Friday May 15, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency said passport applicants will be required to have a national identity card or proof of registration starting July 1, 2026, as the government moves to strengthen citizen identification and link public services.
The agency said on Thursday Somali citizens who do not have a National Identification and Registration Authority card, known as a NIRA ID, or a certificate confirming registration, will not be allowed to apply for a Somali passport after the deadline.
The ICA urged citizens to register and obtain national identity documents before the requirement takes effect.
Officials said the decision is part of a wider federal effort to improve identity verification, reduce fraud and connect government services through a unified national registration system.
The agency also announced a separate change to the passport application process. Beginning May 13, 2026, applicants will be required to submit only copies of supporting documents. Original documents will be checked and returned to their owners.
Immigration officials said the change is intended to make services easier for citizens while protecting important personal documents from loss or damage during the application process.
