Turkey Visa RequirementsFor Somalia passport holders
Somali passport holders require a visa to enter Turkey, applied for at the Turkish embassy, with Turkey maintaining one of the strongest bilateral relationships with Somalia among any country globally.
Somalia passport holders require a visa to enter Turkey.
Apply at the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa. The e-Visa system is not available to Somali passport holders. The visa fee is approximately USD 60. Processing is typically 3 to 7 business days. The Mogadishu embassy is one of the most active Turkish missions for Somali applicants and is generally efficient.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Somalia to Turkey: What You Need to Know
Turkey has made substantial investments in Somalia, including a military base, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure projects. The Turkish embassy in Mogadishu is one of the largest Turkish diplomatic missions in Africa and processes a high volume of visa applications for Somali nationals. Turkey also has a Turkish Airlines route connecting Istanbul directly to Mogadishu, reflecting the depth of the bilateral relationship.
Despite this close relationship, Somali passport holders still require a visa to enter Turkey. The Turkish e-Visa system, which is widely used by many nationalities, is not available to Somali citizens. Applications must be made in person at the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa.
Turkey is a significant transit hub for Somali travelers heading to Europe, North America, or other destinations via Istanbul Ataturk or Istanbul Airport. This makes Turkish visa applications particularly important for the Somali diaspora and those with travel ambitions beyond Turkey itself.
Practical Tips
Prepare your application with a completed form, valid passport, two photos, return or onward flight tickets, hotel booking or host invitation, bank statements, and a cover letter. Given the depth of Turkey-Somalia relations, applications are generally assessed with some degree of familiarity with Somali applicants. If using Istanbul as a transit hub, indicate your final destination clearly in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Somali citizens need a visa to enter Turkey?
Yes. Despite close bilateral ties, Somali passport holders require an advance visa to enter Turkey. The e-Visa system is not available to Somali nationals.
Can Somali nationals apply at the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu?
Yes. The Turkish embassy in Mogadishu is one of the largest and most active Turkish missions in Africa and regularly processes visa applications from Somali citizens.
How much does a Turkish visa cost for Somali citizens?
The visa fee is approximately USD 60.
Is Turkey a common transit hub for Somali travelers?
Yes. Istanbul is one of the most important transit hubs for Somali travelers heading to Europe, North America, and other destinations. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights between Istanbul and Mogadishu.