Somalia entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Qatari passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Somalia. This is available at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport and a few other entry points. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires you to have certain documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport or Hargeisa Egal International Airport. Pay in cash (USD) — have $50–$100 in small bills. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding in Doha. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Somalia. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. Overland exit via land borders is possible but rarely accepted as proof — stick to a flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Officers may ask where you are staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their phone number works. If you have no booking, expect extra questions at the visa counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 in USD cash — Somalia is a cash economy and ATMs are unreliable. A bank statement showing recent transactions helps if asked, but cash is what they want to see. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD). There is no ATM at the immigration counter, and credit cards are not accepted. Bring $60 in small bills to be safe.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
This visa allows one entry. If you leave Somalia (even for a day trip), you'll need to go through the visa process again on return.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is usually before baggage claim. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Basic info: name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. A pen is usually available at the counter.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is typically around $50–$60 USD (cash only, exact change preferred). US dollars are widely accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
An immigration officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After getting your visa, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There's usually no customs declaration form for personal items.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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. 182 QAR)
Apply at Somali embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 364 QAR)
For frequent travellers. Must show proof of multiple trips.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 546 QAR)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 728 QAR) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Somali company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 1,820 QAR)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Somali business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 364 QAR)
For those enrolled in a recognized Somali educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Standard fee for most nationalities at Mogadishu airport. | $50 USD (approx. 182 QAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day over the allowed stay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 36 QAR) |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $200 USD (approx. 728 QAR) |
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
Qatar passport holders transiting through Somalia do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check with airline as some may require a visa for certain connections.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Somalia may exit transit area.
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) · Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA) · Kismayo Airport (KMU)
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas. Mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water. Practice strict hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Somalia, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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, near Aden Adde International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, near Egal International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
For visa matters in Somaliland region. Separate procedures may apply.
Practical information for QA 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
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
The fee is around $50–$60 USD, payable in cash (US dollars preferred). Exact change helps. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check with your doctor before travel.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu. Other airports may have different procedures — check with your airline or the Somali embassy.
Security conditions vary. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many travelers use private security or stay within secure compounds. Travel insurance with security evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
US dollars are widely accepted, especially for visa fees, hotels, and larger purchases. Somali Shillings (SOS) are used for small daily transactions. Bring small denomination USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for easier use.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.