Somalia entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Swiss citizens need an e-visa to enter Somalia. You must apply online before you travel and present the approved e-visa at immigration in Mogadishu. The process takes a few days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa for SomaliaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the e-visa approved before you fly. Apply before travel | Swiss citizens must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival in Somalia. Apply online through the official Somali immigration portal, submit the required documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary), and pay the fee. The e-visa is typically processed within a few business days. Print the approved e-visa to present upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Somalia. Ensure your passport does not expire before 2027-02-06 if you plan to enter on 2026-08-06. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps or visa stickers. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you have plans to leave the country, not just arrive. Proof of departure | Immigration authorities may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Somalia before your e-visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but better to be prepared. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Somalia. Carry cash (US dollars are widely accepted) or a bank statement showing available funds. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsShows you have a place to stay and a reason for your visit. Where you will stay | Have the address and contact details of your hotel or host in Somalia. Immigration may ask for this information upon arrival. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateProtects your health and avoids quarantine issues. Required if arriving from endemic area | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Even if not required, it is strongly recommended for travel to Somalia. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra forms before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Somalia. The e-visa and passport are sufficient for entry. | Not required |
Security situation
Somalia has a volatile security environment. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many embassies have limited presence in Mogadishu, so consular assistance may be hard to get.
E-visa is mandatory
There is no visa-on-arrival for Swiss citizens. Do not attempt to travel without an approved e-visa — you'll be denied boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Somali e-visa portal (evisa.so) and fill out the application form. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer. Check your email for the approval. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the e-visa in hand.
3
Arrive at Mogadishu Airport (or other entry point)
At Aden Adde International Airport (Mogadishu), go to immigration control. Present your passport and the e-visa (printed or on your phone). The officer will check your details and stamp your passport. Have your return ticket ready if asked.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After the stamp, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There may be security checks, so keep your documents handy.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$70
Requires invitation letter from Somali company
Transit e-Visa
Max stay72 hours
Validity72 hours from arrival
Cost$40
For onward travel within 72 hours
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist/business e-visa fee | $50 |
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Longer validity option | $70 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office in Mogadishu | $30 |
| Airport departure taxIncluded in most airline tickets; verify at check-in | $30 |
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
Transit visa required
Swiss citizens transiting through Somali airports (e.g., Mogadishu) must obtain a transit e-visa before arrival, even if staying airside. Apply online at the official Somali immigration e-visa portal.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID and on duty
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; outbreaks common.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; use mosquito repellent and nets.
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
Bring passport, visa-on-arrival receipt, and cash for any fees.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate visa may be needed for Somaliland; check before travel.
Practical information for CH 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 official processing time is 3–5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approved e-visa by email.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Check the official e-visa portal for the current fee — it's typically around $50–$70 USD for a single entry. Pay online with a credit card.
No, Swiss citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have the e-visa approved before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before allowing you to check in.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and apply for a new visa, or check with Somali immigration for any special arrangements.
Only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Switzerland or Europe, you don't need it. But if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America, bring the certificate.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process, so double-check your details before submitting.
Besides the e-visa, you'll need a valid passport and a return ticket. Security is tight at the airport, so expect thorough checks. It's also wise to have your hotel address and contact details written down — immigration may ask where you're staying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.