Planning an extended stay in Somalia? You might need to wait a bit. The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (HSJ) has temporarily suspended the issuance of long-stay visas from its regional branches, effective 5 November 2025.

All such visa applications will now be handled only at the Mogadishu headquarters. The move is part of a significant institutional review and reform aimed at improving visa processing, transparency, and compliance with the Somali Immigration Law No. 06 of 2023.

Officials say the suspension is temporary and part of efforts to modernise Somalia’s immigration system and align it with international standards. Travellers are advised to plan accordingly.