Somalia entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Somalia. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or business. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at major airports like Mogadishu (MGQ) and Hargeisa (HGA).
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) or Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA). Have $50–$100 USD in cash for the visa fee — the airport has no ATM and card payments rarely work. The visa is valid for 30 days single entry.MFA visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport check this before boarding. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at Mogadishu Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines flying from Addis Ababa to Mogadishu (Ethiopian Airlines, Daallo) require proof of onward travel before issuing a boarding pass. A printed itinerary works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a Somali host. Immigration officers at Mogadishu Airport occasionally ask for an address where you will stay. A printed booking confirmation from a hotel in Mogadishu or Hargeisa is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Carry at least $500 USD in cash — Somalia is a cash economy and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. Keep a separate stash for the visa fee and airport exit tax ($30 USD). | Recommended |
Cash is king
ATMs are rare and unreliable in Somalia. Bring enough US dollars in cash to cover your visa fee ($50–$60) and at least a few days of expenses. Credit cards are not widely accepted.
Visa on arrival is the standard
There is no e-visa system for Somalia. The visa on arrival is the normal way for Ethiopian passport holders to enter. No need to apply in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Mogadishu (MGQ) or Hargeisa (HGA). After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and address in Somalia. Fill it in with a pen (carry one).
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking). Pay the visa fee in cash — US dollars are widely accepted. The fee is around $50–$60 for a single-entry tourist visa.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10–30 minutes depending on the queue. You'll be called when your passport is ready. Check the visa sticker for correct dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed through immigration
Once you have the visa, go to the immigration officer who will stamp your passport. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Apply at Somali embassy abroad; requires invitation letter.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$80 USD (approx. $80 USD)
Requires business invitation letter from Somali company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at major airports and land borders. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; fines accumulate daily until departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Somalia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Somalia, especially in rural areas. 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 residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate administration for Somaliland; visa extensions handled here for that region.
Practical information for ET 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 = 570.96 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 visa on arrival fee is typically $50–$60 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Bring exact change if possible.
Visa on arrival is available at major airports: Mogadishu (MGQ) and Hargeisa (HGA). Land border crossings are less predictable — it's safer to fly in.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit an immigration office in Mogadishu or Hargeisa.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Ethiopia is not on that list, but carry your yellow card just in case.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to go to the immigration office in Mogadishu (near the airport) or Hargeisa. The process takes a few days and costs around $30–$50 USD.
You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Airlines check this before departure. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a nearby country (e.g., Nairobi or Dubai) if you're unsure of your plans.
Safety varies by region. Mogadishu and Hargeisa are relatively stable but still have security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.