Somalia entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Somalia. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport upon arrival in Somalia. Have $50–$100 USD in cash ready for the visa fee, plus a passport-sized photo. The visa is typically valid for 30 days and is not extendable. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Somalia. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Mogadishu Airport (MGQ) asks for a return or onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. Airlines also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Security situation
Somalia has active conflict zones and a high risk of terrorism. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, arrange security through a reputable local contact or company.
Cash is king
ATMs are rare and credit cards are not widely accepted. Bring enough US dollars in cash for your entire stay. Small denominations ($1, $5, $10) are useful for everyday purchases.
eSIM saves time
Arranging an eSIM before you land (e.g., Airalo) means you'll have data the moment you step off the plane — no need to queue at a local shop.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu or other major airports. After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a short form to complete — basic personal info, passport details, and where you're staying. Have your accommodation address ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa on arrival fee in cash. US dollars are widely accepted. The fee is typically around $50–$100 depending on your nationality and length of stay. Keep small bills.
4
Get your passport stamped
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity period — usually 30 days. If you need longer, ask about extensions at the immigration office in Mogadishu.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Have your documents ready in case of random checks.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
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
Apply at Somali embassy abroad before travel. Allows single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Requires embassy application. Suitable for multiple visits.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at the airport upon arrival. | $50 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $200 USD. Overstay can also lead to deportation and future entry bans. | $20 USD per day |
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not officially available for visa-on-arrival; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
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
Romanian passport holders transiting through Somalia do not need a visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, due to security concerns, transit is limited and often requires prior coordination with the airline.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ), Mogadishu · Egal International Airport (HGA), Hargeisa · Bosaso Airport (BSA), Bosaso
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 = 571.32 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 typically $50–$100 USD, paid in cash. US dollars are preferred. Have exact change if possible.
Usually 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Mogadishu. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You'll need to visit the immigration office in Mogadishu before your visa expires. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee (around $50).
Visa on arrival is available at major airports. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Somali embassy before attempting to enter by land.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor before travel.
Somalia has significant security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, arrange security through a reputable local contact or company.
If you're transiting through Somalia and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to exit the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.