Somalia entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter Somalia. This electronic visa covers tourism and business visits. As of 2026, you must apply online before traveling.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Somalia eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes up to 5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Mogadishu Airport will check it before stamping entry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Somalia does not enforce a specific blank-page rule, but carry at least one free page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Aden Adde International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines boarding in Nairobi, Dubai, or Doha also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a Somali host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD is widely accepted) or a bank statement showing at least $500 for short stays. ATMs are scarce and unreliable in Mogadishu. | Recommended |
Safety first
Somalia has active conflict zones and high crime rates. Only travel if you have a clear purpose and have checked your government's travel advisory. Consider registering with your embassy on arrival.
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival for New Zealand passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Somali immigration website and fill out the eVisa application. Upload a digital passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
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 printed eVisa. They'll stamp you in.
4
Show supporting documents if asked
Immigration officers may ask for your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Have them ready on your phone or printed. Answer questions clearly.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Allows multiple entries for frequent travellers.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. $70 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.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized Somali institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Somali business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders applying online. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at some entry points, but eVisa is recommended. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $20 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
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
Transit visa required
A transit visa is required for New Zealand passport holders transiting through Somalia, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, 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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visas for Somaliland region separately.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 570.81 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 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. All travellers must have an approved eVisa before boarding their flight. There is no visa on arrival facility.
The eVisa fee varies depending on nationality and visa type. For New Zealand passport holders, expect around $50–$80 USD. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
You will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into Somalia.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor before travel.
Extensions are not available for the eVisa. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before travel.
Safety conditions vary. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many travellers only visit Somaliland (Hargeisa) which is generally more stable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.