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Somalia Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Afghanistan citizens can apply for Somalia's electronic visa (e-visa) online via the official portal somalia.gov.so; fees and processing times are published there and may change.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to Somalia and have at least two blank pages for entries/exits.
  • Online e-visa form: you must apply online at the official portal (somalia.gov.so); there is no separate paper DS form for the e-visa.
  • Documentation to upload: a scanned copy of the data page of your passport, a recent passport-style photo, and supporting documents such as hotel or host invitation letter and evidence of onward/return travel.
  • Financial proof: not always mandatory, but you should be prepared to show you can cover your stay if requested (e.g., recent bank statement).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: provide hotel booking confirmation or host/invitation letter and a return/onward travel itinerary.
  • Photo specification: one recent color passport photo, 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) with a plain light/white background.
  • Biometrics: typically not required at the online stage; you may be contacted if any on-arrival biometric submission is requested by authorities.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory, but strongly recommended to have valid travel health insurance for your trip.

Visa types

  • Tourism e-Visa: Official name Somalia Tourist e-Visa; typical validity around 30 days from issue; maximum stay commonly up to 30 days; single entry; approximate fee and exact validity are shown on the official portal at the time of application.
  • Business e-Visa: Official name Somalia Business e-Visa; typical validity and stay allowances vary by issue; commonly used for short-term business activities; single entry; fee and exact terms shown on the official portal at the time of application.
  • Other categories: The official e-visa portal currently lists main categories such as Tourist and Business for Afghanistan passport holders; check the portal for any newly available categories or changes.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: go to https://www.somalia.gov.so/ and access the e-visa service.
  • Steps: create an account, complete the online application form with personal and passport details, upload required documents (passport data page, photo, hotel/invitation letter, return ticket), pay the visa fee online, and submit.
  • Fee: shown in USD on the portal during the application; the site also indicates if SOS local currency or other payment options are used.
  • Processing time: typical processing is stated on the portal as a range (often 2–5 working days); you will receive the approved e-visa by email once issued.
  • How approval arrives: the e-visa document is emailed to the address provided; print a copy to present on arrival.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: the exact amount is listed on the official e-visa portal at the time of application and varies by visa type (Tourist or Business) and validity. The portal will display the USD amount and any local currency equivalents if applicable.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable for purely online e-visa applications; there is typically no separate consular service fee for the e-visa itself, but check if any payment processing fees are shown during application.
  • Total cost estimate: depends on visa type, duration, and any optional services; refer to the portal for an exact total before payment.
  • Standard processing time: as published on the portal (commonly a few business days, e.g., 2–5 days).
  • Express/priority option: if offered, additional fees apply; check the portal for availability and cost.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: start the online application at least 2–3 weeks before your planned travel date to allow for processing and any potential requests for additional documents.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghan applicants: mismatched passport details (name spelling, passport number), passport validity that does not meet the 6-month requirement, unclear or incomplete travel plans, insufficient supporting documents (host/invitation letter, hotel bookings, return ticket), poor quality photo, or failure to satisfy entry requirements.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: for Somalia e-visa, the process is online via the official portal; there is usually no separate VFS/BLS step for the e-visa itself. If you also consider embassy-stamped visas, verify whether a direct online application or in-person appointment is required.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Somalia remains subject to security advisories in many countries; check your government’s travel advisory for Afghanistan citizens and ensure you have appropriate insurance and local contacts.
  • Extension options inside Somalia: visa extensions may be possible through Somali immigration authorities by applying before your current visa expires; extensions are not guaranteed and depend on in-country assessment.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.