Tuesday March 3, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s federal government has begun enforcing a new requirement mandating passengers to present a National Identity Card for all domestic flights, as part of efforts to tighten security and modernize travel oversight.
The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority confirmed that the measure took effect March 1 after a two-month postponement intended to give citizens additional time to obtain the National ID card, commonly known as NIRA.
The policy had originally been scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, but was delayed to allow individuals without identification to complete the registration process.
Authorities say the initiative forms part of a broader institutional reform agenda aimed at modernizing Somalia’s civil registration and identity management systems after decades of conflict that weakened state institutions.
According to NIRA, nearly one million Somalis have so far been issued national identity cards. The agency says the ID system is intended to enhance governance, improve service delivery and bolster national security by creating a centralized and verifiable database of citizens.
The introduction of mandatory identification for domestic air travel marks one of the most visible steps in Somalia’s ongoing effort to rebuild administrative systems and standardize internal mobility procedures.
