Somalia has begun enforcing a nationwide requirement for passengers travelling on domestic flights to carry a NIRA national ID card or identification certificate, with reports of flight disruptions between Mogadishu and Garowe.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somalia on Thursday began enforcing a new requirement for passengers travelling on domestic flights to carry a national identity card or certificate issued by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
The measure, which took effect nationwide on October 1, was introduced by the federal government as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve the monitoring of movements within the country.
The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency urged citizens travelling between regions to obtain and carry their NIRA identification card or a national identity certificate before travelling.
“Starting October 1, 2026, the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency informs all citizens travelling to different regions of the country to carry their National Identification Card or Identification Certificate,” the agency said in a statement.
The requirement applies to passengers using domestic air services, making NIRA identification an important document for travellers moving between Somalia’s major cities.
The new rule has already affected some domestic flights, with reports that several flights between Mogadishu and Garowe were cancelled or disrupted on Thursday morning over issues linked to the implementation of the NIRA requirement.
The reported disruptions come as Somalia’s federal government continues to push for nationwide implementation of the national identification system, which officials say is intended to provide a unified system for identifying citizens and residents.
The NIRA system is also expected to support the delivery of government services and improve the ability of authorities to verify individuals across the country.
However, implementation of the national ID system remains politically sensitive, particularly in Puntland, which has opposed efforts by the federal National Identification and Registration Authority to establish operations in the region.
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Puntland has previously rejected the establishment of a NIRA office in its territory, creating difficulties for residents seeking to obtain the national identity card.
The disagreement forms part of wider political tensions between Puntland and the federal government over issues including federal authority, constitutional arrangements and the management of national institutions.
The federal government has maintained that national identification is a countrywide system and has moved ahead with measures to make the document increasingly necessary for access to services and travel.
For passengers, the new requirement means travellers on domestic routes are expected to present valid NIRA identification or an identification certificate when travelling.
The introduction of the rule could have a significant impact on domestic air travel, particularly on routes linking Mogadishu with regional capitals, where passengers frequently travel for business, government work, family visits and other purposes.
Authorities have called on citizens to comply with the new requirement and obtain the necessary identification documents before travelling.
The government’s decision comes as Somalia continues efforts to establish a unified national identification system, while political disagreements between Mogadishu and some regional administrations remain unresolved.
The authorities have not indicated whether passengers without NIRA documents will face a temporary grace period or other arrangements during the initial phase of implementation.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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