Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Somalia has been officially authorised to adopt and begin producing the East African Community (EAC) passport, marking an important step in the country’s growing participation in regional cooperation and cross-border travel.
The approval was handed over in Dar es Salaam during a meeting attended by Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Ilyas Ali Hassan, Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, and Immigration Director General Mustafa Dhuhulow. During the ceremony, Ambassador Ilyas presented the official document confirming that Somalia can now print and issue the EAC passport.
This decision allows Somali citizens to eventually travel using a document that is recognised across member states of the East African Community. The regional bloc works to promote economic integration, cooperation, and easier movement of people among its members. By adopting the EAC passport, Somalia is aligning its travel systems with those already in use by other countries in the region.
Ambassador Ilyas described the handover as a significant moment for Somalia’s engagement with regional institutions. He said the authorisation reflects continued diplomatic efforts to strengthen cooperation and improve mobility within the bloc. According to him, this milestone highlights Somalia’s commitment to regional integration and smoother cross-border movement for citizens of EAC countries.
With the approval now granted, Somalia can begin the technical and administrative preparations needed to produce the new passport. This includes updating immigration systems to meet regional standards, setting up secure printing processes, and coordinating with partner states to ensure the passport is recognised once it is issued. Officials will also need to train staff and establish procedures to manage applications and distribution.
The development comes shortly after Somalia and Tanzania signed a memorandum of understanding on immigration cooperation. The agreement introduces visa-on-arrival arrangements for holders of diplomatic and service passports and outlines steps to simplify entry procedures for travellers using ordinary passports under agreed conditions.
The memorandum was signed by representatives from both governments as part of wider efforts to align travel policies and strengthen cooperation between immigration authorities. It is designed to make travel between the two countries more efficient while maintaining proper border management and security standards.
Under the new arrangement, travellers who meet specific criteria set by both governments will be allowed to enter either country without needing to apply for a visa in advance for certain types of visits. In addition, a visa-on-arrival system will provide a clear and structured process for business travellers, students, and other visitors who require entry approval at designated arrival points.
Officials from both sides said the framework also creates channels for ongoing coordination between immigration authorities. These include mechanisms for sharing relevant information, reviewing how the agreement is working in practice, and addressing any operational challenges that may arise as the measures are implemented.
The broader goal of these changes is to reduce administrative barriers that have previously made travel between Somalia and Tanzania more complicated. By simplifying procedures and improving cooperation, both governments hope to encourage stronger connections between their public institutions, private sector players, and citizens.
Easier travel is expected to support trade, education, investment, and professional exchanges. Businesspeople will find it more convenient to explore opportunities across borders, students will have clearer pathways for academic travel, and officials will be able to strengthen collaboration between government agencies.
For Somalia, the move to adopt the EAC passport represents more than just a new travel document. It signals the country’s continued efforts to integrate more closely with its regional partners and to modernise its immigration systems in line with shared standards. As technical preparations move forward, the introduction of the passport is expected to further strengthen Somalia’s role within the East African region and improve mobility for its citizens.