HARGEISA, Somaliland – Somaliland’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has on Wednesday (22 October 2025) issued a warning to airlines that any aircraft violating what it termed as “its flight regulations” could face sanctions, including restricted access to airspace and airports, Arlaadi Media Network reports.
The announcement follows the introduction of Somalia’s new electronic visa system, which has left some travellers stranded abroad as airlines attempt to enforce the policy for destinations including Hargeisa and Mogadishu.
Somaliland has rejected Somalia’s e-visa system, stating that only permits issued by the Somaliland Immigration Authority are valid. On 9 September, the Ministry confirmed that the Visa on Arrival policy at Egal International Airport would continue unchanged.
Civil Aviation Minister Fuad Ahmed Nuh said the decision reflects Somaliland’s commitment to “open travel, regional connectivity and passenger convenience,” and instructed airlines to notify passengers that Somalia’s electronic travel authorisation would not be accepted.
The situation has drawn international attention. On 16 September, Germany issued guidance advising its citizens travelling to Hargeisa, Berbera, Borama, Burao, or Erigavo to follow Somaliland’s entry rules rather than Somalia’s e-visa procedure.
The e-visa rollout has intensified disputes between Somalia’s federal government and its autonomous regions over authority. Puntland’s Information Minister Mahmoud Aydiid Dirir described the system as “illegal,” arguing that regional states have the right to regulate their own airports unless an agreement is reached.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised internationally, maintains its own government, security forces, and immigration policies. The disagreement highlights the ongoing political divide between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, creating uncertainty for travellers and airlines navigating conflicting rules.
