Claim: Reports circulating on social media and some media outlets claim that the Federal Government of Somalia has imposed new visa restrictions on Turkish citizens travelling to Somalia.
Verdict: False! There is no evidence that Somalia has introduced new visa restrictions specifically targeting Turkish citizens. Türkiye’s official Center for Countering Disinformation (DMM) says there has been no change to the existing travel conditions or reciprocal visa regime between Somalia and Türkiye.
Full Text
In recent days, claims have circulated on social media and in some media reports alleging that Somalia has imposed visa restrictions on Turkish citizens.
The claims suggested that Turkish nationals seeking to travel to Somalia were facing new restrictions or changes to entry requirements.
The reports attracted attention online, particularly in Türkiye, where some social media accounts presented the alleged measure as a new development in relations between Somalia and Türkiye.
On September 18, 2026, Caasimada Online reported on the controversy and cited an official response from Türkiye rejecting the allegations.
Due to the potential of the claim to mislead the public about Somalia’s immigration rules and bilateral relations with Türkiye, Somali Fact Check reviewed official information and the statement issued by Türkiye’s Center for Countering Disinformation. Read the Caasimada Online report
🔍 Verification
Somali Fact Check reviewed the statement published by the Center for Countering Disinformation (DMM) under the Republic of Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications.
In its statement, DMM categorically rejected claims that Somalia had imposed visa restrictions on Turkish citizens, describing the circulating allegations as manipulative.
According to DMM, there has been no change in the existing conditions governing travel between Türkiye and Somalia. Turkish and Somali citizens continue to be subject to the reciprocal visa arrangements already in force, with no new restrictions or changes to the applicable rules.
The statement was also circulated through official Turkish diplomatic channels in Somalia.
Somalia Already Requires Foreign Visitors to Obtain Entry Authorisation
Somali Fact Check also reviewed information from Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA).
Somalia introduced its Electronic Visa/Electronic Travel Authorisation System (E-Visa/ETAS) on September 1, 2025. Under that system, foreign nationals travelling to Somalia are required to obtain entry authorisation online before travelling.
This is a general immigration requirement for foreign visitors and is not evidence of a new restriction specifically imposed on Turkish citizens. Somalia Immigration and Citizenship Agency — E-Visa/ETAS announcement
Türkiye Also Maintains Visa Requirements for Somali Citizens
The existing arrangement should not be confused with visa-free travel.
According to the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somali ordinary and official passport holders are required to obtain visas to enter Türkiye.
Therefore, the available official evidence supports the DMM’s statement that the two countries continue to operate under their existing visa arrangements rather than a newly introduced Somali restriction targeting Turkish citizens. Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa Information for Foreigners
Conclusion
The claim that Somalia has introduced new visa restrictions targeting Turkish citizens is false.
Türkiye’s official Center for Countering Disinformation has stated that no new restriction or rule change has been introduced and that citizens of both countries remain subject to the existing reciprocal visa regime.
Somalia does require foreign visitors to obtain electronic entry authorisation, but that system has been in effect since September 2025 and applies broadly to foreign nationals. It does not establish that Somalia has recently imposed a special visa restriction on Turkish citizens.
Sources
1. Türkiye’s Center for Countering Disinformation (DMM) — Official statement
DMM statement on X
2. Anadolu Agency — DMM denial of the visa-restriction claim, September 18, 2026
Read the report
3. Caasimada Online — Report on the circulating claim and Türkiye’s response, September 18, 2026
Read the report
4. Somalia Immigration and Citizenship Agency — Electronic Visa/ETAS system
Official E-Visa/ETAS announcement
5. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa requirements
Official visa information
