Privacy Policy
This website provides information and services related to the Somalia Electronic Travel Authorization (eTAS). This Privacy Policy explains how your personal data is collected, used, and protected when planning your visit to the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Definitions
Applicable Privacy Laws: All relevant data protection and privacy laws, including the laws of the Federal Republic of Somalia and, where applicable, foreign laws (for example, the GDPR) and other regulatory requirements.
Personal Data: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (data subject).
Privacy Authorities: The relevant supervisory authority(ies) with responsibility for privacy or data protection matters overseeing the application of applicable Privacy Laws in Somalia.
Process / Processing: Any operation performed on personal data, whether automated or not, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure, or destruction.
Controller: The Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Federal Republic of Somalia.
Processor: Authorized service providers engaged by ICA to process personal data on ICA’s behalf and instructions.
Security
This website is operated by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Technical and organizational measures are implemented to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your information. ICA maintains procedures that enable travellers to exercise their rights under applicable laws. Where legally required, rights requests are handled free of charge.
Collecting information
Information is collected under applicable Somali immigration laws and regulations to determine identity and eligibility to travel. Only the personal data necessary to process your application is requested. Providing the requested information is voluntary; however, failure to provide it will prevent processing of your eTAS and you may be unable to travel to Somalia.
Use of information
Information you provide is used exclusively to process your Somalia eTAS application in accordance with Somali immigration laws and applicable Privacy Laws. A valid eTAS is required for travellers to Somalia, subject to exemptions defined by Somali regulations.
Information collected
- Identity documentation: Passport details (number, expiry date), scan/photo of the identity page; surname and given names.
- Photo: A recent photograph suitable for use in identification.
- Contact information: Phone number and email address; country of permanent residence.
- Trip information: Expected travel date(s), airline/flight details, points of departure/arrival, address(es) in Somalia, accommodation details.
- Additional information (case-by-case): Financial documentation; vaccination/test certificates (e.g., yellow fever if applicable); medical referral letters; conference or employment-related documentation; supporting documents for resettlement; invitations from companies or family/hosts; identification or permit details of sponsors/hosts; diplomatic documentation and official letters for eligible categories.
- Payment information: Payment method details necessary to process the application fee. Card details are not stored after transaction completion.
Sharing information
Personal data may be shared with duly authorized officers of Somali government departments and agencies, or their authorized representatives, on a need-to-know basis and where legally permitted. Personal data is not shared with airport or airline staff beyond what is necessary for verifying travel authorization status.
Storage of information
Personal data is protected in accordance with Somali law and, where applicable, foreign privacy laws. Information submitted through the eTAS system is subject to strict privacy and security controls. Records are retained in accordance with legal requirements and securely deleted or anonymized when retention is no longer necessary.
Safety of payment information
The eTAS system does not retain card numbers after transactions are processed. The payment implementation is designed to be compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to help protect against fraud and data breaches.
Access to your personal data
You may request access to personal data held about you within the eTAS system, and where applicable, request correction or update. To make a request, contact the ICA using the details below. Deletion may not be possible where data must be retained for law enforcement, border security, or legal compliance. Ensure correctness of all data before submission.
Rejection of your eTAS application
If your eTAS application is denied, you may not be authorized to travel to Somalia. For assistance, contact support using the details below.
Questions regarding this Privacy Policy
Data Controller: Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Federal Republic of Somalia.
Email: visa.dept@immigration.gov.so or support@etas.gov.so
ICA will review and respond to privacy requests within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with applicable laws.