Puntland and Somaliland oppose e-visas: how this will affect tourists

In Somalia, a new electronic visa system has started, and political disputes have already flared up around it. From September 1, countries began issuing electronic visas. The initiative was led by the Agency for Immigration and Citizenship, which hopes to simplify border control and make it comply with international standards.

However, the first few days showed that the implementation of the innovation was not simple. Regional governments of Puntland and Somaliland spoke out against the airports coming under the unified control of the federal center. In Puntland, it has already been warned that an additional fee will be introduced for e-visa holders upon entry. 

Somaliland took a similar position, stating that electronic visas issued by federal authorities will not be recognized within its territory. The Ministry of Civil Aviation emphasized that entry into the Republic of Somaliland is possible only with visas issued by the local immigration service.

The federal government, in turn, assures that the electronic system will be a big step forward. According to their data, the processing of permits previously could take up to ten days, but now the process should accelerate and become more transparent.

Diplomats, politicians, permanent residents, and citizens of countries that can enter Somalia without visas are exempt from the new visa requirement. Despite the current disagreements, Mogadishu hopes that the electronic system will become the basis for more convenient travel and in the future will help establish a unified order at the country's borders.