Somalia e-visa breach exposes personal data of 35,000 applicants, including US and UK citizens
The US embassy could not confirm whether any specific applicant's information was compromised, but urged all e-visa users to stay vigilant for signs of identity theft.
Somalia's e-visa system has suffered a major security breach that may have exposed the personal information of at least 35,000 applicants, including potentially thousands of US citizens, the American embassy in Mogadishu has warned.
In a statement posted on its official website, the US embassy in Somalia said the data leak includes names, photos, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses of applicants.
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"On November 11, 2025, multiple sources reported credible allegations that unidentified hackers penetrated Somalia's e-visa system, potentially exposing the personal data of at least 35,000 people, including possibly thousands of U.S. citizens," the statement, seen by The Eastleigh Voice, reads.
"Leaked data from the breach included visa applicants' names, photos, dates and places of birth, email addresses, marital status, and home addresses."
Stay vigilant
The US embassy could not confirm whether any specific applicant's information was compromised, but urged all e-visa users to stay vigilant for signs of identity theft.
"While Embassy Mogadishu is unable to confirm whether an individual's data is part of the breach, individuals who have applied for a Somali e-visa may be affected," the embassy said.
The UK government has also cautioned its citizens about the risk, urging them to exercise care while using Somalia's e-visa platform.
"There are reports of a data breach affecting Somalia's eVisa system. This data breach is ongoing and could expose any personal data you enter into the system. An eVisa is required before travelling to Somalia. Consider the risks before applying," the UK government said in a statement.
Somalia's e-visa system now requires all travellers—including those visiting the semi-autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland—to apply online before arrival.
While the system is intended to simplify border procedures, some travellers have reported being charged twice for the same visa, sparking frustration and complaints.
The rollout has also intensified tensions with Somaliland, which runs its own administration but is not internationally recognised.
Authorities in Hargeisa have rejected Somalia's e-visa, insisting travellers can obtain visas on arrival and warning that the online system may put personal data at risk.
Reports indicate the standoff has left passengers stranded at airports and forced airlines to choose between complying with Mogadishu or Hargeisa, further complicating travel in the region.
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