Travelers to and from Puntland are in for a shock after reports emerged that the semiautonomous region charges $68 for COVID-19 testing.
The fee is quite high considering that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has recommended only $30 for the same tests.
A traveler who was recently tested in Puntland showed his receipt to the media to confirm these reports.
Many other travelers who spoke to reporters complained that the fees were too high because of the harsh economic conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a recent announcement by the Ministry of Health in Mogadishu, all travelers were to be charged not more than $30 for the tests, which are conducted at airport facilities.