But less than two weeks in, Somalia’s fractured federal structure is proving the first hurdle, as semi-autonomous regions insist they control their own ports of entry.
In Puntland, travellers with federal e-Visas have been forced to pay additional fees on arrival. Authorities there dismiss Mogadishu’s unilateral rollout.“We condemn it — it is robbery,” said Puntland’s Information Minister Mahmoud Aydiid Dirir. “Until a formal agreement is reached, the central government has no legal authority to control arrivals at the country’s airports.”Airlines have also turned away passengers lacking the new e-Visa, despite Puntland and Somaliland traditionally issuing visas on arrival.
Somaliland’s Civil Aviation Ministry said visas on arrival remain valid at airports under its jurisdiction, including Hargeisa’s Egal International. “No electronic travel authorisation issued by any external authority other than the Somaliland Immigration Authority is valid for entry into the Republic of Somaliland,” it said.
Civil Aviation Minister Fuad Ahmed Nuh added that the policy reflects Somaliland’s commitment to “open travel, regional connectivity, and passenger convenience.”Mogadishu argues the system will cut red tape that forced travellers to wait up to ten days for approval. Diplomats, special passport holders, residency permit holders, and citizens of visa-free countries are exempt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
