Somalia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Somalia. The process is straightforward at major airports like Mogadishu (MGQ) and Hargeisa (HGA). As of 2026, you'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Somalia. Airlines at Dubai and other hubs check this before boarding. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Mogadishu Airport (MGQ) will ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD is widely accepted) or a debit/credit card to cover your stay. Somalia is a cash-based economy — ATMs are scarce outside major hotels. Have at least $200–$300 for shorter visits. | Recommended |
Cash is king
ATMs are rare and unreliable in Somalia. Bring enough USD cash for your entire stay — including the visa fee, accommodation, food, and transport. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
Safety first
Somalia has active security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Register with your embassy upon arrival. Avoid non-essential travel to conflict zones.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Mogadishu (MGQ) or Hargeisa (HGA). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' — usually a separate counter before passport control.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printout), and hotel booking. The officer will process the visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. US dollars are widely accepted — bring small bills ($20s and $10s). Exact change helps. The fee is typically around $50–$60 for a single-entry visa.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Visa on arrival is free for UAE passport holders; no alternative paid tourist visa is commonly available.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostFree (USD 0)
Business visa on arrival is also free; no separate application needed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airports. | $60 USD (exact amount, no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Somalia
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Somalia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) · Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA) · Bosaso Airport (BSA)
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Mogadishu
Somalia Immigration Department
Mogadishu, Somalia (near Aden Adde International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
For travel to Somaliland, separate immigration procedures may apply; check local requirements.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalMogadishu
LanguageSomali, Arabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySomali Shilling (SOS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 571.42 SOS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with earth clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit an immigration office in Mogadishu or Hargeisa before your visa expires.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to apply at the immigration office in Mogadishu or Hargeisa. The process can take a few days, and there's a fee (around $20–$30). Start early — don't wait until the last day.
Visa on arrival is available at major land borders like Wajale (from Ethiopia) and Bossaso (from Puntland). The process is similar — show your passport, return ticket, and pay the fee in cash (USD).
Yes, at all international airports: Mogadishu (MGQ), Hargeisa (HGA), Bossaso (BSA), and Garowe (GGR). Smaller airstrips may not have immigration facilities — fly into one of these four.
US dollars (USD) are the standard. Bring small denominations — $20s and $10s — and have exact change if possible. The fee is around $50–$60. ATMs are rare and unreliable in Somalia.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you're flying directly from the UAE, you don't need it. But if you've been in a risk country recently, bring your certificate.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or your layover is long, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.