Somalia to Launch Third-Generation Biometric Passport Linked to National ID in October 2026

MOGADISHU – The Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) has announced that Somalia will officially begin issuing a new third-generation passport in October 2026, featuring enhanced security features and a mandatory link to the national identification system, according to Director General Hussein Qasim Yusuf.

The new passport, which will be made of polycarbonate and equipped with biometric features, is designed to bring Somali travel documents in line with international standards, reduce forgery risks, and strengthen identity verification. The most significant change is the direct integration of the National Identification Card data into the passport’s data page, a move intended to close loopholes that previously allowed fraudulent or multiple identities.

The Federal Government previously opened an international tender for a new polycarbonate e-passport with biometric features, seeking to replace the existing paper-based document with a more secure and durable format.

Mandatory National ID for Passport Applications

Director General Hussein Qasim Yusuf stated that the National ID card will become a mandatory requirement for all passport applicants once the new system is operational. Applicants who do not yet have a National ID can register at passport service centres. This requirement is part of a broader push to strengthen identity verification and improve the integrity of the country’s passport system.

Since July 1, 2026, all citizens have been required to present a National Identification Card or an official registration certificate with NIRA to obtain a Somali passport, with authorities warning that delays in registration could disrupt future passport applications.

Integration with the National Identification Ecosystem

The new passport is part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to modernise key public services and improve transparency across administrative systems. The link between the National ID and the passport is intended to create a unified identity management system that will serve as the primary means of identification for accessing public services, financial inclusion programmes, and digital platforms.

Since September 2025, all new passports issued in Somalia have been directly linked to the National ID database, and the National ID has been mandatory for domestic travel since January 2026.

The immigration overhaul is also aimed at tightening national security by blocking the movement of terrorists and cross-checking applications with international databases.

Preparations for the October Rollout

The ICA has stated that in the two months leading up to October, it will focus on integrating passport services with the National ID system and preparing citizens for the transition. The agency has also introduced revised documentation procedures, including the requirement that applicants submit photocopies of supporting documents while originals are returned after verification.

The ICA has streamlined passport processing times, with new applications now completed within seven days and renewals within four days.

The reforms come as the federal government accelerates the rollout of its National Identification Programme, with NIRA having already issued more than one million National ID cards, with registration fully operational in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West, and Banadir regions.

Way Forward

The introduction of the new third-generation passport marks a significant step in Somalia’s efforts to modernise its documentation systems, align with international standards, and strengthen national security. As the October rollout approaches, the government is expected to launch public awareness campaigns to guide citizens through the transition, with the integration of the National ID into the passport system seen as a cornerstone of the country’s broader state-building and digital governance agenda.