Somalia entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Somalia. You can apply online before you travel, which is the most straightforward option. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia e-VisaSaudi Arabian passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arriving in Somalia. Apply online before travel | Apply for an e-Visa through the official Somali immigration portal before departure. Approval is typically processed within a few business days; carry a printed or digital copy of the approved e-Visa. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within six months of your planned arrival. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Somalia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for immigration stamps upon arrival and departure. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Somalia before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Somalia within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry documentation that shows you can financially support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your stay in Somalia. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Somalia for Saudi Arabian passport holders. | Not required |
Security situation
Somalia has a volatile security environment. Always check your home country's travel advisory and register with your embassy upon arrival. Avoid non-essential travel outside secure areas.
E-visa is not extendable
Your e-visa is valid for a fixed period and cannot be extended. Plan your trip dates carefully and leave before it expires to avoid overstay penalties.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Somali e-visa portal and fill out the application form. Upload your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll get an e-visa document via email. Print a copy to carry with you — you'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Arrive at the airport in Somalia
At Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport (or other entry points), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any supporting documents (hotel booking, return ticket). The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Keep your documents handy during your stay
Carry your passport and a copy of your e-visa with you at all times. Local authorities may ask for identification, especially at checkpoints.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Somali company and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$25
For passengers continuing to a third country within 72 hours; must show onward ticket.
work visa
Somalia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,875 SAR)
For foreign nationals employed by a Somali company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Somalia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 3,750 SAR)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Somali business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Somalia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 750 SAR)
For students enrolled at a recognized Somali educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; processing takes 2-5 business days. | $50 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Mogadishu and Hargeisa airports for some nationalities; not guaranteed. | $60 |
| Visa extension (30 days)Apply at immigration office in Mogadishu; requires passport photos and proof of funds. | $30 |
| Exit fee (airport departure tax)Included in airline ticket for most international flights; verify at check-in. | $20 |
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
All foreign nationals transiting through Somalia must obtain a transit visa before arrival, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
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 transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; 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 the country, including cities. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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 (Main Office)
KM4, Mogadishu, Somalia
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Bring passport, visa, and extension fee in cash.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa City Center, Somaliland
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate immigration authority; check visa requirements for Somaliland.
Practical information for SA 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
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but it can be longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before your planned travel to be safe.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and visa type. Check the official e-visa portal for the exact amount — it's typically around $50-70 USD. Pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply, or contact the immigration office in Mogadishu before your visa expires to discuss options.
You may be able to get a visa on arrival, but it's not guaranteed and can involve long waits and extra fees. The e-visa is the recommended route — don't risk it.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're coming directly from Saudi Arabia, it's not required. But if you've traveled through an affected area, bring the certificate.
Somalia has ongoing security concerns. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, stick to major cities and use reputable local contacts.
The e-visa is valid for entry at major airports and border crossings. Confirm that your specific entry point accepts e-visas — Mogadishu airport does, but some land borders may have different rules.
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.