Somalia entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to visit Somalia. This electronic visa covers tourism and short business trips. As of 2026, the entire application is online, so you can get approved before your flight.
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 checks it before stamping entry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Sri Lankan passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines at Bandaranaike International Airport enforce this rule strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Mogadishu routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | 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 are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough cash for your stay. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if they ask. | Recommended |
Security situation
Somalia has ongoing security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you travel, avoid non-essential movement outside major cities and consider hiring a local guide or security escort.
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Somalia. The eVisa must be approved before you board your flight. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Somali eVisa portal (if available) or use the government's designated application site. Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Check your email (including spam) for the approval letter. Once approved, download and print a copy, or save it to your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you head to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
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 and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short queue.
5
Show your return ticket and accommodation if asked
Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and where you're staying. Have your booking confirmations ready on your phone or printed.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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. 15,000 LKR)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. 21,000 LKR)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 18,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Sri Lanka passport holders. | $50 USD (approx. 18,000 LKR) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $70 USD (approx. 25,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible but must be arranged through immigration office. | $30 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD (approx. 3,600 LKR) |
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Somalia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check with airline as policies vary.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) · Hargeisa Egal 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; ensure safe drinking water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Somalia, including urban 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 permits.
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 LK 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option available.
The official fee is around $50–$70 USD, depending on the type. Pay online with a credit or debit card. There may be a small processing fee added.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You can reapply with corrected info. There's no appeal process.
Many governments advise against all travel to Somalia due to security risks. Check your country's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, stick to major cities and use reputable guides.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with risk. Also recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
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.