE passport holders | No arrival declaration (such as a health or customs form) is required for UAE passport holders entering Somalia. You do not need to fill out any additional declaration forms before arrival. | Not required |
Security situation is volatile
Somalia has a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Only travel if you have essential business or family reasons, and always follow local security advice. Register with your embassy upon arrival.
E-visa is mandatory — no exceptions
UAE passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. The e-visa must be approved before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Somali immigration e-visa website, fill out the application form, upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Print your e-visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your e-visa. Print a copy (or save it on your phone) to show at check-in and at immigration in Somalia.
3
Arrive at the airport in Somalia
At Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu (or other international airports), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, e-visa, and any supporting documents. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Keep your documents handy during your stay
Carry your passport and e-visa with you at all times. Police or immigration officials may ask to see them at checkpoints or when checking into hotels.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company; single entry.
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
Validity7 days from issue
Cost$30 (approx.)
For onward travel within 72 hours; must show confirmed ticket.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for most nationalities; payable online before travel. | $50 (approx. 183 SOS equivalent, paid online) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Mogadishu and other major airports for some nationalities; cash USD accepted. | $50 (approx.) |
| Airport departure taxOften included in airline ticket; verify at check-in. | $30 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at immigration office in Mogadishu; extensions up to 3 months possible. | $60 (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Somalia
Transit visa required
All UAE passport holders transiting through Somalia must obtain a transit visa before arrival, even if staying airside. Apply online or at Somali embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders with prior clearance
- Crew members in uniform with valid airline ID
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) – Mogadishu · Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA) – Hargeisa · Bosaso Airport (BSA) – Bosaso
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Mogadishu
Somalia Immigration Department
Mogadishu, Somalia (near Aden Adde International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
For travel to Somaliland, separate immigration procedures may apply; check local requirements.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalMogadishu
LanguageSomali, Arabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySomali Shilling (SOS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 571.42 SOS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with earth clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need an e-visa. There is no visa-on-arrival for UAE citizens. Apply online before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, but it can occasionally take longer. Apply at least a week in advance to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.) and is paid online during the application. Check the official portal for the current fee.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no facility to obtain a visa at the airport for UAE passport holders.
Somalia has significant security risks, including terrorism and armed conflict. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you must go, use reputable hotels and avoid non-essential movement.
Besides yellow fever (if arriving from a risk country), it's recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines and consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera. Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.