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Somalia’s federal government has officially started enforcing a new rule that requires all passengers traveling on domestic flights to present a National Identity Card. The measure took effect on March 1 after being postponed for two months to give more citizens time to register and receive their cards. Officials say the move is aimed at strengthening security and improving how passenger information is managed across the country.
The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority confirmed that travelers must now show the National ID, commonly known as the NIRA card, before boarding any flight within the country. The rollout of the system was overseen by the agency’s director, Mustafa Sheikh Ahmed Dhuxulow, who said the policy is part of wider efforts to modernize Somalia’s identification and travel systems.
The requirement had originally been scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026. However, authorities decided to delay its implementation after realizing that many citizens had not yet completed the registration process. The additional two months were meant to ensure that more people could apply for and receive their identification cards before the rule became mandatory.
Government officials say the new travel requirement is not only about checking IDs at airports, but also about building a stronger and more reliable national identity system. After decades of conflict that weakened state institutions, Somalia has been working to rebuild its administrative structures. A modern civil registration system is seen as a key step in restoring public trust and improving governance.
According to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), close to one million Somalis have already been issued national identity cards. The agency says the cards are designed to create a centralized database of citizens that can be verified by relevant institutions. This database is expected to improve coordination between aviation authorities and security agencies, especially when it comes to confirming passenger identities.
Officials believe that requiring identification for domestic air travel will help reduce fraud, prevent identity misuse, and strengthen overall airport security. By standardizing passenger verification, authorities can better monitor who is traveling within the country. This is particularly important in a nation that has faced long-standing security challenges.
Beyond security, the government views the National ID system as an important tool for improving service delivery. A reliable identity system can make it easier for citizens to access government services, financial systems, and other essential programs. It also helps the state gather accurate data about its population, which is crucial for planning and development.
The introduction of mandatory ID checks for domestic flights is one of the most visible signs of Somalia’s efforts to rebuild and modernize its institutions. Air travel plays an important role in connecting major cities and regions across the country, and standardizing travel procedures is seen as a step toward creating a more organized and accountable system.
While some citizens have expressed concerns about access and the time needed to obtain the card, authorities insist that the system will benefit the country in the long run. They encourage those who have not yet registered to do so as soon as possible to avoid disruptions to their travel plans.
Overall, the new requirement marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s institutional reforms. By linking domestic air travel to the National Identity Card, the government is signaling its commitment to strengthening security, improving governance, and building a modern identity management system that supports national stability and development.