E-Visa Scandal: Bribery in Mogadishu Targeting Somaliland and Puntland Travelers

By Abdi-Haybe Blogs, Independent Reporter – 14 December 2025

Introduction

The Somali electronic visa (E-Visa) system has officially suspended its direct online service after reports emerged that the previous system had been hacked. It has now been replaced with a manual process rife with corruption and bribery, affecting travelers worldwide.

> “This is a deliberate act of robbery and exploitation against the people of Somaliland, but it will not last long. At the same time, it clearly exposes the oppression and corruption of the Mogadishu administration.”

— Eng. Abdulkadir Mohamoud Sugal

Global Impact on Somaliland and Puntland Citizens

Travelers from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa attempting to obtain Somalia visas have reported that the new manual process requires them to fill out forms by hand and submit official payments, yet the visa is only issued after paying an additional illegal bribe.

“Somalia’s E-Visa was already inappropriate for those traveling to Somaliland, but now it has become a tool for financial exploitation. Staff handling visas in Mogadishu demand extra money to release them.”

— Affected traveler

Targeting Somaliland and Puntland Travelers

Investigations confirm that bribes are specifically demanded from those traveling to Somaliland and Puntland, while the system itself was already a violation against the rights of Somalilanders.

The Mogadishu administration has turned the E-Visa into a personal revenue source, with officials using it as a means of illicit income. Travelers are required to pay “extra fees” for their visas to be sent via WhatsApp or email, illustrating the lack of fairness and transparency.

Expert Analysis: Eng. Abdulkadir Mohamoud Sugal

Eng. Sugal, a Somaliland technology and international relations expert, described the situation as “an undeniable scandal”. He confirmed that this corruption directly affected his family living in North America and Europe.

“Anyone applying for a visa should only pay the official fee, but when additional money is demanded directly by E-Visa staff, it constitutes an illegal bribe that damages the credibility of the system,” said Eng. Sugal.

He urges the Somaliland government to publicly establish a policy to prevent abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, defending the rights of Somaliland citizens.

International Appeal

Eng. Sugaal has also addressed ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), IATA (International Air Transport Association), and the United Nations, stating that Somalilanders should not be forced to use Somali E-Visas, as Somaliland is a self-governing entity established in 1991 and is not part of Somalia.

“Somaliland has its own government, constitution, and airports. It is illegal to require Somalilanders to obtain a Somali visa. ICAO and IATA must urgently address this issue,” he emphasized.

He further stressed that the UN must respect the will and decision of the Somaliland people, expressed clearly since 1991:

“The UN must recognize that Somaliland is based on the will of its people and cannot be subjected to political or legal directives from Mogadishu.”

Call to Action

Eng. Sugal also called on international airlines to take full responsibility, ensuring that Somalilanders can freely travel within their own country without being forced to comply with Mogadishu-imposed directives.

This report highlights how Somalia’s E-Visa system has become a financial tool used to discriminate against travelers from Somaliland and Puntland, undermining trust in official digital systems.

Sources

Citizens from Somaliland and Puntland living in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa (2025)

Interview with Eng. Abdulkadir Mohamoud Sugal, technology and international relations expert

Independent investigation by Abdi-Haybe Blogs (December 2025)