Turkiye denies reports of new Somali visa restrictions on Turkish citizens

Türkiye and Somalia enjoy cordial bilateral relations

Mogadishu (HOL) — Türkiye’s Presidential Center for Combating Disinformation has denied social media reports claiming Somalia has imposed new visa restrictions on Turkish citizens.

In a statement on Monday, the center said visa and travel arrangements between Türkiye and Somalia remain unchanged and that citizens of both countries continue to travel under existing rules.

advertisements “There are no new restrictions or legal changes to the visa arrangements between the two countries,” the statement said.

The center described the reports as false and said they were aimed at damaging relations and cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia. It urged the public to rely on official institutions for updates on visa requirements and travel regulations.

Türkiye has become one of Somalia’s closest international partners since Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, then prime minister, visited Mogadishu during the 2011 famine. Ankara has since provided humanitarian and development assistance and invested in health, education and infrastructure projects. Turkish companies also operate Mogadishu’s international airport and seaport.

Security cooperation has also expanded. The two countries signed a defense and economic cooperation framework agreement in February 2024, building on years of Turkish training and support for Somali security forces.

Türkiye has also played a diplomatic role in the Horn of Africa, facilitating talks between Somalia and Ethiopia that led to the Ankara Declaration in December 2024, in which the two countries reaffirmed respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.