Are you planning a trip to Somalia in 2025?
The rules have changed. The old “Visa on Arrival” system is being replaced by the new eTAS (Electronic Travel Authorisation System). While this system is designed to modernize immigration, the application process on the official government portal (etas.gov.so) can be strict, confusing, and unforgiving if you make a mistake.
At SomaliaETA.com, we are a local travel agency based in Mogadishu. We help hundreds of travelers navigate this system every month. Below is the complete, honest guide on what you need to apply—and the common traps that cause rejections.
The Two Types of Applicants
Before you start, you must know which category you fall into. The requirements are different for each:
- Somali-Foreigner (Qurba-Joog)
You are ethnically Somali but hold a foreign passport (e.g., US, UK, Sweden, Canada).
Requirement: Standard Application.
Advantage: You do not need a registered organization to host you. You can simply list a family member or friend. - Foreigner (Ajnabi)
You are not ethnically Somali.
Requirement: Strict. You absolutely must have a registered local organization to host your visit to Somalia. You cannot apply without a Sponsor Letter and a valid Sponsor Code (both explained below) from that organization.
Requirements for Somali-Foreigners (Qurba-Joog)
If you are ethnically Somali holding a foreign passport, the requirements are much easier. You do not need a corporate Sponsor Code.
What you need:
- Passport Bio Page Scan: Valid for at least 6 months.
- Selfie / Photo: A clear photo of your face.
- Host Details: You just need the contact details of the family member or friend you are staying with.
– Name: (e.g., your uncle, cousin, or friend).
– Physical Address: (e.g., Hodan District, Mogadishu).
– Phone Number: (Local Somali number).
– Email Address.
“Will the government call my family?” Many people worry about this. In our experience, the government does not call your individual host to verify they are hosting you. As long as the contact details are real and the format is correct, the application usually goes through smoothly.
Requirements for Foreigners (Ajnabi)
If you are a non-Somali citizen, the process is harder. You cannot use a friend or individual as a host. You need a Registered Organization.
You must have these files ready on your computer before you start:
- Passport Bio Page Scan: Clear, color scan.
- Selfie / Photo: A recent photo of your face (white background preferred).
- The Sponsor Code: Provided by a registered entity (explained below).
- The Sponsor Letter: A PDF document from that entity (explained below).
What is a “Sponsor Code”?
The Sponsor Code is a unique alphanumeric ID linked to a registered organization inside the immigration system (such as a licensed University, NGO, or hotel).
How it works: When you enter this code on the website, the system checks a live database. If the code is fake or is something created by an individual person, the system will block you with a red error: “Invalid sponsor code or organization not active.”
What is a “Sponsor Letter”?
This is a formal invitation letter (PDF) from your hosting organization. It must include their official letterhead, their contact email/phone, and a statement confirming they are taking responsibility for your stay.
Important: An individual person (like a friend in Mogadishu) cannot write this letter for you. It must come from a registered entity.
The “Accommodation” Myth
(What the website says vs. What it actually does)
When you first start the application popup, the official list mentions “Accommodation booking confirmation” as a requirement.
The Reality: The actual application form does not ask for it. There is no upload button for a hotel booking or flight itinerary. The system strictly cares about your Sponsor Code (for Foreigners) or your Host Contact Details (for Somali Diaspora). You do not need to stress about uploading an Agoda or Booking.com PDF—the system literally has nowhere to put it.
Official Requirements Checklist (2025)
If you apply directly through the government portal, you must have these items ready before you click “Apply Now”:
- Passport Scan: Must be valid for at least 6 months with one blank page.
- Digital Photo: A selfie or passport-style photo (JPEG/PNG).
- Credit Card: Visa or Mastercard.
- Host Details (Somali Foreigners Only): Name, phone, address, and email of your family member.
- Sponsor Documents (Foreigners Only): Valid Organization Sponsor Code & PDF Invitation Letter.
Summary: Do You Have What You Need?
The new eTAS system is strict, but we can help you navigate it.
For Foreigners (Ajnabi): Blocked because you don’t have a Sponsor Code? Don’t risk a rejection or get stuck on the form.
We handle from start to finish , we provide the Sponsor Code and Sponsor Letter as part of our service.
For Somali Foreigners (Qurba-Joog): Confused by the process? Worrying about a rejection or delay?
Let us handle it for you from start to finish. We ensure your details are perfect so you get approved fast often 10 working hours East Africa time.
Waxwalba anaka kuu qabaneeno inaa walwasho looma baahna. (We handle everything for you; there is no need to worry.)
Already Applied but Stuck?
If you applied on your own and your visa is “Pending” for too long, just send us your Application Reference Number e.g 17XXXXX We can fast-track it for you. We do not send approved PDF. You will receive the official approval email directly from the Government (noreply@etas.gov.so) and download your document directly from the official government website.
Looking for step-by-step instructions on how to fill the form? Please read our separate guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Somali-Foreigners (Qurba-Joog) need a Sponsor Code?
No. If you are ethnically Somali holding a foreign passport, you are exempt from the Sponsor Code requirement. You only need to provide the contact details of a family member or friend hosting you.
Do Foreigners (Ajnabi) need a Sponsor Code?
Yes, absolutely. If you are not ethnically Somali, you must have a registered local organization to host you. You cannot apply without a valid Sponsor Code and Sponsor Letter from that organization.
Do I need to upload a hotel booking or flight itinerary?
No. Although the initial popup mentions “Accommodation booking,” the actual application form has no place to upload these documents. The system strictly checks for a Sponsor Code (for Foreigners) or Host Contact Details (for Somali Diaspora).
Will the government call my host family?
In our experience, the government does not call your individual host to verify they are hosting you. As long as the contact details are real and the format is correct, the application usually goes through smoothly.
If I send you my existing application Ref NO, will I receive the final approval document from you or the government?
No. We do not send the approved PDF. You will receive the official approval email directly from the Government (noreply@etas.gov.so) and download your document directly from the official government website.