Somalia entry requirements for Nigeria 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

Nigerian passport holders must get an eVisa to enter Somalia. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. This rule is in effect for 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for a Somalia eVisa 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 to present at immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Somalia. Airlines check this before boarding — carry a photocopy of the bio page.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel required
Immigration officers at Mogadishu airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having proof avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — cash in USD is widely accepted.Recommended
Security situation
Somalia has a volatile security environment. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival.
Local SIM and connectivity
Buy a local SIM or eSIM (like Airalo) before you land. It activates immediately and saves you from queuing at the airport. Useful for maps, ride-hailing, and staying in touch.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Somali immigration website and complete the eVisa application. You'll need to upload a digital passport photo and provide your travel details. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing times vary — check the official site for current estimates. Once approved, you'll receive the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone.
3
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance documents.
4
Arrive at the airport in Somalia
At Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport (or other entry points), proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and supporting documents. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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. 20,000 NGN)

Standard eVisa for tourism; must be used within validity.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. 40,000 NGN)

Allows multiple visits; suitable for frequent travellers.

work visa
Somalia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 80,000 NGN)
For foreign nationals employed by a Somali company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Somalia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 40,000 NGN)
For enrolled students at recognized Somali institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Nigerian passport holders applying for Somalia eVisa.$50 USD (approx.)
Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; typically the only option for short stays.$50 USD (approx.)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry visas are not typically issued for tourism.Not available
Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in fines and future entry bans.$20 USD per day (estimated)

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

Transit visa required

Nigeria passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Somalia, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis strongly 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

Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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
Somalia Immigration Department
Mogadishu, Somalia (near Aden Adde International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and application form.

Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Handles visas for Somaliland region; separate from Somalia visa.

Practical information for NG 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
updated May 29
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

No. There is no visa on arrival for Nigerian citizens. You must obtain an eVisa before you travel.
Processing times vary. Check the official Somali immigration website for current estimates. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee is set by the Somali government and can change. Check the official eVisa portal for the current amount. Payment is made online during the application.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Somalia. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check the latest health requirements before you travel.
The standard eVisa does not appear to be extendable. If you need a longer stay, contact Somali immigration before your current visa expires.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, and hotel booking confirmation ready. Immigration officers may ask to see any of these.

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.