Somalia entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Somalia. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourists and short-term visitors.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Mogadishu and Hargeisa airports. Pay in cash (USD) — $60 for single entry, valid 30 days. Have two passport photos ready. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Without one, they deny entry on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from a Somali host. Officers at Mogadishu airport ask for it before issuing the visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Carry at least $500 USD in cash. ATMs are rare and unreliable in Somalia — you cannot rely on cards. | Recommended |
Security situation
Somalia is a high-risk destination. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you go, register with your embassy and consider hiring a security escort.
Cash is king
Bring enough USD cash for your entire stay — credit cards are rarely accepted, and ATMs are unreliable. Old or damaged bills may be refused.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form asking for your name, passport details, flight info, and address in Somalia. Bring your own pen — they don't always have extras.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in USD cash. The officer will process and print your visa sticker.
4
Get your passport stamped
The visa sticker is placed in your passport, and you're stamped in. Processing takes 5–15 minutes if there's no queue.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa at the main immigration desk. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly and you're through.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Obtainable on arrival; same as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)
Max stay30 days per entry, total 90 days validity
Validity3 months
Cost$70 USD (approx. €64)
May be issued on arrival at discretion of immigration; not guaranteed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD) at point of entry; subject to change. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Spain passport holders transiting through Somalia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Mogadishu
Somalia Immigration Department – Mogadishu Office
Mogadishu, 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
Hargeisa, near Egal International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate administration for Somaliland; visas on arrival may differ.
Practical information for ES 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 $50–$100 USD, paid in cash at the airport. Exact amount depends on your nationality and the port of entry. Bring crisp, clean USD bills — no marks or tears.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. For longer stays, you'd need to apply for a different visa type through a Somali embassy before travel.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but in practice it's usually 30 days. Confirm with immigration when you arrive.
Somalia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check current health requirements before travel.
Somalia has a high security risk due to ongoing conflict and terrorism. Most governments advise against all travel. If you do go, use a reputable security company and stay in secure accommodations.
Visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings, but the process may be less streamlined. Always carry cash and expect longer waits. The airport in Mogadishu is the most reliable option.
No, only cash in USD is accepted. ATMs are scarce and unreliable in Somalia. Bring enough cash for the visa fee and your entire stay.
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.