Somalia entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Somalia. This is available at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport and a few other entry points. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires you to have certain documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) and Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA). Have $60 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee — the visa counter does not accept cards. The visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Somalia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Mogadishu and Hargeisa airports routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave Somalia within 30 days. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Somali host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying — a vague answer can trigger additional questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Somalia is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Security situation
Somalia is a high-risk destination. The Irish government advises against all travel to most regions. If you must go, use a professional security provider and stay in well-protected accommodations.
Cash is king
Bring enough US dollars in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) for the visa fee, transport, and daily expenses. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Mogadishu airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, booking confirmations, and return ticket ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and address in Somalia. A pen is handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is paid at the counter. Cash in US dollars is preferred. As of 2026, the cost is around $50–$60 for a single-entry visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport and hands you the visa sticker. Check the validity dates. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Apply at Somali embassy abroad; same as VoA but pre-approved.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company.
work visa
Work Permit (Residence Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €184) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Somali company. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing in Somali businesses or real estate. Minimum investment amount not publicly specified; requires business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airports. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. €18) |
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
Ireland passport holders transiting through Somalia (e.g., at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airports) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to security concerns, most transit is via connecting flights without leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Somalia may exit the airport.
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ), Mogadishu · Egal International Airport (HGA), Hargeisa
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; certificate may be checked at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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
For visa extensions or overstay clearance; bring passport and fee in USD.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate jurisdiction; visas for Somaliland are handled here.
Practical information for IE 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 = 571.31 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
No. Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu airport and some other entry points. No need to apply online or at an embassy beforehand.
Around $50–$60 USD for a single-entry visa. Bring crisp, new US dollar bills — older or damaged notes may be refused. The fee is paid in cash at the counter.
The standard visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Mogadishu.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to go to the Immigration Department in Mogadishu. The process can take a few days and costs extra. Best to plan your stay within the initial visa period.
Somalia has significant security risks. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to most parts of the country. If you do go, use a reputable security company and stay in secure compounds. This is not a typical tourist destination.
Print your passport bio page, return ticket, and hotel booking. Digital copies on your phone are fine as backup, but having paper copies speeds things up if the network is down.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.