Somalia entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Somalia. Valid for up to 30 days, costs about $60 USD. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourists and business travelers arriving at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Somalia. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airport | You can get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport or Hargeisa Egal International Airport. Have $50–$100 USD in cash (exact change preferred), a passport photo, and your hotel booking printed out. The process takes 20–40 minutes. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for immigration clearance | Immigration officers at Mogadishu and Hargeisa ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry. Budget airlines also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient funds | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Somalia is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Security situation
Somalia is a high-risk destination. Many governments advise against all travel. If you must go, hire a reputable security company, stay in secure accommodations, and avoid public gatherings. Travel insurance may not cover claims in high-risk areas.
Cash is king
US dollars are widely accepted in Somalia. Bring enough cash for your entire stay — ATMs are rare and card payments are uncommon. Keep small denominations for everyday purchases.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Mogadishu Airport
After landing at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ), follow signs to the visa on arrival counter. This is usually before passport control. 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. It asks for basic personal details, purpose of visit, and where you're staying. Fill it out in block capitals.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs approximately $60 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are widely accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. Check that the validity dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
With your visa sticker, go to the passport control queue. Present your passport and visa. You may be asked a few questions about your trip. Answer honestly and briefly.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your checked luggage from the carousel. Then proceed through customs. There are no routine customs checks for most travelers.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 500 SEK)
Apply at Somali embassy in Stockholm or online if available.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 800 SEK)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Paid in cash (USD) at major airports/land borders. | $60 USD (approx. 600 SEK) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $50 USD per day (approx. 500 SEK) |
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not officially available for VoA; may require leaving and re-entering. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Sweden holders transiting through Somalia airports (e.g., Mogadishu) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsMogadishu Aden 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 strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraHigh risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; take prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) and use 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, near the airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds. Services limited.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa city center
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Separate administration; visas for Somaliland may differ.
Practical information for SE 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
The visa on arrival costs approximately $60 USD. You must pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Keep the receipt in case of any issues.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ). Other airports may not offer this service. Check with your airline or the Somali embassy before traveling to a different entry point.
If you are transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you will need a visa on arrival. Confirm with your airline for specific transit rules.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Somali immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
Somalia has a high security risk due to ongoing conflict and terrorism. Many governments advise against all travel. If you must go, hire a reputable security company, stay in secure accommodations, and avoid public gatherings. Travel insurance may not cover claims in high-risk areas.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type at the Somali embassy before you travel.
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.