Somalia entry requirements for Malta 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
Maltese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Somalia, and you can apply for it online before you fly. The process is straightforward, but you'll need to plan ahead and have your documents ready. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Malta passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Somali immigration eVisa portal, complete the application, pay the fee, and receive an approved eVisa by email. Print a copy to present upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Malta passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Somalia. Check the expiry date well before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Somalia before your authorized stay ends. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses during your time in Somalia. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned length of stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional health or customs form before arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Malta passport holders entering Somalia. | Not required |
Security situation
Somalia is a high-risk destination. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you must travel, use trusted local contacts, avoid public gatherings, and stay in secure compounds.
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Maltese citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Somalia. You must have the approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before allowing you to check in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Somali immigration eVisa portal and fill out the application form. Upload your passport photo and passport data page, provide your travel details, and pay the fee online. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa document via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and upon arrival in Somalia.
3
Arrive at the airport in Somalia
At Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu (or other entry points), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will check your details and stamp your passport. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After the immigration stamp, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Keep your eVisa and passport handy until you're out of the airport.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company; apply at embassy or online.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$100 (approx.)
For frequent travelers; apply at Somali embassy or online.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry; subject to change. | $50 (approx.) |
| eVisa (single entry)Apply online before travel; processing fee may apply. | $50 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at immigration office in Mogadishu; extensions are discretionary. | $60 (approx.) |
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
Transit passengers staying airside and not clearing immigration do not require a visa. However, if you need to enter Somalia (e.g., to change terminals or overnight), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Citizens of Malta are generally visa-exempt for transit if holding confirmed onward ticket and staying airside.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as atovaquone-proguanil or 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
KM4 Road, Mogadishu
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Airport Road, Hargeisa
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate jurisdiction for Somaliland region; visas may differ.
Practical information for MT 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
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
Processing usually takes 3 to 5 business days, but it can take longer during busy periods. Apply at least a week before your planned travel to be safe. There's no official expedited service, so don't rely on last-minute applications.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa. For Maltese citizens, the standard single-entry tourist eVisa is around $50 USD, but check the official portal for the exact amount at the time of application. Payment is made online with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to exit and re-enter with a new visa, or contact the immigration office in Mogadishu before your visa expires to discuss options — but officially, extensions are not granted.
If you're transiting through a Somali airport without leaving the international transit area, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the eVisa. Check with your airline for specific transit requirements.
You will be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Maltese citizens. The eVisa must be obtained before you travel — no exceptions.
Somalia has significant security risks, including terrorism and armed conflict. Many governments advise against all but essential travel. If you do go, use reputable local contacts, avoid non-essential movement, and stay in secure accommodations. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
The local currency is the Somali Shilling (SOS), but US dollars are widely accepted, especially for larger transactions. Bring small denominations of USD for everyday purchases. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, so cash is essential.
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.