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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made it clear that anyone wishing to enter Somalia with a foreign passport must first obtain a visa, marking a shift toward stricter immigration policies in the country.
Speaking in Mogadishu on Wednesday night during a ceremony that highlighted the government’s achievements over the past three years, President Mohamud said this new requirement would apply to all foreign passport holders, including Somalis living abroad who travel back home with non-Somali documents.
The president explained that Somali passport holders would continue to enter Somalia freely without the need for a visa. However, for those carrying foreign passports, whether they are ethnic Somalis or not, visas would now be compulsory. “You cannot enter another country with a Somali passport without a visa. In the same way, a foreigner—or a Somali citizen with a foreign passport—cannot enter our country without a visa,” he said.
He also underlined that there would be no exceptions based on race, background, or heritage. “A person with a foreign passport, whether Somali or white, is the same,” Mohamud told the audience. He reminded citizens that Somali passports do not currently allow visa-free entry into any other country. “Is there a Somali passport that allows you to go to any foreign country without a visa? The answer is no. Likewise, you cannot enter Somalia without a visa on a foreign passport,” he added.
This policy comes just weeks after the government launched its new electronic visa, or E-Visa, program on September 1. The system is part of Somalia’s wider push to modernize its institutions and services by moving processes online. The E-Visa platform is designed to make travel procedures more efficient, transparent, and accessible while also strengthening the country’s border management and security.
For decades, Somalia’s immigration system has faced challenges due to instability, weak governance, and lack of digital infrastructure. Many travelers, including members of the Somali diaspora, had grown accustomed to informal or inconsistent entry processes. The government now hopes that the E-Visa will not only standardize the rules but also project a stronger image of Somalia as it seeks greater integration into the global community.
The president’s comments also reflect his administration’s desire to promote fairness and accountability. By applying the same entry requirements to all foreign passport holders, the government aims to ensure that no group is treated differently or given special privileges. This step signals that Somalia expects the same level of respect for its immigration rules that Somali citizens face when traveling abroad.
The decision is also seen as part of Somalia’s broader efforts to strengthen national sovereignty. Over the past three years, the government has worked to expand security, rebuild state institutions, and introduce reforms aimed at improving governance. Digitalization has become one of the administration’s major achievements, with several public services now accessible online. Officials say this is a significant step forward for a country that has long struggled with outdated systems and inefficiency.
By introducing the E-Visa and insisting on compliance, Somalia is aligning itself with global standards while encouraging its citizens abroad to value their Somali passports. The move is likely to have a strong impact on the large Somali diaspora, many of whom hold foreign documents. While some may see the new rules as restrictive, the government argues that they are necessary to uphold the dignity of the Somali state and bring its policies in line with international norms.
President Mohamud’s remarks were delivered with a sense of pride in the country’s progress, but also with firmness about the need for order and consistency. For him, this is not just about visas—it is about ensuring Somalia is respected as a sovereign nation with clear, enforceable laws.
As Somalia continues its journey of recovery and rebuilding, the new visa rules are a reminder that the government intends to take a more structured approach to how people enter and interact with the country. Whether Somali or foreign, those carrying non-Somali passports will now have to go through the same official process: applying for a visa before stepping onto Somali soil.