The UK government has issued new travel advice for Somalia, advising its citizens to obtain a visa for Somalia, including Somaliland, but that they may be required to re-enter Somaliland at the airport when travelling to Hargeisa, while those travelling to the capital Mogadishu will not be required to re-enter.
The new advice was published on the UK government’s official website and applies to full passport holders who choose to travel to Somalia.
“Citizens travelling to Mogadishu International Airport should apply for an E-Visa in advance of their arrival in the country. However, those travelling to Hargeisa International Airport may be asked for a visa when boarding the plane, but will not be accepted upon arrival in Hargeisa.”
According to the advice, such people should purchase a single-entry visa upon arrival at Hargeisa Airport, which is valid for one month. The UK government said it was not yet certain whether visas would be granted at other points of entry into Somaliland, and therefore advised travelers to provide their information to local authorities or the host organization.
In addition, the traveler may be asked to provide an invitation letter stating the purpose of their trip, which is usually obtained from their place of work or the organization they are traveling to. Failure to provide this letter may result in denial of entry to Somaliland.
The report states that anyone wishing to enter Somalia, including Somaliland, must have a passport with at least six months remaining validity. The UK government has urged travelers to ensure that their passports meet the necessary requirements, and not to use passports that have been lost or reported stolen.
The airspace dispute between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia is at an all-time high, with each side seeking to control the airspace. The Somali government wants to control its own airspace, including Somaliland, while Somaliland wants to control its own airspace.
