Garowe, Puntland — In a fresh display of political defiance, Puntland has unveiled its own visa system, distancing itself from Somalia’s recently launched federal electronic visa platform. The semi-autonomous regional state, based in Garowe, announced that travelers entering Puntland will now be required to pay a $60 visa fee processed under its locally administered immigration framework.
The move comes just days after the Federal Government of Somalia rolled out a new e-visa system designed to streamline entry procedures, strengthen border management, and centralize revenue collection. Puntland’s decision to operate outside that system has exposed the persistent rift between Garowe and Mogadishu over control of immigration, fiscal policy, and national sovereignty.
Officials in Puntland argue that the new system is part of broader efforts to safeguard the region’s autonomy and ensure that revenues generated within its borders are reinvested locally. The regional government has already begun issuing visas through its own immigration officers at key entry points, including Bosaso Airport and sea ports along the Gulf of Aden.
The competing visa regimes have raised concerns among travelers and business operators, who fear confusion and potential double charges. Airlines operating in the region have reportedly been instructed to verify documents under Puntland’s directive, complicating coordination with the federal authorities.
This latest standoff underscores the growing strain between Somalia’s federal government and its member states. Puntland, which has long positioned itself as a pioneer of federalism and self-governance, has in recent months voiced frustration over what it views as centralization efforts by Mogadishu.
Analysts warn that such disputes could weaken national cohesion at a time when Somalia faces urgent security, humanitarian, and economic challenges. With the federal government pushing for a unified administrative system across the country, Puntland’s unilateral visa decision is likely to intensify political tensions and test the boundaries of Somalia’s fragile federal arrangement.
For now, travelers to Puntland will need to comply with its new visa requirement — a tangible reminder of the region’s enduring determination to chart its own course within the Somali federation.