Somalia entry requirements for Germany passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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

German passport holders need an eVisa to enter Somalia. The official online application is the standard route for most travellers. Plan ahead — processing takes a few days, and you'll need to show your approved eVisa at the border.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Somalia eVisaGerman passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding a flight to Somalia.
Apply online before travel
You must obtain an eVisa for Somalia before arrival. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. Apply through the official Somali immigration portal at least a few weeks before your planned travel.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date.
At least 6 months beyond arrival
Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Somalia.Required
Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your onward travel booking ready.
Proof of departure
Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Somalia before your visa expires.Required
Proof of fundsCarry documentation that shows you can support yourself financially during your visit.
Sufficient for stay
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Somalia, such as bank statements or cash.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateBring your International Certificate of Vaccination if applicable.
Required for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Check current requirements before travel.Required
Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you from high costs in case of medical emergencies.
Medical and evacuation coverage
It is strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuation, as healthcare facilities in Somalia are limited.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an arrival form before landing.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Somalia based on current regulations.Not required
Security situation
Somalia has a high risk of terrorism and armed conflict. Many governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, have a solid security plan, local contacts, and travel insurance that covers high-risk areas.
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa-on-arrival for German passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines may check this before allowing you to check in.

What happens at the border

1
Complete the online eVisa application
Go to the official Somali eVisa portal and fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Upload your photo and pay the fee. Double-check everything before submitting — mistakes cause delays.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an email with your eVisa approval. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have it.
3
Print your eVisa
Print a copy of the approved eVisa. Keep it with your passport. Also save a PDF on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at the airport
At Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport (or other entry points), go to immigration. Present your passport and printed eVisa. Officials will stamp you in. Expect a security screening and possible questions about your purpose of visit.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80

Requires invitation letter from Somali company; apply at Somali embassy.

Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150

For frequent business travelers; requires supporting documents.

work visa
Work Permit (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €180) processing fee
For those with a job offer from a Somali employer. Requires contract, sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €90)
For enrollment at a recognized Somali educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Somalia e-Visa (single entry)Required for German citizens; apply online before travel.$50
Visa on arrival (if applicable)Only at Mogadishu (MGQ) and Hargeisa (HGA) airports; e-Visa recommended.$60
Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office in Mogadishu; subject to approval.$30
Exit fee (airport departure tax)Usually included in airline ticket; verify at departure.$30

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

Transit passengers staying airside and not passing immigration do not need a visa.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

Food/Waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink only bottled or boiled water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) 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
Somali Immigration Department
Mogadishu, Somalia (near Aden Adde International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00

Bring passport, visa-on-arrival receipt, and 2 passport photos for extension.

Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Separate visa rules apply for Somaliland; check before travel.

Practical information for DE 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police888
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3–5 business days. Apply well in advance — at least 2 weeks before your planned arrival. The system can be slow, and you don't want to be stuck waiting.
The fee varies depending on the visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). You'll see the exact amount during the online application. Payment is made online via credit/debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'll have to exit and re-enter or contact immigration before your visa runs out.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended to have the vaccine and carry the certificate.
You'll likely be denied entry and put on the next flight out. There's no visa-on-arrival for German passport holders. Don't risk it — get the eVisa beforehand.
The security situation is volatile. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many embassies advise against all travel to parts of the country. If you must go, use reputable local contacts and avoid non-essential movement.
The eVisa is typically single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter, you'll need to apply for a new visa. Check the options on the application portal — some multiple-entry visas may be available at a higher fee.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.