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"You may be asked to present a visa even if you're traveling to Hargeisa, and that visa may not be considered valid upon arrival there," the advisory notes.
Upon arrival in Hargeisa, travelers must purchase a local visa valid for 30 days — regardless of whether they previously obtained a Federal Government of Somalia E-Visa.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia’s E-Visa system in Somaliland. According to Somaliland’s Minister of Aviation, Mr. Fuaad Ahmed Nuuh, travelers cannot enter Somaliland — by land, air, or sea — using the Somalia-issued E-Visa.
"We do not accept the Somali E-Visa in Somaliland,” the Minister told the BBC. "Anyone attempting to enter Somaliland with a Federal E-Visa will be denied entry.”
The Somaliland Immigration Authority has formally issued a directive banning the use of Somalia’s E-Visa system for entry. Travelers must obtain a separate visa issued by Somaliland, which can be acquired at arrival airports or through Somaliland’s overseas representative offices.
The directive has been communicated to airlines, embassies, and countries from which travelers may be arriving.
The Federal Government of Somalia implemented its new E-Visa policy on September 1, 2025, making it mandatory for all incoming travelers to apply online for an electronic visa before entering the country.
Authorities stated that the purpose of the new system is to modernize and streamline the country’s immigration process, enhance border security, and ensure proper tracking of all entries.
BY Dahir Alasow
Investigative Journalist
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups. Full Article
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Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups. Full Article
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Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation.
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups.
The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.
Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities.
MOGADISHU — Concerns are growing among Somali intellectuals, civil society organizations, retired military officers, and democracy advocates that Somalia is entering a dangerous period of political instability marked by increasing militarization and shrinking space for democratic participation. The concerns come amid escalating confrontations in Mogadishu and reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction resulting from recent clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned groups. Full Article
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Prominent Somali investigative journalist and philanthropist Dahir Abdulle Alasow has been honored with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year 2026 Award, recognizing his growing humanitarian impact through the international charity organization Alasow Foundation. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey's growing political, military, and economic influence in Somalia is increasingly drawing attention across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region as geopolitical competition intensifies between regional and international powers. Full Article
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups. Full Article
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