Are you a Somali passport holder looking for your next travel destination? Are you tired of the hassle and expense of obtaining visas for each country on your bucket list? Well, we have good news for you! There are several visa-free countries that welcome Somali travelers with open arms. Therefore, grab your passport and get ready to explore new cultures and experiences without the stress of visa applications. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the best destinations where Somali citizens can enter without a visa. Let’s dive in!
History of Somali
Somali history dates back to the early centuries AD when the Somali people were a part of the ancient Arab world. After being colonized by the British, Somalia experienced a period of unrest and civil war from 1991-2006. As a result, Somalia has been ranked as one of the most dangerous countries in the world. However, recent years have seen significant progress made in terms of both socioeconomic development and security.
Somalia has been making strides in its economic development, with growth rates averaging 6% over the past two years. This is largely due to increased investment and foreign direct investment flows into Somalia’s economy. Additionally, stability and security have improved since 2011, which has led to an increase in tourism and remittance flows. In 2017 alone, remittance inflows reached $1.2 billion – an increase of 139% from 2016.
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What is a Somalian Passport?
The Somali passport is an international travel document that offers its holders visa-free access to several countries. The passport was first issued in 1996 and has since been updated several times to include new security features. The passport is valid for 10 years and can be used for travel to all 193 member states of the United Nations.
To qualify for a Somali passport, you must be a national of Somalia and must have a valid identification card or a valid passport from one of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Cameroon, Chad, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq (Republic of), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, etc.
How to Get a Somalian Passport
If you are a citizen of Somalia and want to travel to any of the visa-free countries, you will need a passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your planned departure from the country. Additionally, it’s important to note that not all countries require a visa in advance of traveling. The following steps will help you get a Somali passport:
- Visit your nearest Somali embassy or consulate office to schedule an appointment for an application form and photo ID card.
- Complete and submit the application form along with your photo ID card.
- Pay the applicable fees (which can vary depending on which consulate or embassy you visit).
- Return the completed application form and photo ID card to your nearest Somali embassy or consulate office for processing.
- Keep a copy of your passport application form and photo ID card for your records.
- Once your Somali passport has been issued, make sure to bring it with you when traveling abroad so that you don’t have any problems entering the country of destination.
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Benefits of Somalian Passport Visa-Free Countries
- A Relaxed Travel Experience:
Somalia is a safe country to visit, with minimal security concerns. The locals are friendly and welcoming, making it easy to get along with them while you’re in the country. There’s no need to worry about being pickpocketed or robbed on your trip – everything is quite safe here.
- Friendly Locals:
In many of the visa-free Somali destinations, locals are extremely hospitable towards foreign tourists. They will happily show you around their city or town, introduce you to their friends and family members, and provide you with interesting information about the area. This makes for an unforgettable travel experience that you’ll never forget.
- Variety of Attractions:
If you’re looking for something different on your vacation than what mainstream tourism has to offer, head over to one of the visa-free Somali destinations. You’ll find amazing wildlife safaris as well as spectacularly scenic landscapes that will amaze you. There’s always
Tips for hassle-free International Travel with a Somalian Passport
- Be aware of the dates of the latest visa exemption period. Most countries have a 90 or 180-day exemption period, so be sure to check the embassy website or contact the consulate before your trip.
- Make sure that all of your paperwork is in order. Include your passport, visa application form (if required), and two passport-sized photographs.
- Remember that you will need to carry your passport with you at all times when traveling to a visa-free country. If you lose your passport, you will not be able to travel until you can get a new one.
- Keep copies of all of your documents for future reference. If something goes wrong while traveling, having copies of your documents will make it easier for you to get things sorted out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Somalia a visa-free country?
A: Somalia has been designated a visa-free country by the European Union and Schengen Area countries as part of efforts to promote regional cooperation and solidarity. The designation also aims to contribute to the fight against terrorism and organized crime.
Q: How long does it take to obtain a Somali passport?
A: It takes 10 days for an applicant to receive a passport after submitting all required documents at the embassy or consulate.
Q: What are the requirements for obtaining a Somali passport?
A: The following are the requirements for obtaining a Somali passport: an original, valid passport with at least six months remaining before its expiry date; two recent photographs (4×6 inches) taken within 30 days of application; proof of citizenship (national ID card, driver’s license, voter’s registration card, or birth certificate); and payment of fees amounting to $60.