Somalia entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Indian passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Somalia. Apply online before departure; approval usually takes a few days. This rule started in 2024 and is still in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Somalia eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid on arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Somalia does not enforce a strict 6-month rule beyond the stay, but airlines and immigration officers routinely check for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Mogadishu and Hargeisa airports ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour operator. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Somalia is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Security situation
Somalia has active conflict zones and a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. Only travel if you have a clear, essential reason and have arranged local security support. Register with your embassy on arrival.
eVisa is your only option
There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before you board your flight. Airlines may deny boarding without proof of an approved eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Somali eVisa portal (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print at least two copies — one for your carry-on, one in your luggage. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airport
Most international flights land at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu or Egal International Airport (HGA) in Hargeisa. Go to the immigration counter, present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket.
4
Pass through immigration
The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and let you through. Have your accommodation address ready in case they ask. The process is usually straightforward.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx.)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx.)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Somali company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies
Varies (institution-dependent)
For enrolled students at recognized Somali educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (investment amount required)
For individuals investing in Somali businesses or real estate. Minimum investment threshold applies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Indian passport holders; subject to change. | $50 USD (approx.) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; may be obtained on arrival if eligible. | $50 USD (approx.) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity varies. | $70 USD (approx.) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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 visa is not required for airside transit at Somali airports if staying within the international transit area and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid visas for Somalia or other countries may transit without visa.
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) · Egal International Airport (HGA) · Bosaso Airport (BSA)
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 recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraHigh risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Somalia, especially in rural areas. 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
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
For travellers in Somaliland; separate jurisdiction.
Practical information for IN 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
No. Somalia does not offer visa on arrival for Indian nationals. You must obtain an eVisa before you travel.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. There is no expedited option publicly listed.
The official fee is not publicly fixed, but third-party services charge around $50–$80 USD. Check the official portal for the exact amount before paying.
Your eVisa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Security conditions vary. Many governments advise against non-essential travel to most parts of Somalia. Check your home country's travel advisory and consider registering with your embassy before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.