Wednesday November 5, 2025
Garowe (HO) — Puntland regional state has implemented a
self-imposed visa system, charging travelers $60, following the federal
government’s introduction of a new electronic visa (E-Visa) aimed at
modernizing immigration procedures.
Officials at the Puntland Immigration Agency said the region
operates its own visa system, known as VISO, which functions independently of
the federal government in Mogadishu.
The move reflects a stance of political autonomy similar to
that of Somaliland, which earlier directed international airlines to disregard
the federal government’s electronic visa requirements.
Somaliland had previously warned that airlines failing to
comply with its directives would be banned from using its airports or airspace.
As a result, major carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines and Flydubai have
abandoned the federal e-visa system to continue operating in the region.
The rollout of Somalia’s federal e-visa system was intended
to align the country with others adopting digital immigration systems as part
of broader efforts to modernize governance and enhance financial
accountability.
However, analysts note that the lack of consultation with
federal member states has fueled confusion and political friction. Independent
experts warn that without a unified national framework for managing visas and
air traffic, the dispute could disrupt the movement of Somalis within and
outside the country and undermine efforts to strengthen national unity and
cooperation.
