Somalia to Require National ID for Domestic Travel from October 1

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali citizens travelling within the country will be required to carry a national identification document from October 1, 2026, under a new measure announced by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).

NIRA said passengers travelling between regions will be subject to identity checks and should carry either their National ID card or National Identification Certificate when undertaking domestic journeys.

The measure marks a significant expansion of Somalia’s national identification system, bringing identity verification into routine domestic travel as authorities work towards a unified system for identifying citizens.

NIRA said the requirement follows an agreement reached with the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) on June 30, 2026.

The national identification system is being developed as a central mechanism for verifying citizens and improving access to government and private-sector services.

NIRA is responsible for national identification, while the Immigration and Citizenship Agency handles passports and immigration-related matters.

The new travel requirement means that citizens who have not yet obtained a national identification document may face difficulties when travelling between different parts of the country.

NIRA has therefore urged domestic travellers to obtain and carry their identification documents before beginning their journeys.

The move comes as Somalia continues to build a nationwide digital identity infrastructure intended to provide a single, reliable means of establishing identity for citizens and residents.

Beyond travel, the national ID system is expected to support access to public services and strengthen identity verification across government institutions and the private sector.