Somalia entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu and Hargeisa airports. No pre-application needed — just show up with a valid passport, cash in USD, and a return ticket. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for most visitors.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport and other major entry points. Have $50–$100 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the immigration counter does not accept cards. The visa is typically valid for 30 days and is not extendable.Check MFA visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Somalia. Airlines at Toronto Pearson and Vancouver check this strictly before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Mogadishu airport asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Somalia. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Somalia is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Safety first
Somalia remains a high-risk destination. Register with the Canadian government's Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) before you go, and share your itinerary with someone at home.
Cash is king
ATMs are scarce and unreliable in Somalia. Bring enough USD cash for your entire stay — including the visa fee, accommodation, food, and transport. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. These are the two main international airports with visa-on-arrival facilities.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be handed a small card asking for basic info (name, passport number, flight, hotel). Fill it out in block capitals.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, hand over your passport, completed form, and cash (USD). The officer will process payment and issue a receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa to the next officer. They'll scan it and let you through to baggage claim.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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)
Apply at Somali embassy abroad. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Business Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. $70 USD)
Requires letter from Somali sponsor company. May allow multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry. Valid for 30 days. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged if you exceed your visa validity. Pay at immigration before departure. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Canada passport holders transiting through Somalia do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check with your airline as some may require a visa for any stopover.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended for all travellers. Risk is highest in rural areas.
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 overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and cash.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate administration for Somaliland. Visa-on-arrival available here for most nationalities.
Practical information for CA 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
The fee is typically between $50 and $100 USD, paid in cash. Exact amount can vary by airport and current policy. Bring crisp, new US dollar bills — old or damaged notes may be refused.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but typically visas on arrival in Somalia are granted for 30 days. Confirm with immigration upon arrival.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. The vaccine is not required for direct travel from Canada, but carry your yellow card just in case.
The Canadian government advises against all travel to most of Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Only essential travel to Mogadishu or Hargeisa is recommended. Check travel advisories before booking.
No, visa on arrival is only available at Mogadishu (MGQ) and Hargeisa (HGA) airports. Land border crossings typically require a pre-arranged visa.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.