Hargeisa (PP News Desk) — Nearly six months after the Somaliland Administration received diplomatic recognition from the pariah State of Israel, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi reportedly demanded the discontinuation of the e-visa requirement imposed on dual-nationality Somalis travelling to Hargeisa. President Abdullahi told Western diplomats that a return to talks with the Federal Government of Somalia would only be possible if the e-visa requirement were withdrawn.
The Federal Government of Somalia maintains that the e-visa applies to all Somalis holding dual nationality who are travelling to Somalia. Travel agents and airline operators require proof of a valid e-visa or a valid Somali passport from travellers bound for Somalia.
This month, more than 700 e-visas were issued to individuals travelling to Hargeisa to attend the 18 May secession day. As the holiday season approaches, Somali families based in Europe who are planning to travel to Hargeisa will face a choice between applying for an e-visa or travelling to Hargeisa via Ethiopia, the latter adding approximately 30% to the overall cost of the itinerary, according to a travel agent based in Hargeisa.
As a concession, the Federal Government of Somalia has proposed that the Somaliland Administration retain the e-visa revenue generated from fees paid by foreign nationals travelling to Hargeisa.
© Puntland Post, 2026