Somalia to Require National ID for Passport Applications from September

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali government will require all citizens to present a National Identification Card when applying for a passport starting September 1, in a major move to enhance identity verification and strengthen internal security.

The policy, announced during a joint coordination meeting in Mogadishu, forms part of a broader effort to modernize Somalia’s civil registration and identity systems.

The meeting brought together senior officials from the Immigration and Citizenship Agency and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), and was chaired by Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag.

Officials said the integration of the national ID with passport issuance would make citizen data more reliable and reduce identity fraud, while also improving the international credibility of Somali travel documents.

“Verifiable and secure identity is at the heart of national security and public trust,” said Abdiwali Ali Abdulle Timacadde, Director General of NIRA.

In a further measure, the government announced that from January 1, 2026, all domestic travelers within Somalia will be required to carry a national ID to verify their identity.

Authorities say the new policies will not only help safeguard internal movement but also support better delivery of public services and align Somalia with international standards in identity management and border control.

The government pledged to launch public awareness campaigns and train personnel to ensure a smooth rollout, as immigration and identity authorities work to harmonize data systems across institutions.

For many Somalis, the changes signal a shift toward a more secure and accountable digital future, where access to services, travel, and civic rights begins with a trusted national ID.