The Department of Immigration and Border Control of the Republic of Somaliland has issued an official directive stating that visas and travel permits issued by the Federal Government of Somalia, including the Somali E-Visa, are not recognized and cannot be used to enter Somaliland territory.
In a statement released today and signed by Commissioner Mohamed Hussein Farah, the department cited the Immigration and Border Control Law (Law No. 109/2025) as the legal basis for the policy. The directive warns that travelers presenting Somali-issued documents at any Somaliland border point will be denied entry and may face additional legal procedures under national immigration regulations.
Key points of the directive:
Somalia issued visas have no validity in the Republic of Somaliland.This includes electronic visas (E-Visa) issued through Somalia’s official portals.
Visa on Arrival remains available for foreign nationals at Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA) and Berbera International Airport (BBO), subject to standard screening and payment of fees.
Travelers may also apply in advance for a Somaliland Entry Permit Visa at Somaliland missions abroad, including embassies and consulates in Kenya, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Taiwan, Turkey, Djibouti, and other accredited locations.
Valid Somaliland Entry Permit Visas or Residence Visas allow entry through any official border crossing.
The directive takes immediate effect and applies to all airlines, travel agencies, diplomatic missions, and individual travelers.
Travelers planning visits to Somaliland are strongly advised to secure proper documentation through official Somaliland channels to avoid delays or refusal at the border.