London (Somalia Today) – The United Kingdom has aligned its official travel advice with Somalia’s federal e-visa requirement, strengthening Mogadishu’s control over its national borders.
The new UK guidance, updated on Tuesday, confirms that all travellers must now follow the federal e-visa process. This change effectively overrides Somaliland’s separate policy, forcing passengers to comply with the federal mandate.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidance is now explicit. It states: “You must have a visa to enter Somalia, including Somaliland.” This confirms that passengers bound for Mogadishu must apply for the federal e-visa online before departure.
The updated advice highlights the bind now facing travellers to Hargeisa.
The FCDO warns that airlines will likely ask for the federal e-visa to allow boarding. However, it also notes that Somaliland authorities will reject this federal visa upon arrival. Instead, Hargeisa will force passengers to “purchase a single-entry visa” on the spot.
The FCDO also warned travellers to any part of Somalia. They “may also need to provide a letter of invitation.” Without this letter, “you may not be allowed to enter.”
Somalia asserts control
The UK’s move follows a decisive policy action by Somalia’s federal government. Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) launched its e-visa system on September 1.
On October 31, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) ordered all international carriers not to board passengers to Hargeisa without the federal e-visa.
The SCAA called the policy a matter of “border control and national security.” It also threatened airlines with “financial penalties” or “suspension of flight operations” for non-compliance.
The SCAA reinforced this mandate in a formal circular on November 6. Signed by Director General Ahmed Moallin, the notice asserts the SCAA “is the legally mandated authority” responsible for “managing the entirety of the Mogadishu Flight Information Region.”
The circular warns that failure to comply “poses significant aviation safety risk” and could result in “serious legal consequences.”
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognized by any country, rejects the federal mandate. It continues to run its own visa-on-arrival system. However, this policy is now ineffective for pre-boarding.
Airlines must comply with the SCAA’s rules to use Somalia’s airspace, leaving them no choice but to enforce the federal e-visa at check-in.
‘Zero leverage’ for Hargeisa
“Somaliland has zero leverage in this case since Somalia controls airspace,” said Ahmed Abdi, an analyst speaking from Mogadishu. He added that the practical cost of this impasse falls directly on Somaliland’s diaspora.
“UK decision, and Somaliland’s reluctance, mean Somaliland has to force its diaspora people to make two payments,” Abdi said. He noted this “hurts its image and also hurts its people.”
The UK’s new language is significant. It formally signals to airlines that the federal e-visa is the primary checkpoint for entry.
By requiring the federal visa for boarding—even for flights to Hargeisa—the rule confirms that Mogadishu controls the gateway for all international air travel to the country.
A long-running dispute
Control of the airspace has been a recurring flashpoint since 2018. In that year, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) made a key change.
It transferred the day-to-day management of the Mogadishu Flight Information Region from Nairobi to Mogadishu. Crews have since reported episodes of competing instructions, raising safety concerns.
The new rules are clear for travellers. Anyone flying to Mogadishu must get the federal e-visa online before departure.
Those flying to Hargeisa face a two-step process. They must get a federal e-visa to be allowed to board their flight. Then, upon arrival, they will be required to purchase a second visa from the Somaliland authorities.
Somalia Today sought comment from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority and Somaliland’s Ministry of Civil Aviation. Neither side responded by press time.
The UK’s alignment with the federal e-visa system solidifies Mogadishu’s position. Unless Somaliland authorities find a workaround, its travellers will continue to bear the cost of this “double visa” system.
