Somalia entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu and Hargeisa airports. No pre-application needed — just show up with a valid passport, cash in USD, and a return ticket. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for most visitors.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport and other major entry points. Have $50–$100 USD in cash for the visa fee — the payment counter does not accept cards. The visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable.Check MFA visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date | Your Canadian passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date you leave Somalia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Mogadishu airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready — showing a ticket out of Somalia within 30 days. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed address and phone number speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have on hand | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Somalia is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Safety first
Somalia remains a high-risk destination. Register with the Canadian government's Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) before you go, and share your itinerary with someone at home.
Cash is king
ATMs are scarce 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.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. These are the two main international airports with visa-on-arrival facilities.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be handed a small card asking for basic info (name, passport number, flight, hotel). Fill it out in block capitals.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, hand over your passport, completed form, and cash (USD). The officer will process payment and issue a receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa to the next officer. They'll scan it and let you through to baggage claim.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Apply at Somali embassy abroad or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must apply in advance at embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a Somali employer. Requires job offer, contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with significant capital (minimum $100,000 USD) in a Somali business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry. Valid for 30 days. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fineMust pay at immigration before departure. Avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (no max cap reported) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Canada holders transiting through Somalia airports (e.g., Mogadishu) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, security conditions may require pre-arranged clearance.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit through Somaliland airports may have separate rules.
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ), Mogadishu · Egal International Airport (HGA), Hargeisa · Bosaso Airport (BSA), Bosaso
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water. Practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) and mosquito avoidance.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Mogadishu
Somali Immigration Department
Mogadishu, Somalia (near Aden Adde International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate jurisdiction for Somaliland. Visa on arrival available, but extensions handled here.
Practical information for CA 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 = 571.31 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 fee is typically between $50 and $100 USD, paid in cash. Exact amount can vary by airport and current policy. Bring crisp, new US dollar bills — old or damaged notes may be refused.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but typically visas on arrival in Somalia are granted for 30 days. Confirm with immigration upon arrival.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. The vaccine is not required for direct travel from Canada, but carry your yellow card just in case.
The Canadian government advises against all travel to most of Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Only essential travel to Mogadishu or Hargeisa is recommended. Check travel advisories before booking.
No, visa on arrival is only available at Mogadishu (MGQ) and Hargeisa (HGA) airports. Land border crossings typically require a pre-arranged visa.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.