Somali Passport Power: Exploring Travel Freedom

how many countries can I travel with somali passport

As of 2024, Somali passport holders can travel to a number of countries with varying visa requirements. There are 35 visa-free travel destinations, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Benin, Dominica, Madagascar, and Seychelles. For 25 countries, Somali nationals can obtain a visa on arrival, and for one country, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required. An additional 41 countries require Somali citizens to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) before traveling. Finally, there are 153 countries that require Somali passport holders to apply for a regular visa before entry. The Somali passport ranks low in terms of travel freedom, at 199th or 105th according to different sources.

Characteristics Values
Number of countries that can be travelled to with a Somali passport 35
Number of countries that require no visa 7, 9, 11 or 35
Number of countries that require a visa on arrival 15 or 25
Number of countries that require an eVisa 22 or 24
Number of countries that require a pre-arranged visa 138 or 153 or 169 or 194
Countries that do not accept Somali passports Australia, Canada, New Zealand
Somali passport's rank 92nd or 105th or 196th or 199th

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Visa-free countries

As of 2024, Somali passport holders can travel to several countries without a visa. The number of visa-free countries for Somali citizens ranges from 7 to 35 destinations, depending on the source. Here is a list of countries that allow visa-free entry for Somali passport holders:

  • Benin
  • Dominica
  • Gambia
  • Haiti
  • Malaysia
  • Micronesia
  • Samoa

In addition to these countries, some sources also list the following as visa-free destinations for Somali citizens:

  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Madagascar
  • Seychelles
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Trinidad and Tobago

It is important to note that the duration of stay and permissible purposes for travel may vary for each country and are subject to their respective visa regulations. Somali passport holders should always verify the specific entry requirements and any applicable restrictions before planning their trip to ensure a smooth journey.

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eVisa countries

As of 2024, Somali passport holders can travel to a number of countries with an eVisa. An eVisa is a digital visa that can be applied for online and sent to the applicant electronically, usually via email. Here is a list of some countries that offer eVisas to Somali citizens:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Central African Republic
  • Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States of America

The process of obtaining an eVisa typically involves filling out an online application form, providing personal and passport information, and sometimes uploading additional documents. It is important to note that the requirements and fees for eVisas may vary depending on the traveller's nationality and the destination country. Somali travellers should always check the specific entry requirements for their desired destination before planning their trip.

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Visa on arrival countries

As of 2024, Somali passport holders can travel to a total of 35 destinations, either without a visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival. This includes 25 countries where Somali citizens can get a visa on arrival. In most cases, a visa can be obtained at the airport or border crossing point upon arrival. However, it's important to note that fees, validity, and allowed duration of stay may vary depending on the country. Here is a list of some countries that offer visa on arrival for Somali passport holders:

  • Bangladesh: Visa on arrival is available, but it is conditional as there are no Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in Somalia. The issuance of the visa is at the discretion of the Bangladeshi authorities and is valid for 30 days.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina: Offers visa on arrival or eVisa options.
  • Central African Republic: Visa on arrival is available for 45 days, or an eVisa can be obtained for 90 days.
  • Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast): Somali citizens can obtain a visa on arrival or an eVisa for 90 days.
  • Palestinian Territories: Visa on arrival is available for this destination.
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis: Somali travellers can obtain a visa on arrival for 90 days.
  • Sao Tome and Principe: A visa on arrival is available, or travellers can opt for a tourist registration that is valid for 90 days.
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines: This country offers a visa on arrival or an eVisa option.
  • United Arab Emirates: Somali passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival or an eVisa for this destination.
  • United States of America: An eVisa valid for 90 days can be obtained by Somali citizens.

Please note that visa requirements and policies may change, so it is always advisable to check the latest information on official government websites before planning your travel.

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Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) countries

As of 2024, Somali passport holders can travel to a number of countries with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). An eTA is a digital travel document that can be obtained online prior to travel, and is required for eligible travellers who are visa-exempt for a specific country. The eligibility criteria for an eTA vary depending on the traveller's nationality and destination country. It is important to always check the specific entry requirements of your destination country before planning your trip.

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Central African Republic
  • Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • United Arab Emirates

In addition to these countries, there are a number of other destinations that offer visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival options for Somali passport holders. It is worth noting that the duration of stay and permissible purposes for travel may be subject to the respective nation's visa regulations. Somali citizens are advised to verify the specific requirements for their intended destination before planning their trip.

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Countries that don't recognise the Somali passport

As of 2024, several countries do not recognize the Somali passport. This is due to a variety of reasons, including widespread counterfeiting and black marketing, the destruction of many records, and a lack of recognized government.

Somali passport holders are not allowed to enter Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In addition, several European Union member states, the United States, and the United Kingdom do not recognize the Somali passport. It is important to note that countries that do not recognize the Somali passport may instead issue an approved visa on a separate travel document.

Somalia has taken steps to enhance the security of its passports. Since 2007, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has issued e-passports to comply with stricter international rules. In 2013, the Federal Government officially launched a new e-passport with built-in security features comparable to those of other countries.

Somali citizens need to apply for a regular visa to enter 153-169 countries. These include:

  • Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Central African Republic
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Palestinian Territories
  • St. Pierre and Miquelon
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United States of America
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Frequently asked questions

As of 2024, there are 35 visa-free travel destinations for Somali passport holders. Some sources state there are 73 visa-free countries, while others state there are 9 or 11.

Examples of countries that Somali citizens can enter without a visa include St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Benin, Dominica, and Madagascar.

There are 25 countries that offer visas on arrival for Somali citizens, including the Central African Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

There are 22 or 41 countries that require Somali citizens to obtain an eVisa before travelling, such as the United Arab Emirates, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

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