MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has expressed readiness to distribute revenue from the nation’s new electronic visa system with the breakaway Somaliland region and federal member states, in response to complaints about the program’s rollout.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar, known as Ali Bal’ad, stated in a recent interview that Mogadishu has addressed concerns from Somaliland regarding the e-Visa system, launched in September 2025. He indicated the government’s openness to negotiations on revenue division.
Bal’ad noted that the Ministry of Finance is willing to help develop a revenue-sharing mechanism and join discussions on managing funds gathered via the system.
“The government is ready to discuss the e-Visa revenue, and the Ministry of Finance is also prepared to share it,” Bal’ad said.
The new system charges applicants a $64 fee, which the federal government views as a vital step to standardize entry procedures nationwide and channel visa revenue straight to the national treasury.
Somaliland has resisted the program’s rollout, contending that it compels travelers to pay twice; once through the federal e-Visa platform and again at Somaliland airports upon arrival.
