By HAN News Desk
LONDON — The United Kingdom has issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens traveling to Somalia, including the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, to ensure they obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) before their trip.
According to a statement from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), all travelers heading to Somalia — including areas under the Somaliland administration — are required to have a valid Somali eVisa prior to departure.
“You must have an eVisa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland. Without it, you may not be permitted to travel,” the FCDO stated.
The advisory clarifies that travelers specifically heading to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, may still be asked to present a Somali eVisa even though Somaliland operates its own visa system at local airports.
The UK government emphasized that this does not mean Somaliland airports are authorized to issue the Somali eVisa, since the federal government in Mogadishu considers Somaliland part of Somalia’s sovereign territory. Therefore, from a legal standpoint, all foreign visitors are expected to hold a Somali eVisa to travel anywhere within Somalia’s borders — including Somaliland.
Meanwhile, the FCDO reminded travelers that the Somaliland authorities independently charge a $60 visa fee upon arrival at Hargeisa Egal International Airport or Berbera Airport. This local visa is issued directly by Somaliland’s immigration services and is separate from the Somali federal eVisa system.
The clarification has caused some confusion among travelers, as both Somali and Somaliland authorities maintain different visa systems. While Somalia’s federal government recently launched a centralized electronic travel authorization system (eVisa) for all foreign entries, Somaliland continues to issue visa-on-arrival permits at its airports.
Travel experts warn that passengers flying to Hargeisa through international airlines may still be required to show proof of the Somali eVisa at check-in, even if Somaliland immigration later issues its own visa upon arrival.
The FCDO also reiterated its longstanding advice that British nationals should avoid all travel to Somalia and most parts of Somaliland due to ongoing security concerns, including terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
Travelers are urged to check visa requirements carefully before booking flights, confirm entry conditions with airlines, and carry both printed and digital copies of their eVisa or other travel authorizations.
The Somali eVisa system can be accessed online at evisa.gov.so.
