Security Breach in Somalia’s E-Visa System Exposes Sensitive Traveler Data
Ethiomonitor -Addis Ababa
November 11, 2025
Somalia’s electronic visa (E-Visa) system has suffered a significant security breach, leading to the unauthorized exposure of personal information belonging to international travelers. Operational since September 1, 2025, the system collected sensitive data, including passport details from travelers hailing from the U.K., U.S., and EU countries, as well as dates and places of birth, biometric identifiers such as eye color and height, and other personal information.
Initial reports suggest that sensitive data was stored on personal devices rather than within secured government infrastructure. Additionally, the E-Visa process is managed by a private company, which has contributed to vulnerabilities in safeguarding this information.
The breach has resulted in millions of records becoming publicly accessible, including passport numbers, biometric data, and various personal identifiers. Cybersecurity experts have described this incident as one of the most significant exposures of international traveler data in recent years.
As of now, Somali authorities have not provided official information regarding containment measures, notification of affected individuals, or actions to enhance the security of the E-Visa system.
