Tensions Rise Over Somaliland’s New Electronic Visa Policy
On October 27, 2025, Hargeisa became the epicenter of rising tensions as the ruling Waddani Party of Somaliland accused the Somali federal government of employing its newly introduced electronic visa system as a tool for discrimination against Somaliland travelers. This development has sparked significant controversy, jeopardizing already delicate relations between Hargeisa and Mogadishu.
The E-Visa Rollout
Launched on September 1, 2025, Somalia’s e-visa system was designed to modernize immigration, enhance financial transparency, and improve security. Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag emphasized that the initiative aimed to simplify the visa application process for foreigners worldwide. However, the reality of the implementation has been far from smooth, causing chaos and confusion for many travelers.
Stranded Passengers
One of the most distressing consequences of the e-visa system has been the plight of Somalilanders stranded at international airports. Reports indicate that on October 21, dozens of these travelers found themselves unable to board flights due to the new visa requirements. Many were denied boarding for lacking Mogadishu-issued federal permits, while others faced additional fees from support services in Hargeisa, raising questions about the fairness and practicality of the new system.
Somaliland’s Immediate Rejection
In response to this disruption, Somaliland’s government swiftly rejected the e-visa system. On September 9, the Ministry of Civil Aviation declared its commitment to maintaining a Visa on Arrival policy at Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport. Civil Aviation Minister Fuad Ahmed Nuh asserted that only documents issued by the Somaliland Immigration Authority would be valid for entry, emphasizing the region’s stance on fostering open travel and regional connectivity.
International Attention and Diplomatic Implications
The dispute over the e-visa system has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Notably, Germany became the first country to advise its citizens to follow Somaliland’s entry procedures rather than Somalia’s federal system, a move interpreted as both a diplomatic acknowledgment of Somaliland’s administrative autonomy and a slight against Mogadishu.
Political Rhetoric from Waddani Leadership
Waddani Party Chairman Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan has been vocal in his criticism of the Somali federal government, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of violating previous commitments to refrain from using political or diplomatic pressure against Somaliland. Hirsi lamented the hardships faced by travelers due to what he described as a deliberate act of discrimination, underscoring the animosities that linger between the federal government and the people of Somaliland.
Historical Context of Sovereignty Disputes
Understanding the current tensions requires a look back at the historical context of the relationship between Somaliland and Somalia. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has yet to gain international recognition. The lack of formal acknowledgment has resulted in numerous rounds of negotiations since 2012—in venues as varied as London, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Djibouti—yet no political settlement has been reached.
Additional Disputes Over Airspace Control
Compounding the matters of travel and immigration is another emerging dispute regarding airspace management. Somaliland’s Presidency Minister Khadar Hussein Abdi has accused Mogadishu of using its control over airspace as a form of political pressure against Hargeisa. He singled out KAAH Party Chairman Mahmoud Hashi Abdi for his role in signing a controversial 2018 agreement that transferred airspace control to the federal government, a move that has fueled animosity.
Complexities of Diplomatic Relations
The ongoing controversy surrounding the e-visa policy illustrates just how intricate and fraught the diplomatic relations between Somaliland and Somalia have become. What started as an initiative to modernize immigration practices has unveiled deeper issues of autonomy, governance, and mutual distrust. With the e-visa system acting as a flashpoint, the implications for travel, diplomacy, and regional cooperation remain significant and precarious.
