Somalia entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
South African passport holders need an e-visa to enter Somalia. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward, but plan for a few days of processing time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia e-VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the e-Visa approved before you fly. Apply before travel | South African passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply online through the official Somali immigration portal, pay the fee, and receive an approval letter to present at the border. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Somalia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesSomalia immigration will stamp your passport on arrival; without a blank page you could be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page (not the endorsement page) for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and border officials often require proof that you will leave Somalia before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country where you have the right of entry. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems if asked. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, cash, or credit card) to cover your stay in Somalia. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned duration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional health or customs declaration on arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for South African passport holders entering Somalia. | Not required |
| Visa extensionIf you overstay, you may face fines or deportation; plan your trip accordingly. Not possible | The Somali e-Visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before the visa expiry date. | Not required |
Security situation
Somalia has a volatile security environment. Check your government's travel advisory before booking, and consider registering with your embassy on arrival.
E-visa is single-entry
The e-visa allows one entry only. If you plan to visit neighbouring countries and come back, you'll need a new e-visa each time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Somali e-visa portal (evisa.so) and fill out the application form. Upload your passport scan and photo, pay the fee, and submit. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll get a PDF e-visa by email. Print a copy to carry with you — having a paper backup is safer than relying on your phone.
3
Arrive at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airport
At Aden Adde International Airport (Mogadishu) or Egal International Airport (Hargeisa), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and the e-visa (printed or on your phone). The officer will scan your passport and stamp you in.
4
Complete any health screening
You may be asked to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Have it ready in your hand luggage.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (e-visa, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70
Requires invitation letter from Somali company
Transit visa (e-visa, 72 hours)
Max stay72 hours
Validity7 days from issue
Cost$30
For onward travel within 72 hours
work visa
Work Permit (Residence Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Somali company or organization. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Somali business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Somali educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist/business e-visa fee | $50 |
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Longer validity option | $70 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Mogadishu airport, subject to approval | $60 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office in Mogadishu | $30 |
| Exit fee (airport departure tax)Usually included in airline ticket, but verify | $30 |
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
South African passport holders transiting through Somalia require a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) - Mogadishu · Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA) - Hargeisa
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia, including urban areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; use mosquito repellent and 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
KM4 Street, Mogadishu
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Bring passport, visa application form, and fee in USD cash.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Airport Road, Hargeisa
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate visa required for Somaliland; bring passport photos.
Practical information for ZA 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
The e-visa fee is around $60 USD, payable online by credit or debit card. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on your nationality and the current exchange rate.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid delays.
No. The e-visa is the only way to get a visa for Somalia. You must have it approved before you fly.
No, the standard e-visa is single-entry. If you leave Somalia and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-apply.
You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. It's always a good idea to carry it anyway, as health checks can be random.
You'll be denied entry and likely put on the next flight out. Airlines also check for the e-visa before boarding, so you won't even get on the plane without it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.