Somalia entry requirements for Romania 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
Romanian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Somalia. You must apply online before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival option. Processing takes a few business days, so plan ahead and ensure your passport meets the strict validity rules.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; the eVisa must be approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Romanian citizens must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Somali immigration eVisa portal, 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 may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Romanian 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 pagesSomalia requires a clean page for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or marked. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketThis proves you intend to leave the country. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Somalia before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids delays. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Somalia. Amounts are not fixed but should match your planned duration. | 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 for Romanian citizens. | Not required |
Security situation is volatile
Somalia is a high-risk destination. Terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and armed conflict occur regularly. Only travel if you have essential business and a professional security plan. Register with your embassy on arrival.
E-visa is the only option — no visa on arrival
Romanian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Somalia. The e-visa must be approved before you fly. If you show up without it, you'll be sent back.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport is close to expiry, renew it before applying for the e-visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Somali e-visa portal (evisa.gov.so) and fill out the application form. Upload your passport scan, photo, and travel details. Pay the fee (around $50–$70 USD) with a credit card. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer, so apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you'll receive the e-visa by email as a PDF. Print at least two copies — one for your carry-on and one as a backup. Keep the digital copy on your phone too.
3
Arrive at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airport
Most international flights land at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu or Hargeisa (HGA). After landing, follow the 'Visa' or 'Immigration' signs. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Expect a security screening and possible questions about your purpose of visit.
4
Complete any health screening
At the airport, you may pass through a health checkpoint where they check for fever or ask for your yellow fever certificate. Have it ready if you have it. This is quick and routine.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 (approx.)
Requires sponsor/invitation letter; obtainable via Somali embassy or online.
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$30 (approx.)
For onward travel within 72 hours; must show confirmed ticket.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry; subject to change. | $50 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at immigration office in Mogadishu; not guaranteed. | $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
Transit visa required
Romanian citizens transiting through Somalia require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty may be exempt.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Somalia, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito 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, Somalia (near Aden Adde International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate administration for Somaliland. Visa-on-arrival available at airport; extensions handled here.
Practical information for RO 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
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks during busy periods or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to be safe.
The fee is around $50–$70 USD, depending on the type of visa (single entry vs multiple entry). Payment is made online with a credit card during the application.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before the authorized stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter, or check with immigration in Mogadishu for special circumstances.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport or have an overnight layover, you'll need the e-visa. Check with your airline for transit rules.
You may be refused entry and put on the next flight out. Visa-on-arrival is not guaranteed for Romanian citizens, so don't risk it. Always have the e-visa approved before you board.
Somalia has significant security risks, including terrorism and armed conflict. Many governments advise against all travel. If you must go, use a reputable security company and stay in secure compounds. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
The Somali Shilling (SOS) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted, especially for larger transactions. Bring small-denomination USD bills (clean, post-2009) for tips and small purchases. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
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.