Somalia entry requirements for France passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Somalia, available at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport and a few other entry points. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | You get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu and Hargeisa airports. Have $50–$60 USD in cash ready — the ATMs are unreliable and card payments are not accepted. The visa is valid for 30 days.Check MFA site | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Somalia. Airlines at Paris CDG and other European hubs will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for boarding | Airlines enforce this strictly — you need a confirmed onward or return ticket before they let you check in. Immigration at Mogadishu may also ask for proof of departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers in Somalia occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $200 USD in cash as proof of sufficient funds. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Mogadishu, so cash is your only reliable option. | Recommended |
Security situation
Somalia is a high-risk destination. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to most regions. If you must go, arrange secure transport and accommodation through a reputable company. Travel insurance may not cover claims in active conflict zones.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. Bring crisp, new bills — old or damaged notes may be refused. There are no ATMs at the airport that reliably dispense USD.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport, follow signs to the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (typically $50–$100 USD, cash only).
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is preferred). Keep the receipt. The visa is usually valid for 30 days.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to immigration control
Present your passport with the new visa at the immigration desk. You may be asked about your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no arrival declarations required.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Apply at Somali embassy abroad; may require invitation letter.
Business Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$70 USD (approx. €64)
Requires business invitation letter from Somali company.
work visa
Work Permit (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €183) processing fee
For foreign employees with a Somali employer sponsor. Requires employment contract, company registration, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €457) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Somali business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Grants residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at point of entry. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day |
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
France passport holders transiting through Somalia airports (e.g., Mogadishu) for less than 24 hours and not leaving the transit area do not need a visa. However, security conditions may require advance coordination.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ), Mogadishu · Egal International Airport (HGA), Hargeisa · Bosaso Airport (BSA), Bosaso
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia, including urban areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraHigh risk
Risk due to poor water sanitation; drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Somalia, including Mogadishu. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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, near Aden Adde International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, near Egal International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate administration; visa-on-arrival available for Somaliland only.
Practical information for FR 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 = 570.81 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 between $50 and $100 USD, paid in cash. Only US dollars are accepted — bring crisp, new bills. Old or damaged notes may be refused.
The visa is usually valid for 30 days. It is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at certain airports and land borders. Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport is the most reliable. Check with your airline or the Somali embassy for other entry points.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check the latest health requirements before travel.
You may be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to be safe.
Somalia has a high security risk due to conflict and terrorism. The French 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. Travel insurance may not cover claims in active conflict zones.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.