MOGADISHU: The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) has temporarily suspended the use of the travel authorization known as “OK-to-Board” for Somali citizens traveling to the Arab Republic of Egypt, effective May 24, 2026.
The decision, announced in a public notice, was made following recent challenges encountered by Somali travelers at Cairo International Airport, where dozens of Somali nationals have reportedly been stranded, denied entry.
Official Notice: OK-to-Board Temporarily Suspended, Only Consular Visas Accepted
In a statement released by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), the agency confirmed that the suspension comes after the Somali government closely monitored difficulties encountered by its citizens traveling to Egypt in recent days.
“The Immigration and Citizenship Agency has been closely monitoring the challenges faced by Somali citizens traveling to Egypt in recent days. Therefore, all Somali citizens are informed that, starting today, May 24, 2026, travel to Egypt using the travel authorization known as (OK-to-Board) has been temporarily suspended,” the notice read.
The ICA further clarified that all Somali citizens wishing to travel to the Arab Republic of Egypt must now obtain an official entry visa issued solely by the Egyptian Consulate. The decision effectively ends the use of third-party travel permits that allowed Somali travelers to board flights without a formal consular visa.
“Furthermore, the Immigration and Citizenship Agency informs Somali citizens that travel to the Arab Republic of Egypt can only be undertaken with an official visa issued solely by the Egyptian Consulate,” the statement added. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening immigration relations and friendship between the two governments of Somalia and Egypt.
Background: Somali Travelers Stranded at Cairo Airport
The decision follows a series of troubling reports regarding the treatment of Somali citizens at Cairo International Airport. On May 24, 2026, Somali political analyst Suldan I. Mohamed (@SuldanMohamed_) reported that for two consecutive nights, 35 Somali citizens had been stranded and “humiliated” at Cairo International Airport.
“Despite travelling legally with valid visas, they were reportedly subjected to inhumane treatment, had their passports confiscated, and were denied both entry and the right to return home,” the post stated, adding, “The degrading treatment Somali travellers face at the hands of Egyptian authorities is unacceptable. No Somali citizen deserves such humiliation. Somalia & Egypt are supposedly allies.”
Social media reports further indicated that some of the stranded travelers, holding valid visas and return tickets, were placed on the airport’s “watchlist,” which prevented them from entering Egypt or returning to their point of origin. The Somali Embassy in Egypt has yet to issue an official statement clarifying its role in assisting the affected nationals, though the ICA directive suggests that the federal government is now taking direct action.
Diplomatic Ties and Broader Implications
The travel restriction comes at a time of otherwise strengthening bilateral relations between Somalia and Egypt. Somalia and Egypt have signed key agreements aimed at deepening their strategic partnership, including a visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders, aimed at streamlining official travel. EgyptAir launched direct flights between Cairo and Mogadishu as part of broader efforts to improve air connectivity on the African continent.
The two countries have also been aligning on critical foreign policy issues. Egypt has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, describing the move as a “flagrant violation of international law.” Egypt has also committed to bolstering stability in the Horn of Africa, including contributing to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Despite these growing ties, the recent reported mistreatment of Somali travelers at Cairo International Airport underscores persistent gaps in consular protections and border management between the two nations. The Somali government is now urging all citizens to strictly adhere to the new consular visa requirement when planning any travel to Egypt.
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