Somalia entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Somalia for tourism or business. It's valid for a single entry and must be obtained online before you travel. This rule applies in 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Somalia eVisa at the official MFA portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until approved. The eVisa is valid for single entry only.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid on arrival | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Somalia does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 3 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Mogadishu Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Somalia is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Zambian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Somalia. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Airlines may also check this before boarding.
eVisa processing times
Apply at least 7 days before departure. Processing can take 3–5 business days, and there's no rush service. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Somalia eVisa portal (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$80 USD, depending on processing time). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa document. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. At Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ), go to the immigration queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short interview — they may ask about your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
4
Enter Somalia
After the stamp, collect your luggage and proceed to customs. Declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to exit.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 1,200 ZMW)
Standard eVisa for tourism; apply online before travel.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. 1,680 ZMW)
Requires invitation letter from Somali company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $50 USD (approx. 1,200 ZMW) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. 480 ZMW) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Somalia airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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 permits; bring passport and application form.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate jurisdiction; for travel to Somaliland, handle visa here.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 570.97 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 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no same-day option.
The fee is around $50–$80 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is online by credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor. It's not a visa requirement, but it may be checked at the border.
You will be denied entry. There is no visa on arrival for Zambian passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
No, the standard eVisa is single entry only. If you leave Somalia and want to return, you need to apply for a new eVisa.
Somalia has ongoing security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with security evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.