By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia has been formally authorized to begin issuing the East African Community’s standardized biometric passport, a move officials describe as a significant diplomatic milestone that strengthens the country’s integration into the regional bloc.
The decision allows the Federal Republic of Somalia to print and distribute the East African Community (EAC) passport in line with the bloc’s common design and security specifications. The passport is intended to facilitate easier cross-border travel among member states and promote regional mobility, trade and cooperation.
Somali government officials said the approval marks an important step in aligning the country’s travel documents with those of other EAC member states. Somalia joined the EAC in 2023, becoming the bloc’s eighth member.
The EAC passport features standardized elements across member countries, including a biometric chip, enhanced security markings and a uniform cover bearing the EAC emblem. While each country maintains its national coat of arms and identification details, the shared format is designed to simplify movement within the region and strengthen collective identity.
Authorities in Mogadishu said the rollout of the passport would improve travel convenience for Somali citizens within East Africa and enhance regional connectivity. Officials also said the adoption of common passport features reflects Somalia’s commitment to meeting the bloc’s technical and regulatory standards.
The East African Community — which includes Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda — aims to deepen economic, political and social integration among its members.
Regional analysts say Somalia’s participation in the common passport system signals growing institutional cooperation and could support broader efforts toward economic integration and freedom of movement across East Africa.
The government has not yet announced the exact date when the new EAC-compliant Somali passport will be made available to the public.
