Somalia’s E-Visa System Under Scrutiny

When the Somali government announced the launch of its E-Visa service, many people welcomed it as a major step toward modernization. The idea was simple — make it easier for travelers to apply online instead of waiting at embassies.

But after some investigation, questions started to rise. The government has stayed silent, leaving the public guessing how the system actually works and who it truly serves.

Real Travelers, Real Questions

We followed ten Somali travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, and South Africa.
Each of them carried a foreign passport and applied for a Somali E-Visa before traveling.

Their destinations were Mogadishu, Bosaso, Hargeisa, and Las Anod.
Not one of them was questioned about their E-Visa at any airport. They entered Somalia without a even mention e Visa expect Mogadishu airport

Yet, on social media, the loudest complaints about the E-Visa system seem to come from one particular group — mostly people from Hargeisa and the Isaaq community.
That raised a fair question: Why are some people calm while others are shouting online?

Possibility 1: A Smart Verification System

One explanation could be that Somalia now uses a digital verification system linked directly to airline computers. When a traveler checks in, the system automatically detects if they have a valid E-Visa.
If they don’t, they’re told to “apply first.”
If they do, they simply receive a boarding pass without being questioned.

However, our sources say that only passengers arriving in Mogadishu are asked to provide fingerprints and eye scansfor security reasons. Other airports don’t apply these checks.
This uneven process makes some travelers think the system isn’t consistent — or fair.

Possibility 2: Security and Watchlists

Another possible reason is that the E-Visa system is connected to international security databases, such as fly watchlists.
These lists track individuals who are under investigation or restriction.

So, if someone’s passport appears on that list, the system blocks them automatically — not because of their clan or region, but because of a security alert.
That could explain why some travelers are stopped while others are cleared instantly.

Possibility 3: Political Propaganda

Then there’s the political side.
Many of the loudest voices online criticizing the system are from people identifying as Isaaq clan , often mixing the issue with “Somaliland” politics.

For more than 30 years, propaganda networks have tried to use every opportunity to promote that narrative — and now the E-Visa issue seems to be their new talking point.
It’s less about visas and more about politics.

Possibility 4: Western Pressure Behind the Scenes

A few sources close to the Ministry say that Somalia’s E-Visa system is also part of Western-backed electronic travel standards known as ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
Countries that receive Western financial and security support are often required to implement these systems.

If Somalia fails to comply, it risks losing parts of its international funding.
That’s why the system may still be under testing — and why some travelers get caught in “data review” messages before being told to reapply for a visa.

So, What’s the Truth?

The Somali government has not officially clarified how the E-Visa database works or who oversees its verification.
For many citizens, that silence is more frustrating than the system itself.

The E-Visa could be a proud symbol of Somalia’s digital progress — but only if it’s managed with transparency, fairness, and proper communication.
Otherwise, it becomes yet another example of innovation without explanation.