Somalia suspends ‘Visa on arrival’ for Kenyans
Dec 8, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — Kenyans travelling to Somalia will now be required to apply for Visa in advance at the Somalia embassy in Nairobi as following the suspension of Visas on arrival for Kenyan citizens.
Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta holding a press conference with the Somalian President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed(Photo credit: supplied)
Somalia’s immigration and citizenship authority made the announcement in a statement on Monday adding that the directive will take effect from December 13.
Holders of diplomatic passports were not spared either as they must also obtain prior approval from Somalia’s foreign affairs ministry, the agency’s statement said.
The circular continued that the move is “in line with the federal government’s policy of ensuring security, improving migration management and reducing the risks of COVID-19 infections.”
The announcement follows strained relations between Kenya and Somalia after the latter accused Nairobi of meddling with her internal affairs. Kenya has denied the allegations.
The two countries are also engaged in a maritime border dispute. Somalia has rejected Kenya’s request to have the matter settled out of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Despite the differences, the two countries share a common foe – terrorist group Al shabab.
Kenya is one of the countries contributing troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the AU’s peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa country.
The latest move comes weeks after Somalia reopened its Nairobi embassy premises, ten years after Mogadishu won a court case against a private Kenyan businessman who had bought it during the civil war.
Somalia resumed international flights on 3rd August this year after temporarily banning the flights four and a half months ago to limit the spread of COVID-19. Travelers entering the country will require a certificate showing that they tested negative for the Coronavirus, issued at least three days before their arrival.