Schengen visa for citizens of Somalia in 2023

If you are a citizen or resident of Somalia and you are planning a trip to Europe, you should apply for a Schengen visa in order to enjoy the best experience. If you successfully receive a Schengen visa from Somalia, you will be allowed to spend up to 90 days in Schengen area; a vast association of 26 European countries that includes Spain, Germany, Italy and France; some of the most popular travel and business destinations in the world. Applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from Somalia involves filling out a number of required documents and meeting the rest of the Schengen visa requirements for Somalia citizens. If you are interested in applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from Somalia, this blog will provide you with all the information you need. Read on to discover the Schengen visas and types for Somalia passport holders, the Schengen visa fees for Somalia citizens, and for detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a Schengen visa for Somalia. In addition, you can find answers to questions like, “Where do you apply for Schengen visa?”

How to apply

• 1. Determine when to apply 
  • You should apply for a Schengen visa from Somalia at least three weeks before you go on your trip, as the processing time for a Schengen visa is about three weeks. However, make sure you don’t apply too earlier (i.e. more than six months before you want to fly). 
  • Applicants should have a general idea of when they want to travel, so that they give themselves enough time to gather their required and supplemental documents and meet the other eligibility requirements. 
• 2. Determine what type of visa you need 
  • Your reason for traveling will determine the type of visa you should apply for. There are over ten different types of Schengen visas; business, medical, and tourism are some of the most commonly available. 
  • For a full list of visas and types for Somalia passport holders, click here.
• 3. Determine what entry “category” visa you need 
  • Schengen visas are available in single, double, and multiple entry categories. The category that you select will determine the number of times you can re-enter the Schengen area after you make your fist exit. 
  • Somalis who receive a single-entry Schengen visa will only be able to enter the Schengen area one time during their visa validity period. Once they enter the zone, they will not be allowed back in if they exit it—even if they still have time left on their visa. 
  • Applicants with a double-entry Schengen visa will be allowed two entries into the Schengen area, meaning that you could theoretically enter the Schengen area, fly back to Somalia, and then re-enter the Schengen area one final time before exiting it again. 
  • If you anticipate traveling back and forth from Somalia to the Schengen area during your 90 day visa validity period, you should probably apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa. Unlike single and double entry categories, the multiple Schengen does not place any limits on the number of times you can enter, exit, and re-enter the zone. Because of this, it is idea for travelers who require the flexibility of being able to travel between Somalia and the Schengen area (or who want the peace of mind that comes from the knowledge that your access to the Schengen area is unlimited in nature). 
• 4. Determine what country to apply to 
  • You should apply for your Schengen visa for Somalia from the European country in which you intend to spend the most time in on your trip.  
  • If you are spending the same amount of time in two or more countries (say, for example, you are spending 30 days in the Netherlands and 30 days in Italy—you would apply for a visa from the country that you arrive in first (so if you are spending an equal amount of time in both countries, but if you are flying directly into Amsterdam from Mogadishu, you will apply for a Schengen visa from Holland rather than from Italy. 
• 5. Determine where in Somalia to apply 
  • Where do you apply for a Schengen visa from withing Somalia? Once you know the specific country you are applying to, you should determine where specifically in Somalia you need to apply. 
  • Applicants from Somalia will apply for their Schengen visa from the embassy, consulate or visa application center affiliated with the Schengen country they are applying to. 
  • However, many Schengen countries do not have a consulate presence in Somalia. Because of this, you may have to apply in another country, or through another country that represents their consular interest. 
  • For example, if you are applying for a German Schengen visa, you will have to apply through the German embassy in Nairobi (Kenyan). 
• 6. Gather your required documents 
  • Among the various Schengen visa requirements for Somalia citizens, applicants must submit a number of required and supplemental documents—the following are required of all applicants, regardless of what type of visa they are applying for:
    • Somali passport (or that of another country) 
    • Main Schengen visa application 
    • Schengen visa fee (Schengen visa fees for Somalia citizens are 80 EUR for most applicants. For more information, click here)  
    • Your biometric information 
    • Passport size photos (2) 
    • Proof of accommodation (i.e. proof of where you will reside in the Schengen area) 
    • Proof of subsidence (i.e. proof that that you can financially afford your trip) 
    • Evidence that you have bought travel medical insurance 
  • In addition to the basic required documents outlined above, applicants must also submit a number of supplemental documents, based on the type of visa they are applying for. 
  • For example, if you are applying for a Visiting Friends and Family visa, you will likely have to submit a letter from the person inviting you to the Schengen area. Keep in mind that this letter—and all other basic and supplemental documents—may need to be submitted in a particular language (i.e. the language of the Schengen country you are applying to, English, or another commonly spoken European language) in order to be accepted. For example, if your letter for your Visiting Friends and Family visa is written in Arabic, you will likely need to include a certified translation of that letter into one of the above languages in order for it to be accepted. Check with your application destination (embassy, consulate, application center, etc.) to find out if there are any language requirements for document submissions. 
• 7. Fill out your Schengen visa application form 
  • All applicants must fill out the basic Schengen visa application form. The universal Schengen visa application form is available here. Applicants who apply using this form (which most Schengen countries accept) will print out, fill out, and submit it alongside their completed application at their Schengen visa appointment. 
  • Depending on where you are applying from, you may be able to apply online, through a country-specific form. Most applicants for the Schengen visa for citizens of Somalia choose to apply through a country-specific visa portal when available. 
  • For example, Somali applicants for a Schengen visa from Germany should create an account on the German VIDEX application website, available here. 
  • Somali applicants who apply through country-specific links like the above will often have the opportunity to pay for the visa online, as well as schedule an online visa appointment. 
  • Finally, please keep in mind that even if you apply online, you may still be asked to print out your online application and bring a physical copy of it to your Schengen visa appointment.  
• 8. Schedule a Schengen visa appointment
  • Almost all Schengen countries require that Schengen visa applicants sign up for an online appointment in order to finalize their application. What this means is that in most cases, you cannot simply drop off your application during normal embassy/consulate operating hours—you have to make an appointment to do so. 
  • If you apply online, through a country-specific visa application process, you may receive a prompt to sign up for an appointment. Alternatively, you can reach out to your application destination to find out how to go about scheduling an appointment. 
• 9. Attend your Schengen visa appointment 
  • Unless you have already paid your Schengen visa fee and previously (and frequently) apply for Schengen visas (in which case you are known to the embassy/consulate and your biometric information is already in the Schengen system) you will likely have to attend your Schengen visa appointment in person. 
  • If you have already paid for your visa and you travel to the Schengen area often, you may be able to avoid attending your appointment, where first-time applicants submit their fingerprints and photos (biometric information) pay their Schengen visa fee if they haven’t already, and attend a short interview. 
  • However, all applicants, even those who have previously (and frequently) travelled to the Schengen area, almost always are asked to show up in person to formally submit their application (and even interview again). 
• 10. Await your decision 
  • Most applicants receive a decision on their application in under three weeks, although it can take up to 30-60 days in extreme cases. 
  • If you are accepted, you will receive a notice to pick up your new visa and passport and be on your way. 
  • If you are rejected for the Schengen visa for citizens of Somalia, you can appeal it, by following the general steps outlined here.