Somalia entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Somalia at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport and a few other entry points. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | You get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport and other entry points. Have $50–$60 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — card payments are not accepted. The visa is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from 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 at Mogadishu airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you arrive without one, you may be denied entry or asked to buy a ticket at the airport counter. Budget airlines enforce this strictly. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you are traveling alone. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. 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 has a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. The German Foreign Office advises against all travel to most regions. If you must go, hire a reputable security company and stay in secure accommodations.
Cash is king
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough USD in small bills for your entire stay. ATMs are unreliable and may charge high fees.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport, follow signs to the visa-on-arrival counter. Expect a queue of 15-30 minutes.
2
Submit your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is preferred). As of 2026, the fee is around $50-60 for a single-entry visa. Keep small bills handy.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates and any restrictions before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration
With the visa in your passport, go to the immigration queue. They'll stamp you in. Keep your return ticket and accommodation details accessible in case they ask again.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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$60 USD (approx. €55)
Apply at Somali embassy in Berlin or online if available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €90)
Requires letter of invitation and proof of funds.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €135)
Requires invitation from Somali company.
work visa
Work Permit (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €180) processing fee
For those with a job offer from a Somali employer. Requires contract, sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €90)
For enrollment at a recognized Somali educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airports. | $60 USD (approx. €55) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day |
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
German passport holders transiting through Somalia (e.g., Mogadishu or Hargeisa airports) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsAden Adde International Airport (MGQ) · Egal International Airport (HGA)
Health & vaccines for Somalia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food/Waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) 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
Somali Immigration Department
Mogadishu, Somalia (near Aden Adde International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Bring passport, visa-on-arrival receipt, and 2 passport photos for extension.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland (near Egal International Airport)
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate visa rules apply for Somaliland; check before travel.
Practical information for DE 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
Visa on arrival is available at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport and a few other major entry points. Smaller airports may not offer this facility — check with your airline or the Somali embassy before traveling.
As of 2026, the fee is around $50-60 USD for a single-entry visa. Pay in cash — USD is preferred. Have small bills ready as change may be limited.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are not available at the airport — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Mogadishu for that.
Extensions are not available at the airport. You'd need to go to the immigration office in Mogadishu. The process can take a few days and costs around $20-30. It's not guaranteed.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Otherwise, it's not required for entry. Check with your doctor — other vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio are recommended.
Somalia has significant security risks. The German Foreign Office advises against all travel to most parts of the country. If you do go, use a reputable security company, stay in secure accommodations, and avoid public gatherings.
No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Even with an IDP, driving conditions are dangerous — most visitors hire a driver with a vehicle.
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.