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Somalia has officially received approval to begin issuing East African Community (EAC) passports, marking an important milestone in the country’s growing role within the regional bloc. The authorization was confirmed on Tuesday and is seen as a major step toward improving travel opportunities for Somali citizens across East Africa.
The approval was delivered through an official letter presented by Somalia’s ambassador to Tanzania and permanent representative to the EAC, Ilyas Ali Hassan. He handed the document to Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, widely known as Fartaag, along with the Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Mustafa Sheikh Ahmed Dhuuxulow. The move formally clears Somalia to print and distribute passports branded under the East African Community framework.
Officials say preparations for the new passports began in December 2025. With the authorization now in place, Somalia can move forward with full implementation. The EAC passport is recognized by all member states and is designed to make cross-border travel easier for citizens within the bloc. For Somali nationals, this means smoother movement across East African countries for business, education, employment, and other opportunities.
Ambassador Ilyas described the development as a significant diplomatic achievement for the Federal Government of Somalia. He noted that the approval strengthens Somalia’s regional ties and reflects progress in aligning the country with EAC systems and standards. The step is not only symbolic but also practical, as it directly benefits citizens seeking to travel and work within the region.
Somalia officially became the eighth member of the East African Community on March 4, 2024, after completing the required ratification process. The country had earlier been admitted into the bloc by EAC heads of state on November 24, 2023. Joining the community marked a new chapter for Somalia, placing it within one of Africa’s most active regional organizations.
The East African Community aims to deepen cooperation among member states in areas such as trade, economic growth, infrastructure development, and political coordination. Current members include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and now Somalia. By becoming part of this group, Somalia is expected to benefit from shared markets and coordinated policies that encourage regional growth.
Access to the EAC passport system is considered one of the most practical outcomes of Somalia’s membership so far. The passport supports the bloc’s common market framework, which promotes the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. Harmonizing immigration procedures is a key part of that effort, helping reduce travel barriers and making it easier for citizens to seek opportunities beyond their home countries.
For Somali citizens, the introduction of the EAC passport represents more than just a new travel document. It signals stronger regional acceptance and integration. Business owners may find it easier to expand operations across borders, students may access institutions within the region more smoothly, and workers could benefit from increased labor mobility.
The approval also highlights Somalia’s broader efforts to rebuild institutions, strengthen diplomacy, and position itself as an active participant in regional affairs. As the country continues to align its policies with EAC standards, further steps toward economic and administrative integration are expected.
Overall, the green light to issue EAC passports reflects Somalia’s steady progress within the East African Community. It underscores the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and opens new doors for its citizens across East Africa.