Somali Visa Photo

Preparing the Identity Image for Somalia’s Entry Authorisation

Somalia’s federal entry-authorisation process uses eVisa/eTAS for travellers who need advance permission. The Immigration and Citizenship Agency announced the system in September 2025, moving the application review before departure. For the applicant, the photograph is one part of the identity evidence associated with the journey; it should remain distinct from a scan of the passport’s biographical page. Use the visa finder to orient the entry question, then follow the current official application instructions for the route you will actually use.

When the application requests a portrait, prepare a clear digital photograph showing a current recognisable likeness. The photo preparation guide, background, facial expression and photo quality guides explain useful preparation without inventing an upload size or file limit that the public announcement does not specify. Check the exact technical instructions displayed by the application before submitting. A photograph copied out of a passport scan may be less useful than a clean original portrait, especially if the scan contains reflections or security-pattern interference.

The civil aviation authority has published exemptions for some travellers, including specified passport nationalities and certain existing permissions. Do not assume that one broad announcement settles every case, or that a Somali passport application and a foreign visitor’s eTA use the same photo workflow. Confirm the applicable entry process with the authority or the office located through the embassy and consulate directory. The detailed photo requirements below support image preparation; the entry rules, passport and journey details determine whether an authorisation is needed and which application must accompany that image.