Somalia entry requirements for Netherlands 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

Dutch passport holders need an eVisa to enter Somalia. You can apply online before you travel, which is the standard route for most visitors. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Somalia eVisaDutch passport holders must have an approved eVisa to enter Somalia; there is no visa-on-arrival option.
Apply online before travel
You must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Somalia. Apply through the official Somali immigration eVisa portal, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Approval typically takes a few business days; carry a printed or digital copy of the approved eVisa.Required
Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry.
At least 6 months beyond arrival
Your Netherlands passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Somalia. Check your passport's expiry date before booking.Required
Blank passport pagesSomalia requires a clean blank page for the entry stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure plans to ensure you will leave Somalia.
Proof of departure
You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket to a country where you have the right of entry. This is checked by airlines and Somali immigration.Required
Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds helps avoid delays at immigration.
Sufficient for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. The amount is not fixed but should cover your accommodation and expenses.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 Somalia. You only need your eVisa and passport.Not required
Security situation
Somalia has a volatile security environment. Check your government's travel advisory before booking, and register with your embassy upon arrival. Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk areas.
eVisa is mandatory – no visa on arrival
Dutch passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Apply well in advance and carry a printed copy.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Somali eVisa portal (evisa.so) and fill out the application form. Upload your passport scan and photo, pay the fee, and submit. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days – apply at least 1 week before your flight.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and also save it on your phone – you'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Arrive at the airport in Somalia
At Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu (or other entry points), go to immigration control. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and any supporting documents. The officer will verify your details and stamp your passport.
4
Complete any health checks
You may be asked to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Have it ready – it's a quick check at the health desk.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)

Requires invitation letter from Somali sponsor; obtainable through Somali embassy or online application.

Multiple entry visa
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx.)

For frequent travelers; apply at Somali embassy or via official immigration portal.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry; valid for 30 days.$50 (approx.)
Visa extension (per month)Apply at immigration office in Mogadishu; extensions up to 3 months possible.$60 (approx.)
Exit feeCharged at some airports/land borders; may be included in ticket for some airlines.$30 (approx.)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

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

Airside transit without a visa is generally permitted if you stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. However, due to security concerns, many airlines require a visa for any stopover in Somalia.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Passengers with checked luggage that cannot be interlined may need to clear immigration and obtain a visa.
  • Some nationalities may be subject to additional security screening or airline-specific restrictions.
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) – Mogadishu · Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA) – Hargeisa · Bosaso Airport (BSA) – Bosaso

Health & vaccines for Somalia

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; certificate may be checked at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) and mosquito avoidance.

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 (HQ)
Mogadishu, Somalia (near Aden Adde International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00

Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in USD.

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

Separate jurisdiction; for stays in Somaliland only.

Practical information for NL 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
updated Jul 3
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 usually takes 2–5 business days, but it can be longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.) and is paid online during the application. Check the official portal for the current fee – it's typically around $50–$80 USD for a single entry.
No, the eVisa is the standard route for Dutch citizens. You must have it approved before you travel – there's no visa-on-arrival option for most nationalities.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and reapply, or check with immigration in Somalia for other options (though extensions are generally not granted).
You'll likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Airlines also check for the eVisa before boarding – so don't risk it.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, yes – you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Even if you're coming directly from the Netherlands, it's a good idea to have it if you've travelled recently.
The standard eVisa is single entry. If you need multiple entries, check the portal – they may offer a multiple-entry option at a higher fee.

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.