Somalia entry requirements for South Korea passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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

South Korean passport holders need an eVisa to visit Somalia. You must apply online and get approval before you travel. As of 2026, visa-on-arrival is not available for Korean nationals.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for an eVisa before travel
You need an eVisa to enter Somalia. Apply through the official Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at www.mfa.gov.so. Processing times vary, so submit your application at least a week before your departure.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity requirements
Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Somalia. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers in Somalia ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready showing your departure from Somalia within your visa validity.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration may ask for this during the visa application process or at the border.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient financial means
Have evidence of enough funds for your stay, such as bank statements or a credit card. Immigration officers may ask to see this to confirm you can support yourself while in Somalia.Recommended
Security situation is extremely volatile
Somalia remains a high-risk destination. Most governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, arrange private security and stay in fortified hotels. Do not travel outside Mogadishu without professional security advice.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for South Korean passport holders. Do not attempt to board a flight without an approved eVisa — you will be denied boarding.

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 personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF. Print two copies — one to hand over at immigration, one as backup.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ), proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Show your accommodation and insurance if asked
Immigration may ask for proof of where you're staying and travel insurance. Have the booking confirmation and insurance certificate ready on your phone or printed.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Download PDF

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. 60,000 KRW)

Standard option for short visits.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 120,000 KRW)

Ideal for frequent travellers.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 96,000 KRW)

Requires invitation letter from Somali company.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa.$50 USD (approx. 60,000 KRW)
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy.$50 USD (approx. 60,000 KRW)
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity.$100 USD (approx. 120,000 KRW)
Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD.$20 USD (approx. 24,000 KRW)

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

South Korea passport holders transiting through Somalia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ)

Health & vaccines for Somalia

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide; prophylaxis 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, Somalia
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Separate jurisdiction; check visa requirements for Somaliland.

Practical information for KR 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 = 571.34 SOS
updated May 15
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

Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There is no expedited option.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Korean passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The official fee is around $50–$80 USD depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Check the official portal for the exact amount — fees can change.
Your eVisa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into Somalia.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. South Korea is not a risk country, but if you transit through an endemic area, you'll need the shot and the yellow card.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Many governments advise against all travel to Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Check your foreign ministry's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, hire a reputable security company and stay in secure accommodations.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.