Türkiye has excluded Somalia from the list of African countries eligible for its electronic visa (e-Visa) system, according to a report by Garowe Online. The change means Somali citizens can no longer obtain a visa online for travel to Türkiye and must instead apply through Turkish embassies or consulates.
The e-Visa programme, launched to streamline entry procedures for tourists and business travellers, previously included Somalia among its eligible African nations. The removal is effective immediately, though no official reason has been provided by Turkish authorities.
Somalia joins a small number of countries worldwide that are not part of Türkiye's e-Visa system. The shift is expected to affect Somali travellers planning leisure or business trips to Türkiye, adding processing time and requiring in-person applications.
Türkiye's e-Visa system covers over 100 countries, allowing eligible passport holders to apply online and receive a visa within minutes. The programme has been a key tool in boosting tourism arrivals, particularly from African markets where Türkiye has been expanding its diplomatic and commercial ties.
The exclusion of Somalia comes amid broader adjustments to Türkiye's visa policies. In recent months, Ankara has revised entry requirements for several nationalities, citing security and reciprocity concerns.
Why it matters
For travel trade professionals, the removal of Somalia from the e-Visa list introduces friction for a source market that had been gaining traction. Tour operators and DMCs serving Somali clients or organising group travel from East Africa will need to factor in longer lead times for visa processing. The change may also dampen demand from Somalia, a country with a growing diaspora and business travel links to Türkiye. While the overall impact on Türkiye's inbound tourism is likely small, it signals a tightening of visa access that could extend to other nations, warranting close monitoring by industry stakeholders.
