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The statement from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) clearly confirms that Somalia’s eVisa system does not apply to Somaliland, reaffirming that Somaliland operates an independent immigration system separate from Mogadishu.
In its updated guidance, the UK government instructed all British nationals planning to visit Somaliland to obtain a visa directly from Somaliland authorities upon arrival at Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA). The advisory specifies that travelers can get a single-entry visa, valid for one month.
The notice also urged travelers to contact Somaliland officials or their host organization directly before their trip to verify the latest entry requirements, emphasizing that visa policies for Somaliland and Somalia are entirely independent of one another.
This development comes amid heightened diplomatic tension between Somaliland and Somalia over airspace and eVisa control, following recent directives from both governments asserting separate administrative authority.
The UK’s confirmation is seen in Hargeisa as a strong acknowledgment of Somaliland’s de facto independence and operational sovereignty, especially in managing its borders and visa system. For Somaliland, it marks yet another sign that the international community is beginning to recognize its clear distinction from Somalia in governance and policy implementation.
