Somalia entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Somalia. Apply online before your trip. This rule applies in 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 — immigration at Mogadishu Airport will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid on arrival | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Somalia. Airlines at JKIA check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Aden Adde International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready — a phone screenshot works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having a booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a debit/credit card with available balance. Somalia is cash-heavy — USD is widely accepted, and ATMs are scarce outside Mogadishu. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Kenyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Somalia. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Somalia, not from your departure date.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Complete the online eVisa application before your trip. Upload a digital passport photo and your passport details page. Pay the fee (amount varies). Processing typically takes a few business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Once approved, you will receive an eVisa document by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You will need to show it at immigration.
3
Arrive at Mogadishu or other airport
At the airport, proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. You may also be asked for your hotel booking. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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. $50 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. $70 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. $80 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company.
work visa
Work Permit (Residence Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Somali employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Somali business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrollment in recognized Somali educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $70 USD (approx. 9,100 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $20 USD (approx. 2,600 KES) 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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Somalia airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering Somalia, a visa is required.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
CholeraHigh risk
Risk due to poor water sanitation; ensure safe drinking water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visas for Somaliland region separately.
Practical information for KE 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 = 570.95 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
Yes. You need an eVisa obtained online before travel. There is no visa on arrival for Kenyan citizens.
Processing times vary, but typically a few business days. Apply at least a week before your planned travel to be safe.
The cost is set by the Somali immigration authorities and can change. Check the official eVisa portal for the current fee.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it is not, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a booked return or onward ticket ready.
Not always checked at immigration, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs can be very high, and insurance provides essential cover.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.