Monday November 17, 2025 {HMC} Somalia’s immigration authority has confirmed a security breach in the country’s newly launched E-TAS travel system, exposing the data of some passengers.
The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency said Sunday that unauthorized actors infiltrated the E-TAS platform, prompting officials to immediately shut it down and open an urgent investigation aimed at limiting the damage.
In a statement, the agency said the federal government has formed a national investigative committee composed of security agencies, international forensic experts, and data-protection authorities to examine the breach. A full report will be released once the investigation is complete, detailing the findings and steps the government plans to take to prevent future intrusions.
“The agency regrets this incident and reaffirms that protecting the privacy of our citizens and our national services is our top priority,” the statement said.
The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu warned that personal information belonging to more than 35,000 travelers may have been exposed, after unidentified hackers allegedly compromised Somalia’s electronic visa system. Washington’s warning has deepened scrutiny of the digital platform and raised new questions about the federal government’s ability to secure sensitive data.
Somalia rolled out its mandatory e-visa program on Sept. 1, describing it as a critical step in modernizing immigration controls, strengthening security screening, and improving revenue transparency. All foreign travelers are required to apply online before entering the country.
Somaliland rejected the platform outright, insisting that only visas issued by its own authorities are valid in its territory. Puntland denounced the federal e-visa as “illegal,” arguing that regional administrations not Mogadishu hold authority over airports and border points.
The breach now threatens to deepen those political rifts, casting fresh doubt over a platform the federal government has promoted as a cornerstone of its security and governance reforms.
Source Hiiraan Online
