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Somalia’s newly launched electronic travel system, E-TAS, has suffered a major security breach, exposing sensitive personal information of some travelers. The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency confirmed on Sunday that unauthorized actors accessed the platform, prompting officials to immediately shut it down and launch an urgent investigation to minimize the impact.
The federal government has formed a national investigative committee made up of local security agencies, international forensic experts, and data-protection authorities. The committee will examine the breach and produce a full report detailing the findings and measures to prevent future incidents. In a statement, the agency expressed regret over the incident and emphasized that protecting the privacy of citizens and national services remains a top priority.
The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu warned that personal data for more than 35,000 travelers may have been compromised, raising concerns about the security of Somalia’s electronic visa system. The warning has intensified scrutiny of E-TAS and cast doubt on the government’s ability to safeguard sensitive information in a rapidly digitizing system.
The federal government had launched E-TAS on September 1 as a mandatory e-visa program for all foreign travelers entering the country. The platform was described as a key step toward modernizing immigration procedures, strengthening security screenings, and improving revenue transparency. Under the system, travelers must apply for visas online before entering Somalia.
However, the platform has faced opposition from regional administrations. Somaliland rejected the system entirely, insisting that only visas issued by its own authorities are valid within its territory. Puntland also criticized the federal e-visa program, calling it “illegal” and asserting that regional administrations, not the federal government, have authority over airports and border points.
The breach has the potential to exacerbate these political tensions, raising questions about the reliability and security of the system, which the federal government has promoted as a central component of its broader security and governance reforms. The incident highlights the challenges Somalia faces as it tries to balance modernization with security and regional sensitivities.
Authorities are now under pressure to reassure travelers that their information is safe and that corrective steps are being taken. The investigation is ongoing, and the government has promised to release a comprehensive report once the review is complete. Meanwhile, the breach serves as a reminder of the growing risks associated with digital systems and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, particularly in countries attempting to modernize their public services.
The Somali government remains committed to improving its immigration processes, but the E-TAS breach underscores the need for careful oversight and collaboration with both regional authorities and international experts to prevent further vulnerabilities. Ensuring public trust in digital platforms will be critical if Somalia hopes to fully realize the benefits of a modern e-visa system while maintaining security and political stability.