Somalia and Tanzania agree on visa-free travel and migration coordination
The two governments agreed to enhance coordination between relevant agencies on migration management and border security.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) — Somalia and Tanzania have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation on migration management and facilitating travel between the two countries, officials said.
The agreement was signed by Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, known as Fartaag, and Tanzania’s Minister of Home Affairs, Patrobas Paschal Katambi. Senior immigration officials from both countries attended the ceremony, including Somalia’s Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Mustafe Sheikh Cali Dhuxulow, and Tanzania’s immigration official Dr. Anna P. Makakala.
Under the deal, the two governments agreed to enhance coordination between relevant agencies on migration management and border security. The MoU also provides for visa-free travel for diplomats and government officials, while citizens traveling on ordinary passports will receive visas within 24 hours.Officials said the arrangement is designed to streamline the movement of people and promote closer ties in diplomacy, security and trade.
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“This step will promote tourism, investment, education exchange and business mobility, while strengthening institutional cooperation and enhancing people-to-people connections between our two countries,” Somalia’s internal security minister said. He added that direct flights between Somalia and Tanzania agreed upon last year are expected to begin soon, further deepening economic and social ties.
Both sides pledged to swiftly implement the provisions of the agreement, emphasizing that expedited visa processing will support commercial activity and strengthen regional integration.
Somali officials described Tanzania as a valued partner in advancing regional cooperation and stability, reaffirming Mogadishu’s commitment to expanding collaboration in security, trade, investment, aviation and broader bilateral engagement.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.