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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
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