Somalia eTA Cost and Fees – Complete Pricing Breakdown
The official Somalia eTA fee is $60-$67 USD for a standard single-entry visa, paid by credit card through the official portal at etas.gov.so. Third-party assistance services charge $25-$94 USD in additional fees, but these are optional. The application fee is non-refundable once submitted.
Official Government Fees
The Federal Government of Somalia sets the eTAS application fees. These are paid directly through the official portal during the application process:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa | $60-$67 | 180 days | Single entry |
| Business e-Visa | $60-$67 | 180 days | Single entry |
| Transit e-Visa | $60-$67 | 30 days | Single entry |
| Multiple Entry | Varies | 180 days | Multiple entries |
The exact fee may vary slightly based on nationality and visa type selected. All fees are displayed clearly in the portal before payment is completed.
Payment is accepted by credit card or debit card through the secure eTAS portal. The application fee is non-refundable once you submit your application, regardless of the outcome.
Third-Party Service Fees
Several third-party services offer to handle your eTAS application for an additional fee. These services are not affiliated with the Somali government and are entirely optional:
| Service | Fee Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| eVisaSomali | $94 USD | Full application assistance, document review, submission |
| VisaHQ | $50-$100 USD | Application support, document preparation |
| Visit Mogadishu | $25-$50 USD | Sponsor letter, application guidance |
| Travel agencies | Varies | Concierge service, document handling |
These services can be useful if you are unfamiliar with the process or want professional review of your application. However, they cannot guarantee faster processing or approval.
You can complete the entire application yourself through the official portal at etas.gov.so for just the government fee. The process is designed to be user-friendly and takes 15-30 minutes.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the eTAS fee, budget for these travel-related costs:
Mandatory Costs
• Passport renewal – If your passport has less than 6 months validity remaining
• Passport photos – Digital format for the application
• Document scans – If you do not have a scanner at home
• Travel insurance – Recommended for all travelers to Somalia
Recommended Costs
• Yellow fever vaccination – Required by most transit countries ($50-$150 USD)
• Malaria prophylaxis – Recommended for Somalia travel ($30-$100 USD)
• Printed eTAS copy – For presentation at airport and immigration
On-Arrival Costs
• Airport taxes – May be included in your airline ticket
• Local transportation – From airport to accommodation
• Hotel deposits – Some hotels require advance payment
Puntland Entry Fees
Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia, has refused to implement the federal e-visa system. If you are entering Somalia through Puntland, you may face separate entry fees.
The Puntland visa costs approximately $60, the same as the federal e-visa fee. This effectively doubles the cost for visitors entering through Puntland ports or airports.
Check current Puntland entry requirements before traveling to that region. The situation may change as negotiations between Puntland and the federal government continue.
Refund Policy
The eTAS application fee is strictly non-refundable. This applies to:
• Rejected applications
• Withdrawn applications
• Duplicate applications submitted in error
• Applications where travel plans changed
• Expired authorizations (180-day validity not used)
To minimize the risk of losing your fee, ensure all information is accurate and all documents are complete before submitting your application.
Comparing Costs with Neighboring Countries
| Country | e-Visa Fee (USD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia | $60-$67 | 1-3 days |
| Kenya | $50-$55 | 2-7 days |
| Ethiopia | $62-$82 | 1-3 days |
| Djibouti | $23-$70 | 1-5 days |
Somalia’s e-Visa fee is competitive with regional neighbors. The processing time is among the fastest in the region when applications are complete.
Payment Methods and Currency
The eTAS portal accepts international credit and debit cards for payment. Transactions are processed in US Dollars (USD). Your bank may apply a foreign currency conversion fee if your card is denominated in another currency.
Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, and other major international card networks. Some travelers report that certain regional bank cards are not accepted. If your card is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to authorize the international transaction.
Keep your payment receipt and transaction confirmation. These documents serve as proof of payment if any disputes arise regarding your application fee.
Group and Family Applications
Each traveler, including children and infants, requires a separate eTAS application and fee payment. For a family of four, the total government fee would be approximately $240-$268 USD.
There is no group discount or family package available through the official portal. Each application is processed individually, though families applying together often receive approvals around the same time.
For large groups (10+ travelers), consider contacting the Somali Embassy or ICA directly for guidance on batch processing. Third-party services may offer group rates for their assistance fees, though the government fee remains the same per person.
Money-Saving Tips
Apply directly through the official portal to avoid third-party markup fees. Here are more ways to save:
• Complete the application yourself – the process takes only 15-30 minutes
• Prepare all documents before starting to avoid resubmission
• Double-check all information to prevent rejection and reapplication fees
• Apply during off-peak periods for potentially faster processing
• Keep digital copies of all documents for future applications
Payment Security
The eTAS portal uses secure payment processing for credit card transactions. However, travelers should take standard precautions:
• Use a secure internet connection when making payments
• Verify you are on the official etas.gov.so domain before entering card details
• Save your payment confirmation and receipt
• Monitor your credit card statement for any unauthorized charges
• Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately
The US and UK governments have warned about data security concerns with Somalia’s e-Visa system. In November 2025, a data breach reportedly exposed personal information of applicants. Consider using a virtual credit card number for added security.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
The official Somalia eTAS fee is approximately $60-$67 USD for a standard single-entry visa. This is paid by credit card through the official portal at etas.gov.so. Third-party services charge additional fees ($25-$94 USD) but are optional.
What are the fees?
The Somalia eTAS costs $60-$67 USD depending on visa type and nationality. This government fee is paid online during the application process. Third-party application assistance services charge additional fees but are not required.
Are fees refundable?
No, the eTAS application fee is non-refundable once submitted. This applies regardless of whether your application is approved, rejected, or withdrawn. Ensure all information is accurate before submitting to avoid losing your fee.
How do I pay?
No, the eTAS fee must be paid online by credit card through the official portal during the application process. There is no option to pay on arrival. Your eTAS must be approved before you travel – airlines will not board passengers without valid authorization.
Do I need a sponsor?
Some sponsor organizations or tour operators may charge fees for providing sponsor letters or handling your application. The official government fee does not include sponsor services. Check with your selected sponsor for any additional costs.
