If you are a foreign national (Ajnabi) trying to apply for a visa on the new etas.gov.so portal, you have likely hit a wall.
You fill out your personal details, upload your passport, and then you reach the Travel Information section. There, staring back at you, is a mandatory field: “Sponsor Code”.
You try to skip it? You can’t. You try to enter a random number? You get an error: “Invalid sponsor code or organization not active.”
This guide explains exactly what a Sponsor Organization is, why the Somali government requires it, and—most importantly—how independent travelers can get a valid code and invitation letter to secure their visa.
What is a “Sponsor Organization” in Somalia?
Unlike many other e-Visa systems where you just book a hotel and apply, the Somali Immigration Department requires a local guarantor for all non-citizens.
A “Sponsor Organization” is a locally registered entity—such as a government ministry, an international NGO, a registered tour agency, or a licensed hotel—that is formally recognized by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA).
This organization must:
- Have a valid registration in the government database.
- Issue a formal Invitation Letter (Sponsor Letter) on your behalf.
- Provide you with their unique Sponsor Code (a digital ID that links your application to their profile).
By using their code, the organization is essentially telling the government: “We know this person, and we take full responsibility for them while they are in Somalia.”
Can My Friend or Family Member Be My Sponsor?
No. This is the most common misconception.
If you have a friend named Ahmed in Mogadishu, he cannot simply write a letter on a piece of paper inviting you. Unless Ahmed owns a registered company with an active profile in the Immigration System, his letter will be rejected, and he will not have a “Sponsor Code” to give you.
The system is digital. If the code doesn’t exist in the Ministry’s database, the application cannot proceed.
Who Needs a Sponsor? (And Who Doesn’t)
It is important to know if this rule actually applies to you:
- Foreigners (Ajnabi): YES. If you are a citizen of the US, UK, EU, Kenya, etc., and you do not have Somali origin, you MUST have a Sponsor Code and Letter.
- Somali Diaspora (Qurba-Joog): NO. If you were born in Somalia or are of Somali ethnicity but hold a foreign passport, you are EXEMPT. When applying, simply select “Somali-foreigner” and the system will hide the Sponsor Code field.
The Problem for Tourists & Independent Travelers
If you are a tourist, a YouTuber, or a business consultant traveling alone, you probably don’t have a local host agency. You might have a hotel booking, but many hotels in Mogadishu are not yet integrated into the digital eTA system to generate codes.
This leaves many travelers stuck, unable to apply for their visa.
The Solution: Our “Foreigner (Ajnabi)” Package
At SomaliaETA, we operate as a local travel agency based in Taleex, Mogadishu. We bridge the gap between international visitors and local requirements.
We have established partnerships with registered hosting entities in Mogadishu. If you do not have a sponsor, we can arrange the entire process for you through our Foreigner Package.
How It Works:
Instead of struggling with the government website, you send us your documents. We handle the rest.
- We Arrange the Sponsor: We work with our registered partners to generate a valid Invitation Letter and Sponsor Code for your trip.
- We Apply for You: Our team manually fills out the application on the official government portal using these valid credentials.
- We Handle the Fees: You make one payment to us, and we distribute the fees to the government and the hosting partner.
What You Need to Send Us
If you want us to handle your application and sponsorship, you do not need to worry about codes or letters. Just start a chat with us on WhatsApp or submit the following via our website:
- Passport Scan: Clear photo of the bio-page.
- Selfie: A clear photo of your face (white background preferred).
We will review your documents, confirm your eligibility, and handle the entire submission process. Once approved, we will send you the Official Government Download Link to get your eTA.
Ready to Visit Somalia?
Don’t let a missing code cancel your trip. Let our local team in Mogadishu handle the paperwork while you plan your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sponsor Organization?
A “Sponsor Organization” is a locally registered entity—such as a government ministry, NGO, or licensed hotel—recognized by the Immigration Agency. They must issue an Invitation Letter and provide a unique Sponsor Code for your application.
Can a friend in Somalia be my sponsor?
No. An individual friend cannot be a sponsor unless they own a registered company with an active profile in the Immigration System. A letter from an individual without a Sponsor Code will be rejected.
Do Somali Diaspora (Qurba-Joog) need a Sponsor Code?
No. If you are ethnically Somali but hold a foreign passport, you are exempt. You simply select “Somali-foreigner” during the application, and the system will hide the Sponsor Code field.
How can I get a Sponsor Code if I am a tourist?
If you don’t have a local host, you can use our Foreigner (Ajnabi) Package. We arrange the Invitation Letter and Sponsor Code through our registered partners and handle the entire application process for you.