Business & investor visas
Somali Business eVisa (eTAS)
An electronic authorisation for foreign nationals making short business trips and permitted paid engagements in Somalia, applied for online before travelling.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Official name
- Somalia eVisa / eTAS (business / permitted paid engagement)
- Route type
- Electronic travel authorisation (eVisa)
- Entries
- Single or multiple depending on the type issued
- Entry window
- Entry must take place within 180 days of the stated arrival date
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months beyond arrival
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Number of entries
- Single entry
- Validity
- Enter within 180 days of the approval date
- Where to apply
- Online at etas.gov.so (Immigration and Citizenship Agency)
- Cost
- Fee payable online during application
- Amount is set by the ICA — confirm the current business fee on etas.gov.so.
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals travelling to Somalia for business meetings or a permitted paid engagement
How to apply
Apply online through the ICA eVisa/eTAS portal, select the business category, upload documents and pay before travelling.
Requirements
- You must hold a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Somalia.
- You must apply for and be approved for the eTAS online before you travel.
- Your purpose of travel must be permitted business activity — meetings, negotiations or similar — rather than taking up employment.
- You may be asked for a letter of invitation from a company or host in Somalia.
- Entry must take place within 180 days of the approval date; the eTAS is a single-entry permit allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
Documents you may need
- Passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- Recent passport-style photograph.
- Letter of invitation from the host company or organisation in Somalia, where requested.
- Details of the business to be conducted and your host's contact information.
- Payment method for the online fee.
Frequently asked questions
No. The business category covers permitted business activity such as meetings and negotiations. Taking up paid employment is a separate purpose — check the work/employment route and confirm requirements with the ICA.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.