Puntland Refuses to Implement Somalia’s E-Visa, Demands Separate Entry Fees
GAROWE, Puntland – In a move highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and its member states, the Puntland regional government has announced its refusal to implement Somalia’s newly launched national e-visa system. Instead, the northeastern state is demanding the authority to collect its own separate entry fees from international visitors.
The dispute centers on the digital visa platform, a initiative by the Federal Government in Mogadishu intended to streamline the immigration process and centralize revenue collection from travelers. The system was designed to be implemented at all of the country’s official ports of entry.
However, Puntland authorities have rejected the system, arguing that it infringes upon the region’s autonomy and its right to manage its own resources and generate independent revenue. This stance is consistent with Puntland’s long-standing position on fiscal federalism, where it has often clashed with Mogadishu over the control of finances and international agreements.
By demanding a separate fee structure, Puntland is asserting its claim to directly benefit from the economic activity within its borders, including tourism and international travel through its main airports and seaports, such as Garowe and Bosaso.
This latest development threatens to create a fragmented immigration policy for travelers entering Somalia, potentially causing confusion and logistical challenges for airlines and visitors. A person flying directly into Garowe, for instance, could face a different set of entry requirements and fees than someone landing in Mogadishu.
Analysts see this as another significant test for Somalia’s fragile federal structure. The standoff over the e-visa system is not an isolated incident but part of a broader political struggle over resource-sharing, power distribution, and the interpretation of the nation’s federal constitution.
As of now, the Federal Government has not issued an official public response to Puntland’s declaration. The outcome of this impasse will be closely watched, as it has direct implications for national unity, security, and Somalia’s efforts to present a cohesive face to the international community.
