Somaliland has announced that it will no longer be possible to enter its territory with a visa or travel permit issued by Somalia. Somaliland has also tightened controls at its borders and strengthened immigration monitoring.

The Department of Immigration and Border Control said: “Visas or travel permits issued in Somalia are not accepted for entry into the Republic of Somaliland. The documents will not be accepted at any border crossing into Somaliland.”

The directive stated that individuals presenting the documents will be denied entry into Somaliland; legal procedures should be followed in accordance with the country's immigration regulations.

The guidelines clarified the acceptable entry procedures for foreigners wishing to visit Somaliland.

This is done through a visa on arrival at Hargeisa Egal International Airport or Berbera International Airport, and by applying for a visa in advance at the nearest Somaliland embassy, mission or consulate.

It also stated that the offices accredited for priority applications include those located in Kenya, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Taiwan, Turkey, Djibouti and other accredited locations.