Somalia entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Chinese passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Somalia. You must apply online before you travel—there is no visa-on-arrival. Start the process at least a week ahead to avoid delays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia eVisaChinese passport holders must have an approved e-visa before boarding a flight to Somalia. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Somali immigration e-visa portal, upload required documents, and pay the fee. Approval is typically issued electronically; carry a printed copy. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within six months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Somalia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesSomalia immigration requires a blank page to stamp upon arrival and departure. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou may be denied entry if you cannot show proof that you will leave Somalia. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Somalia. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof of financial means in case immigration asks how you will support yourself. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your intended stay, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Somalia. | Not required |
Security situation
Somalia has a volatile security environment. Many governments advise against all but essential travel. If you decide to go, register with your embassy and consider professional security advice.
e-Visa is mandatory
There is no visa-on-arrival for Chinese passport holders. You must have an approved e-Visa before you fly. Airlines will check this before 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. Upload your passport bio page, digital photo, and travel details. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 2–5 business days. Check your email for the approval notification. If approved, you'll receive a PDF e-Visa. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Somalia
At Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport (or other entry points), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and printed e-Visa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Keep your e-Visa with you
Carry the printed e-Visa with your passport at all times during your stay. You may need to show it at checkpoints or when checking into hotels.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150
Requires invitation letter from Somali company; apply at Somali embassy.
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$40
For airside transit only; must hold onward ticket.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Required for all Chinese citizens; apply online before travel. | $50 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Mogadishu airport; not guaranteed for Chinese citizens. | $60 |
| Visa extensionApply at immigration office in Mogadishu; max 30 days. | $100 |
| Exit feeCharged at airport when departing Somalia. | $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
Chinese citizens require a transit visa even for airside transit through Somalia.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) · Hargeisa Egal International 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
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Check the official e-Visa portal for the current fee. Payment is made online.
No, the e-Visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and reapply, or check with immigration in Somalia for any special arrangements.
You'll likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for Chinese passport holders, so don't risk it.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Check with your doctor and carry the certificate if applicable.
Somalia has significant security risks, including terrorism and armed conflict. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you must go, use reputable security arrangements and avoid non-essential travel.
The e-Visa may be issued as single or multiple entry depending on your application. Choose the type that matches your travel plans. Multiple entry visas cost more.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.