Somalia entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Somalia at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airports. No advance application needed. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $60 USD in cash. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport and other major entry points. Have $50–$100 USD in cash ready for the visa fee, plus two passport-sized photos. The visa is typically valid for 30 days, but confirm the exact duration with the immigration officer at the counter.MFA visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Somalia. Airlines and immigration officers at Mogadishu strictly enforce this — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Mogadishu Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight before stamping your visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — showing a flight out of Somalia within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Somalia. Immigration officers may ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying outside Mogadishu. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Somalia is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, so bring enough USD for your trip. | Recommended |
Security situation is volatile
Somalia has active conflict zones and a high risk of terrorism. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you go, stay in secure areas, use trusted local contacts, and have an evacuation plan.
Cash is king — cards rarely work
Somalia is a cash economy. Bring enough USD in small bills ($1, $5, $10) for your entire stay. Credit cards are accepted only at a few top-end hotels in Mogadishu. ATMs are scarce and unreliable.
Somaliland has separate visa rules
If flying into Hargeisa (Somaliland), the visa on arrival is issued by Somaliland immigration, not Somalia's. The process is similar but the visa is only valid for Somaliland — you cannot use it to travel to Mogadishu or other Somali regions.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport and head to the visa counter
At Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport or Hargeisa Egal International Airport, follow signs to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. Have your passport, a completed arrival form (handed out on the plane or at the counter), and $60 USD cash ready. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
2
Present your documents at immigration
After getting your visa, proceed to the immigration desk. Hand over your passport, visa receipt, and return ticket. The officer may ask where you are staying — show your hotel booking or host letter. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
Once your passport is stamped, collect your bags from the carousel. There is usually a customs check — declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then you are free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download Somalia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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. €46)
Apply in advance at Somali embassy; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$70 USD (approx. €64)
Requires invitation letter from Somali sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Standard fee for Malta passport holders upon arrival at Mogadishu airport. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day beyond authorized stay, capped at $200. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not officially available for visa-on-arrival; overstay may be the only option. | Unknown |
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
Malta passport holders transiting through Somalia airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Somalia; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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
KM4 Road, Mogadishu
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Hargeisa
Somaliland Immigration Office
Airport Road, Hargeisa
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Separate jurisdiction for Somaliland region; visas may differ.
Practical information for MT 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
Only at Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport and Hargeisa Egal International Airport. For other airports like Kismayo or Baidoa, arrange a visa in advance through a Somali embassy or e-visa.
The standard fee is $60 USD for a single-entry visa. Bring exact cash in USD — the counter does not accept cards or other currencies.
Typically up to 30 days. For longer stays, apply for an extension at the Somali Immigration Department in Mogadishu (KM4 Road, open Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00). Bring your passport and passport photos.
No, if you remain airside (do not pass through immigration) and have a confirmed onward ticket, you do not need a transit visa. You can stay airside for up to 24 hours at Mogadishu or Hargeisa airports.
You will be fined $50 USD per day for each day over the allowed stay. There is no maximum cap. Pay the fine at the immigration office before you leave.
Yes, apply at the Somali Immigration Department in Mogadishu. The process takes a few days and costs around $30–$50 USD. Bring your passport, two passport photos, and a letter explaining why you need more time.
Security conditions vary by region. The UK Foreign Office and US State Department advise against all travel to many parts of Somalia due to terrorism and armed conflict. If you travel, stay in secure areas like Mogadishu's airport compound or well-guarded hotels, and register with your embassy.
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.