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Somalia Visa for China Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

China citizens need an e-Visa (Somalia e-Visa) to travel to Somalia — apply online at https://www.somalia.gov.so/; tourist visas from USD 60, processing typically 3–5 working days.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Somalia, and you must have at least two blank visa pages remaining.
  • Specific forms: No paper forms; complete the online e-visa application on the official portal at https://www.somalia.gov.so/.
  • Financial proof: The online e-visa application does not require uploading bank statements. You should have access to sufficient funds for your stay; carry evidence if asked by immigration (no fixed minimum is published).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Provide proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay (e.g., hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a Somali host) and a return or onward ticket is advised.
  • Photo specification: Recent passport-style photo meeting standard requirements: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) with a plain white background; full-face view; no hats or sunglasses; image taken within the last 6 months.
  • Biometrics: No separate online biometrics submission is required for the e-visa; however, biometrics may be collected at the port of entry if applicable.
  • Travel health insurance: Travel health insurance is recommended but not mandatory for the e-visa.

Visa types

  • Tourist: Official name: Somalia e-Visa – Tourist; Validity: up to 30 days from first entry; Max stay: 30 days; Entry: Single; Approx. fee: USD 60; SOS ~1,800,000.
  • Business: Official name: Somalia e-Visa – Business; Validity: up to 30 days from first entry; Max stay: 30 days; Entry: Single; Approx. fee: USD 75; SOS ~2,250,000.
  • Transit: Official name: Somalia e-Visa – Transit; Validity: up to 3 days from first entry; Max stay: 3 days; Entry: Single; Approx. fee: USD 40; SOS ~1,200,000.
  • Student: Not available via the e-visa program at this time; applicants needing a study visa should contact the Somali embassy/consulate for options.
  • Work: Not available via the e-visa program at this time; applicants needing a work visa must pursue embassy/consulate processes and required work permits.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: Go to https://www.somalia.gov.so/ and use the official e-visa portal.
  • Steps:
  • Create an account and log in.
  • Complete the online application form with personal data, travel details, passport data, and intended length of stay.
  • Upload required documents (passport scan, recent photo, hotel bookings or invitation letter for business, travel itinerary, return/onward ticket).
  • Pay the visa fee online by credit/debit card in USD (the portal shows USD pricing in addition to the local equivalent).
  • Submit the application and wait for processing.
  • You will receive the approved e-visa by email as a PDF or via the portal; print a copy or carry a digital copy to present on arrival.
  • Fees (local currency and USD): Tourist USD 60 (approx. SOS 1,800,000); Business USD 75 (approx. SOS 2,250,000); Transit USD 40 (approx. SOS 1,200,000).
  • Processing time: 3–5 working days under standard service.
  • How approval arrives: By email with the e-visa document; you may also access the approved e-visa through your portal account.

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist visa: USD 60; SOS ~1,800,000; standard processing 3–5 working days; no separate VFS/BLS service fee for online e-visa.
  • Business visa: USD 75; SOS ~2,250,000; standard processing 3–5 working days.
  • Transit visa: USD 40; SOS ~1,200,000; standard processing 3–5 working days.
  • Student visa: Not available via e-visa; if available through embassy, fees and timelines will be published by the consulate.
  • Work visa: Not available via e-visa; requires embassy procedures and permit.
  • Express/priority option: Not documented for Somalia e-visa; standard processing times apply.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance: Start the online application at least 7–14 days before your intended travel date to account for potential delays.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: Incomplete or inconsistent data, passport validity less than 6 months, photo not meeting specifications, missing hotel bookings or invitation letter for business, mismatched travel dates, insufficient information about return/onward travel.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For the Somalia e-visa, use the official online portal. There is no standard VFS/BLS outsourcing for the e-visa; beware of third-party sites offering services that are not part of the official process.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: Check your country’s travel advisories for Somalia before travel; security conditions can change rapidly; ensure you have up-to-date information from official sources.
  • Extension options inside Somalia: E-visa extensions are not generally issued at ports of entry; if an extended stay is needed, you must apply for a new e-visa prior to expiry or follow the Somali immigration authority guidance via the official portal/embassy.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.