Somalia Tightens Passport Rules, Makes National ID Mandatory

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency has said Somali citizens will be required to present a National Identification Card or proof of registration with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in order to obtain a Somali passport starting July 1, 2026.

The agency said the new measure is aimed at strengthening identity verification and improving the integrity of Somalia’s passport issuance system as the government accelerates nationwide identification reforms.

Under the new rules, applicants who do not possess a NIRA-issued national ID card must provide an official certificate confirming registration for the card before being allowed to apply for a passport.

It urged citizens who have not yet enrolled in the national identification system to complete the registration process early to avoid delays or disruptions in future passport applications.

The agency also announced updated documentation procedures requiring all passport applicants to submit photocopies of supporting documents, while original documents will be returned after verification. The new documentation rules took effect on May 13.

The move marks a significant step in Somalia’s broader efforts to modernize state institutions, improve population records and strengthen national security through centralized identity management systems.

For Somalia, the integration of the national ID system into passport services is expected to improve transparency, reduce identity fraud and enhance confidence in Somali travel documents internationally.

The reforms also come as the federal government increases digital governance initiatives and public sector modernization efforts following years of institutional rebuilding after decades of conflict and administrative fragmentation.

Somalia has in recent years expanded efforts to establish a unified national identification framework through National Identification and Registration Authority as part of wider state-building and governance reforms supported by international partners.