Somalia entry requirements for China 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Somalia. This is the standard entry method for tourists and business travellers in 2026. Have the right documents ready before you fly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu International Airport and other official entry points. Have $50–$100 USD in cash for the visa fee, plus two passport-size photos. The visa is typically valid for 30 days, but confirm with the immigration officer at the counter.Check MFA visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Somalia. Airlines boarding flights to Mogadishu check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers in Somalia routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple printout or email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Somalia is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself. | Recommended |
Security situation
Somalia remains a high-risk destination. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid non-essential travel to most regions.
Cash is king
Bring enough USD cash for the visa fee and a few days of expenses. ATMs are rare and cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu or another major airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Basic personal info, passport details, and your accommodation address in Somalia.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in USD cash. The officer will process and stamp your passport.
4
Collect your passport and proceed
Once processed, you get your passport back with the visa sticker. Head to baggage claim and then customs.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · China 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
Cost$50 USD (approx. 350 CNY)
Obtainable on arrival; same as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 700 CNY)
Must be applied for in advance at a Somali embassy; not available on arrival.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at Mogadishu airport or other ports of entry. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future bans. | $10 USD per day (no known cap) |
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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. However, check with your airline as some may require one.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) · Hargeisa Airport (HGA)
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
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers.
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 immigration matters; bring passport and fee in cash.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
For visitors to Somaliland; separate visa rules may apply.
Practical information for CN 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 fee is typically between $50 and $100 USD, paid in cash at the immigration counter. Exact amount can vary, so bring a bit extra in small bills.
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.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor before travel.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or turned away at immigration. Always have a confirmed onward or return booking.
No, only cash is accepted — US dollars preferred. Bring enough for the visa fee and any other expenses.
Usually 15–30 minutes at the airport, depending on queue length. Have all documents ready to speed things up.
Somalia has significant security risks. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Travel insurance with security coverage is strongly recommended.
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.