By Dahir Alasow Investigative Journalist – Waagacusub.net The Federal Government of Somalia is preparing to implement a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that will digitally control all passenger movements entering or departing Somalia — including flights through Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, and Bosaso international airports. According to official documents obtained by Inside Somalia, the system will become fully operational on 27 November 2025, marking one of the most significant aviation security reforms in Somalia's modern history.

???? How the New System Works

Once activated, the ETA platform will be directly connected to the Departure Control System (DCS) used by international airlines and to the Passenger Information Exchange System (API/PNR).

This means that no passenger will be allowed to board a flight to Somalia — including domestic routes like Hargeisa or Garowe — without prior ETA clearance from the Somali government.

The new protocol will give Somali immigration authorities access to extensive data, including:

• Full name, date of birth, and passport details

• Travel history and previous visas

• Ticket details, flight itinerary, and destination

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⚙️ More Powerful Than E-Visa Systems

Aviation experts told Waagacusub News that the ETA system is far more restrictive than a standard electronic visa (E-Visa), as it is fully integrated into the airline’s operational software.

Airlines such as FlyDubai and Ethiopian Airlines will not be able to issue boarding passes to passengers unless the ETA system in Mogadishu grants approval.

"This effectively gives Somalia full pre-boarding control over every passenger flying to its territory,”
said one regional aviation analyst based in Nairobi.

In practice, this means Somali authorities can deny boarding to any traveler — even before the flight departs from a foreign airport — while simultaneously storing real-time passenger data for national security use.

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???? Strategic and Political Implications

The implementation of ETA is being viewed not only as a security measure but also as a political statement: that Somalia is reclaiming sovereignty over its airspace and border management systems after decades of dependency.

For the first time, Mogadishu will have the ability to:

• Track who enters and leaves the country, in real time.

• Share or restrict access to travel data with regional and global partners.

• Enforce blacklists, no-fly orders, or security alerts on specific individuals.

Diplomatic sources suggest this move could reshape how airlines, aid agencies, and even international missions coordinate their Somalia operations.

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????️‍♂️ Concerns and Questions

However, the system also raises privacy and transparency concerns.
Critics warn that a government with broad access to passenger data could use the ETA for political targeting, surveillance of journalists, or restriction of opposition figures under the pretext of national security.

Still, Somali officials insist that the system is a necessary modernization step, aligned with international aviation standards, and essential to prevent terrorist infiltration, illegal migration, and document fraud.

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???? Conclusion

The ETA rollout marks a new chapter for Somalia — one that blends technological sovereignty with political control.
Whether this system strengthens state authority or sparks new tensions will depend on how transparently it is managed and who it ultimately serves — the citizens or the rulers.

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✍️ Written by: Dahir Alasow
Investigative Journalist – Waagacusub.net