Visa Double-Charge at Garowe Airport Exposes Deep Rift in Somalia’s Federal System
Travelers arriving at Garowe International Airport in Puntland have recently faced an unexpected and costly hurdle: despite holding valid \$64 electronic visas issued by Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS), they are being compelled to pay an additional \$60 for a separate “local visa” mandated by Puntland authorities. This controversial practice has sparked widespread frustration among passengers, many of whom are diaspora Somalis returning home after long absences, and has brought to light the ongoing political tensions between Puntland and Mogadishu over immigration control and revenue collection.
The Federal Government of Somalia launched its e-visa system in early September 2025, aiming to modernize visa issuance, enhance border security, and centralize revenue collection. This digital platform requires all foreign nationals, including Somali diaspora and dual citizens, to apply online and pay a \$64 fee before traveling. The system was hailed as a major step forward in streamlining entry procedures and improving transparency across the country’s borders.
However, Puntland’s regional administration has refused to recognize the federal e-visa at Garowe International Airport, insisting that all travelers must also purchase a separate local visa upon arrival. This additional \$60 fee effectively doubles the cost of entry for visitors to Puntland, creating confusion, long queues, and financial strain for many families. Some passengers have reported spending hundreds of dollars more than anticipated just to clear immigration formalities.
This dual visa requirement is more than a bureaucratic inconvenience—it is a manifestation of Puntland’s assertion of autonomy within Somalia’s fragile federal system. Since declaring itself an autonomous region in 1998, Puntland has maintained a degree of self-governance, including control over its own immigration policies and revenue streams. The imposition of a local visa fee serves both as a political statement rejecting federal consolidation and as a vital source of income for Puntland’s administration.
The dispute underscores the constitutional ambiguity surrounding immigration authority in Somalia. While the federal constitution grants the central government overarching powers, it also emphasizes negotiated power-sharing with Federal Member States like Puntland. The lack of clear legal frameworks has left room for competing claims, with Puntland prioritizing local control and revenue retention, and the federal government pushing for centralized regulation and fiscal transparency.
For travelers, especially members of the Somali diaspora eager to reconnect with family and homeland, the situation is deeply frustrating. Many feel caught in the crossfire of political rivalry, forced to pay twice and endure administrative hurdles that undermine trust in both governments. One passenger described the experience as “daylight extortion,” highlighting the emotional and financial toll on ordinary citizens.
Garowe International Airport itself has undergone recent renovations to improve facilities and meet international standards, positioning it as a key gateway for Puntland and northeastern Somalia. Yet, the ongoing visa conflict threatens to tarnish the airport’s reputation and deter visitors, potentially stalling the region’s efforts to boost tourism and economic development.
The broader implications for Somalia’s travel and tourism sector are significant. The visa dispute risks discouraging international tourists and diaspora travelers alike, undermining the country’s nascent tourism revival and the vital remittance flows that support local economies. It also highlights the urgent need for dialogue and legal clarity to harmonize immigration policies and revenue sharing between the federal government and regional states.
Resolving this impasse will require political will and compromise, balancing Puntland’s desire for autonomy with the federal government’s mandate to unify and modernize Somalia’s immigration system. Until then, travelers passing through Garowe face the burden of navigating a complex and costly visa landscape, a stark reminder of the challenges Somalia must overcome on its path to stability and growth.
