Somalia entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Somalia for tourism or business. The application is completed online before travel, and you must present the approved e-visa at immigration in Mogadishu or other entry points. Processing can take a few days, so apply well in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the approved e-Visa before boarding your flight. Apply before travel | Belgian citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply online through the official Somali immigration portal, upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary), and pay the fee. The e-Visa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months | Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Somalia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesStamps need a clean page; extra pages are safer. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving an onward ticket shows you don't plan to overstay. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight out of Somalia. Ensure you have a printed or digital ticket showing your departure within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a bank card and some cash; officials may ask how you'll support yourself. Sufficient for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash or bank statement) to cover your stay in Somalia. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned duration. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateGet vaccinated and carry the certificate to avoid health-related entry issues. Health requirement | Although not a visa requirement, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is often requested upon arrival if you are coming from a yellow fever endemic country. Check current health advisories. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the e-Visa. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Somalia for Belgian citizens. | Not required |
Security situation is volatile
Somalia is a high-risk destination. Terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and armed conflict are common. Only travel if absolutely necessary, and always use professional security arrangements. Register with your embassy upon arrival.
E-visa is mandatory — no exceptions
There is no visa-on-arrival for Belgian citizens. You must have the e-visa approved before you fly. Airlines will check it at check-in, and Somali immigration will deny entry without it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Somali e-visa website (evisa.gov.so) and fill out the application form. Upload your passport photo and passport data page, provide your travel details, and pay the fee (around $50 USD, depending on nationality). Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but can be longer, so apply at least 2 weeks in advance.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you'll receive the e-visa by email as a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Somalia.
3
Arrive at the airport in Somalia
At Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu (or other entry points), proceed to the immigration desk. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will check your details, stamp your passport, and let you through. Expect a security screening and possible questions about your purpose of visit.
4
Keep your e-visa with you
While in Somalia, keep a copy of your e-visa and passport with you at all times. Police or military checkpoints may ask for identification, and having your documents ready avoids delays.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (e-visa)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Somali company
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
Validity7 days
Cost$30
For onward travel within 72 hours
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist/business e-visa fee | $50 |
| Visa on arrival (if applicable)May be available at some entry points; check with airline | $60 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office in Mogadishu | $30 |
| Exit feeCharged at some airports, included in ticket on others | $20 |
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
Belgian citizens transiting through Somalia require a transit visa unless staying airside and not passing immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) · Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA)
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport and photos.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
For travel to Somaliland; separate visa may be required.
Practical information for BE 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, Belgian passport holders must have an e-visa before travelling to Somalia. There is no visa-on-arrival for Belgian citizens. Apply online at evisa.gov.so.
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer depending on the volume of applications. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The e-visa fee is around $50 USD, but it can vary based on nationality and type of visa. The exact amount is shown during the application process. Payment is made online via credit/debit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before the visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to exit and re-enter with a new e-visa, or contact the immigration office in Mogadishu for guidance.
You will be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. Airlines also check for the e-visa before boarding. Do not attempt to travel without it.
Somalia has a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The Belgian government advises against all travel to most parts of the country. If you must go, use a reputable security company and stay in secure compounds. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
The local currency is the Somali Shilling (SOS), but US dollars are widely accepted, especially for larger transactions. Bring cash in small denominations, as ATMs are scarce and credit cards are rarely accepted.
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.