Somalia entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 12, 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
Australian passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Somalia. There is no visa on arrival — this rule has been in place since 2025. Apply online before you fly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Somalia. Apply through the official immigration portal before departure. Processing times vary, so submit your application at least a week before your flight. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Australian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Somalia. Immigration officers at Mogadishu airport check this strictly — no exceptions for expired or damaged passports. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Aden Adde International Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they rarely accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Somalia. Officers at immigration sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD ready. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your stay — showing a credit card or cash in hand works fine. | Recommended |
Security situation
Somalia is an active conflict zone. The Australian government advises against all travel. If you do go, register with the Australian embassy in Nairobi and have a security plan in place.
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival for Australians. Do not book flights until you have your eVisa approved.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Somali eVisa website (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around US$50–80 depending on processing time). You'll receive the eVisa by email within 3–5 business days.
2
Print or save the eVisa
Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airport
Most international flights arrive at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu or Egal International Airport (HGA) in Hargeisa. Go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. They may ask for your accommodation address. The process takes about 10–15 minutes if you have all documents ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no customs checks for most personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. $70 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company.
work visa
Work Permit (Residence Visa)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. $200 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreigners employed by a Somali company. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. $500 USD) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Somali business. Requires business registration and investment proof.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. $100 USD) plus university acceptance
For enrolled students at a recognized Somali educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Australian passport holders. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa for single entry. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $70 USD (approx. $70 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders transiting through Somalia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to security concerns, most travellers are advised to avoid transit unless essential.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Somalia may enter for transit purposes.
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) – Mogadishu · Egal International Airport (HGA) – Hargeisa · Kismayo Airport (KMU) – Kismayo
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas.
CholeraHigh risk
Risk due to poor water sanitation in many regions.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Somalia. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Mogadishu
Somali Immigration Department
Mogadishu, Somalia (near Aden Adde International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visas for Somaliland region separately.
Practical information for AU 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 = 571.37 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Australian passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. Rush processing may be available for an extra fee.
Around US$50–80 depending on processing speed. Check the official Somali eVisa portal for current fees.
No. The eVisa is single-entry and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
You will be refused entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check with your doctor before travel.
The Australian government advises against all travel to Somalia due to the very high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.