The United Arab Emirates-based airline reportedly allowed passengers to board flights into the Somaliland capital without obtaining the Somali government’s electronic visa, following the same approach earlier taken by Ethiopian Airlines.
Somalia introduced the e-visa system to centralise control of its borders and consolidate revenue collection from all international arrivals, including those travelling to Somaliland. But authorities in Hargeisa swiftly rejected the directive, instructing airlines serving the region to disregard the rule or face a ban within 15 days.
The standoff underscores the enduring political and administrative rift between Mogadishu and Hargeisa. Although Somaliland has maintained self-rule for over 30 years — complete with its own government, currency, and military — it remains unrecognised as a sovereign state.
By choosing not to enforce the e-visa policy, Flydubai and Ethiopian Airlines have effectively acknowledged Somaliland’s de facto autonomy, undercutting Mogadishu’s effort to project nationwide control. The move also poses financial repercussions for the Somali government, which risks losing potential visa revenue from international visitors entering through Somaliland.
While the federal e-visa requirement continues to be observed across other parts of Somalia, its rejection in Hargeisa signals a broader challenge to Mogadishu’s authority — and a reminder of the fragile balance between federal ambition and regional independence.