Hargeisa, 8 November 2025 – The Somaliland Cabinet Committee, recently appointed by His Excellency President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has announced a definitive four-point policy concerning its national airspace and in response to Somalia’s newly launched e-Visa system.
The government reiterated its longstanding position of exclusive sovereignty over its airspace, land, and sea.
- Rejection of Somalia’s e-Visa
The Republic of Somaliland has declared the e-Visa system introduced by the Federal Government of Somalia null and void within its territory. The statement emphasized that Somaliland operates an independent immigration system.
“Somaliland’s policy is open: we offer a Visa on Arrival,” the government clarified. “Every traveler can obtain their visa upon landing at either Hargeisa Egal International Airport or Berbera International Airport.”
- Regulation of Somaliland Airspace
In a significant move to assert its sovereignty, the government announced that effective 10 November 2025, all aircraft transiting through Somaliland’s upper airspace must hold a valid overflight permit issued directly by its Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development.
The statement warned that any aircraft failing to secure this permission will be denied transit and could face enforcement measures under Somaliland and international aviation law.
- Urgent International Appeal
Somaliland issued a direct appeal to international aviation authorities, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as well as the United Nations and bilateral partners.
The government accuses Somalia of “politicizing civil aviation and airspace management,” turning it into a “weapon” against Somaliland, thereby threatening the safety of commercial and passenger flights.
Somaliland’s demands for immediate action include:
· Restoring neutrality in airspace management in line with international law.
· Correcting an error in IATA’s Timatic database that incorrectly lists Somaliland airports as part of Somalia.
· Finding a lawful solution that recognizes Somaliland’s sovereign control over its territory.
· Establishing a transparent financial mechanism for airspace management, rather than the current system where revenues are directed solely to the Federal Government of Somalia.
· Conducting an independent ICAO assessment of flight and airport management and creating a direct channel for dealing with Somaliland’s civil aviation authorities.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that permission to use Somaliland’s airspace can only be granted by its own Ministry of Aviation, in full compliance with national and international law.
