Three leading aviation organizations and carriers, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), FlyDubai, and Ethiopian Airlines, have updated travel guidance confirming that passengers flying to Somaliland can obtain visas on-arrival at Hargeisa Egal International Airport (HGA) and Berbera Airport (BBO). This move comes in the wake of a significant security alert issued by the United States regarding a breach of Somalia's e-Visa system.

IATA revised its global travel information to emphasize that visa-on-arrival procedures at Somaliland airports are distinct from Somalia's e-Visa process. Hargeisa was explicitly listed as a destination where travelers can receive visas at the airport. Following this, FlyDubai updated its advisory, confirming visas on arrival for both Hargeisa and Berbera, clearly separating Somaliland’s entry requirements from Somalia’s digital system. Ethiopian Airlines later issued a statement confirming that Somalia’s e-Visa platform “does not apply to passengers arriving at Berbera (BBO) or Hargeisa Egal International (HGA),” reinforcing Somaliland's independently managed immigration controls.

The coordinated advisories were prompted by the U.S. Embassy in Somalia, which reported that hackers had successfully accessed Somalia’s e-Visa platform, potentially compromising the personal data of at least 35,000 applicants, including thousands of U.S. citizens. Exposed information included names, passport photos, dates of birth, marital status, email addresses, and home addresses. The U.S. government has urged citizens who used Somalia’s e-Visa system to contact their nearest embassy and monitor for suspicious activity.

These developments highlight Somaliland’s long-standing autonomy in managing its borders, airports, and visa system. The territory is recognized for its stability and straightforward immigration procedures, issuing visas directly at Hargeisa and Berbera without any dependency on Somalia’s systems. The updated guidance from these major aviation players publicly acknowledges Somaliland's distinct sovereignty in border management.

The stark contrast between Somaliland and Somalia has been magnified by the U.S. confirmation of the e-Visa breach in Mogadishu, raising concerns about Somalia's digital security. Airlines and travelers are increasingly prioritizing Somaliland’s secure on-arrival visa system. International aviation databases now list Hargeisa and Berbera as independent entry points, reflecting Somaliland’s reliable and autonomous aviation and border systems. The recent advisories from IATA, FlyDubai, and Ethiopian Airlines validate Somaliland’s status as a safe, well-managed, and trusted destination for international travelers.