The Federal Government of Somalia has begun implementing a new requirement for citizens to carry a National Identity Card when travelling on domestic flights, a move it said was part of efforts to tighten security and streamline travel procedures.
The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority confirmed that the rules came into effect on March 1, after a two-month delay to give travelers more time to obtain the National Identity Card, known locally as “Niira”.
The agency’s director, Mustafa Sheikh Ahmed Dhuxulow, oversaw the implementation of the new system, which officials said would strengthen passenger data verification and enhance cooperation between aviation and security agencies.
The requirement was originally scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2026, but was postponed to allow citizens who do not yet have ID to complete their registration.
The move is part of a broader government effort to modernize citizen identity management and increase internal travel oversight, as Somalia undergoes institutional reform.
Recently, NIRA reported that nearly one million people have received national identity cards, which the agency said will strengthen good governance, security, and public services.
