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Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, has introduced its own visa system, charging travelers $60 per entry. The move comes shortly after the federal government in Mogadishu launched a nationwide electronic visa (e-visa) system meant to simplify and modernize immigration procedures. Puntland authorities say their system, called VISO, operates independently and is not connected to the federal government’s program.
Officials from the Puntland Immigration Agency explained that the region’s decision reflects its commitment to maintaining administrative independence in key sectors, including immigration. The introduction of VISO mirrors a similar stance taken by Somaliland, which has long managed its own immigration policies separately from Mogadishu. Like Somaliland, Puntland’s action highlights the ongoing tensions between Somalia’s federal government and its member states over control of key national functions.
Earlier, Somaliland had ordered international airlines to disregard the federal e-visa system, threatening to ban any carrier that failed to comply from using its airports or airspace. As a result, major airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and Flydubai decided to follow Somaliland’s directives and stopped using the federal government’s e-visa platform to continue operations in the region. Puntland’s decision now adds another layer of complexity to Somalia’s efforts to establish a unified national immigration framework.
The federal government’s e-visa system was designed to streamline travel procedures, reduce corruption, and improve financial transparency by digitizing visa payments. It was also part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing governance and aligning Somalia with global digital standards. However, the rollout has not gone smoothly. The lack of consultation with federal member states like Puntland and Somaliland before introducing the system has caused friction and confusion among travelers and airlines.
Analysts say Puntland’s independent visa move is both a political and administrative statement, underlining its dissatisfaction with how the federal government manages national affairs. While Puntland continues to recognize Somalia’s federal structure, it often asserts greater control over regional policies, particularly in areas it considers its jurisdiction. This latest development suggests that disagreements over governance and autonomy remain deeply rooted within Somalia’s federal system.
Experts also warn that the absence of coordination among the federal government and regional states could have wider implications. Without a unified approach to managing visas, immigration, and air traffic, the country risks creating confusion for travelers and airlines. The duplication of visa systems may also complicate efforts to strengthen national unity and hinder the free movement of Somalis within their own country.
For travelers, the situation may soon become more challenging. Those flying to Mogadishu are expected to use the federal government’s new e-visa, while those heading to Puntland or Somaliland may need separate visas issued under regional systems. This overlapping of immigration policies could lead to inconsistencies in documentation and raise costs for visitors.
Despite these challenges, both regional and federal officials insist their systems aim to improve service delivery. The federal government says its e-visa represents a step toward digital modernization, while Puntland defends its VISO program as a practical solution tailored to local needs. Observers, however, believe the issue underscores a larger struggle for authority between the center and regional administrations — one that continues to shape Somalia’s political landscape.