Somalia entry requirements for Italy 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

Italian passport holders need a visa to enter Somalia. The most straightforward option is to apply for an e-visa online before you travel. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Somalia e-VisaItalian passport holders must have an approved e-Visa before boarding a flight to Somalia.
Apply online before travel
You must obtain an e-Visa for Somalia before arrival. The e-Visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. Apply through the official Somali immigration e-Visa portal, upload required documents, and pay the fee online. Approval typically takes a few business days.Required
Passport validitySomalia requires passports to be valid for 6 months after arrival to avoid entry refusal.
At least 6 months beyond arrival
Your Italian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Somalia. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period.Required
Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a blank page to stamp your passport upon entry.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page for any additional stamps or visas.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may require evidence of your planned departure from Somalia.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Somalia before your e-Visa expires. Ensure your departure date is within the validity period of your e-Visa.Required
Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds can help avoid questioning at immigration.
Sufficient for stay
Be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Somalia, such as bank statements or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover your accommodation and living expenses.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateCarry your vaccination certificate to avoid delays or denial of entry.
Required for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Even if not required, it is strongly recommended for all travellers to Somalia.Recommended
Travel insuranceMedical facilities in Somalia are limited; insurance can be lifesaving.
Medical and evacuation coverage
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is highly recommended due to limited healthcare facilities in Somalia.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Somalia. Your e-Visa and passport are sufficient for entry.Not required
Security situation
Somalia remains a high-risk destination for travellers due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Only travel if you have essential reasons and have robust security arrangements in place.
E-visa is the only option
Italian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain an e-visa before you travel. There is no embassy visa process for this route — the e-visa is the standard method.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Somali e-visa portal and fill out the application form. Upload your passport photo and provide your travel details. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll receive your e-visa as a PDF. Print a copy to carry with you, and also save it on your phone as a backup.
3
Arrive at the airport and go through immigration
At Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport (or other entry points), present your passport and printed e-visa to the immigration officer. They will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months
Cost$100

Requires invitation letter from Somali company.

Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$30

For layovers; must show onward ticket.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Required for Italian citizens; apply online before travel.$50
Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at some entry points; check with Somali embassy.$60
Visa extensionPossible through immigration office in Mogadishu; max 30 days.$30
Exit feeCharged at some airports; included in ticket for some airlines.$20

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

Transit visa required

Italian citizens transiting through Somalia require a transit visa unless staying airside and not passing immigration.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic passport holders
  • Crew members with valid airline ID
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) · Hargeisa 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.

Food/Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).

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

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and fee.

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

Separate jurisdiction for Somaliland; visas may be handled differently.

Practical information for IT 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

Yes, Italian passport holders must have a visa to enter Somalia. The easiest way is to apply for an e-visa online before you travel.
Processing times can vary, but typically it takes a few business days. It's best to apply at least a week before your planned departure to avoid delays.
The cost depends on the type of visa you apply for. Tourist e-visas are generally around $50–$70, but check the official portal for the exact fee at the time of application.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
You may be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. It's not possible to get a visa on arrival for Italian citizens, so make sure you have your e-visa before you fly.
Somalia has significant security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, use reputable local contacts and avoid non-essential travel outside secure areas.
You need a yellow fever certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're coming directly from Italy, it's not required, but it's still recommended to be vaccinated for your own health.

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.