Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa and is not one of the countries that are on everybody’s list. It’s probably the opposite. However, if you want to travel around the world, then you should be brave and explore this dangerous but still beautiful country.

All nationalities, including Filipinos, can get a Visa on Arrival in Somalia. However, you can’t get it if you don’t have a Visa on Arrival Approval Letter. Here’s a complete guide on getting a Visa on Arrival and Approval Letter for Somalia.

Visa on Arrival in Somalia

Information is from the website of Somalia:

Who can get: All nationalities

Where to get: Bosaso (BSA), Galcaio (GLK), Garowe (GGR), Kisimayu (KMU) and Mogadishu (MGQ) for a maximum stay of 30 days. T

Bosaso Airport in Bosaso
Garowe Airport in Garowe
Abdullahi Yusuf Airport in Gaalkayo
Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu
Kismayo Airport in Kismayo

Visa Fee: US$60

Validity: 30 days

Additional Notes:

You won’t be able to enter Somaliland or Puntland as they do not recognize national visas but have individual visa policies

Requirements for Visa on Arrival in Somalia

Valid Passport - valid for at least 6 months
Two Passport Sized Photos
Visa on Arrival Approval Letter
Visa Fee Payment

Getting a Visa on Arrival Approval Letter

STEP 1: Contact someone in Somalia who will file a formal request fora Visa on Arrival; it may be from a Company, Business Partner, Hotel, or Tour Agency.

Provide the following:

Name
Passport number
Nationality
Purpose of visit
Address in Somalia
Email address
Biodata page of your Passport
Return Ticket

STEP 2: Your inviter will make a guarantee letter for you and pass this to the Immigration office.

STEP 3: Wait for your Visa on Arrival Approval letter after 2 days. Check your email as it will be sent to you as well as the Airline in your application and the Immigration officers in Somalia.

STEP 4: When you arrive, fill out the form and pay the Visa on Arrival Fee. Hand in the officer the VOA requirements and get your Visa on Arrival.

Overview of Somalia

Capital: Mogadishu

Language: Somali and Arabi

Currency: Somali Shilling (1 USD = 590 SOS)

Somalia is an East African country surrounded by Ethiopia, Somali Sea, Kenya and Djibouti. Somaliland and Punta considered themselves separate from Somalia, so you need a different visa to enter here. In the 19th century, Somalia was colonized by Great Britain and Italy but became united in the 1960s. However, there was a Civil War in the 1990s. As of 2012, it became the Federal Government of Somalia, sadly, the war still continues.

Going to Somalia

To get a Visa on Arrival, you need to arrive at the 5 stated airports. There are flights from other African countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somaliland and Puntla. Most flights that are not from Africa are from Middle East Countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. You can also get here via Turkey.

For Filipinos, you can stop by Istanbul, Turkey before arriving at Somalia with Turkish Airlines.

What to do in Somalia

This doesn’t include Somaliland or Punta as you need a separate visa there.

1. Visit Ras Hafun

Ras Hafun is at the most east of Somalia, it is just near Cape Guardafui in Punta. This tiny fishing town has many ancient ruins and structures from the Opone (ancient Africa.) This port town is a trade route during old times with Persia, Greece, Egypt, and India. Ceramics, coins, pots, and many more historical items were found in this town. The beach is also gorgeous here and super blue!

2. See the Masjid al-Qiblatayn

The Masjid al-Qiblatay or Mosque of the two Qiblahs was built in the 7th century. Though now in ruins, it’s still worth seeing. It’s one of the oldest Muslim structures in Africa. However, you could see mihrabs pointing towards Mecca while the other one to Jerusalem. It’s such a special place for our brother Muslims and deserves respect.

3. Have an Adventure at Lag Badana National Park

The Lag Badana National Park is the first park in the country. It is home to Lesser Kudu (a rare forest antelope) and about 200 plants, 20 are endemic. The park has such stunning views and you can also see wildlife like zebras, rhinos, and elephants. It’s also stunning to catch the sun here especially by the sea!

4. Check out the Mosque of Islamic Solidarity

This beautiful white mosque is the biggest in the Horn of Africa. It can accommodate up to ten thousand worshippers and overlooks the Somali Sea. The architecture and design are pretty stunning. It’s also a peaceful place to reflect and pray.

5. Have fun at Lido Beach

Check out the most popular beach in Somalia; Lido Beach in Modagish. With white pristine beaches and the Somali Sea, it’s so pretty. Many locals spend their time here, so try and befriend!

Frequently Asked Questions for your travel in Somalia

1. Is Somalia Visa-free?

For Philippine Passport Holders, you can get a visa on arrival when you go to Somalia but you need a Visa on Arrival Approval letter first. For other nationalities, see the list above!

2. Is it safe to travel to Somalia?

Somalia is not one of the safest places to travel to. There’s an ongoing Civil war, so be safe and vigilant. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don’t know what will happen on the road. Check out Safetywing, my insurance provider.

3. Where should I stay in Somalia?

It’s best to stay in Mogadishu, the capital as there are international hotels and more convenient for shopping and near the airport.

Somalia is a bit scary, but I hope it’s peaceful there when you visit. It’s so bad that there’s civil unrest in some countries, Somalia has a lot of potentials to grow into something more beautiful and tourist-friendly. I actually had the chance to travel to Somaliland, though many people warned me not to go, I survived and had fun! I hope you do enjoy this place too!