Somalia entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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

Madagascar passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Somalia. The entire process is online, and you must complete it before departure. Here's exactly what you need to know for 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your Madagascar passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Somalia enforces this strictly — airlines check it at check-in too.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they check this before letting you through.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Somalia is a high-risk destination — having a clear accommodation plan helps avoid secondary questioning.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but showing $500+ in available funds is a safe bet.Recommended
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Somalia. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Somalia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.

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 system. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee by credit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing times vary — check the portal for current estimates. Once approved, you'll receive the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At check-in, the airline will ask to see your eVisa approval, passport, and return ticket. Have them ready. Also save your accommodation booking and insurance docs on your phone.
4
Arrive at Mogadishu or other airport
At immigration, present your passport with the eVisa approval. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your return ticket and accommodation confirmation handy in case they ask.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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. $50 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. $70 USD)

For frequent travellers.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$80 USD (approx. $80 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Somali company.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For those with a job offer from a Somali employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Somali business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa.$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity.$70 USD (approx. $70 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay.$10 USD per day

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 if you stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, due to security concerns, check with your airline.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Somalia may transit without additional visa.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk due to poor water sanitation in some areas.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Risk is high nationwide, especially in rural areas.

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

For travel to Somaliland region.

Practical information for MG 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 = 570.97 SOS
updated May 31
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

Processing times vary. Check the official eVisa portal for current estimates. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The cost depends on the visa type and processing speed. Check the official portal for the exact fee — it's usually paid online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check the latest health requirements before you travel.
You will not be allowed to board your flight. The eVisa must be approved before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders.
Yes, a PDF on your phone is usually accepted. But having a printed backup is safer in case your phone dies or has no signal.
Somalia has significant security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with security coverage is strongly recommended.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.