Somalia at a glance
| Visit with an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | No: a visitor visa is needed |
| E-1 treaty trader visa | Not available |
| E-2 treaty investor visa | Not available |
| Own line in the Visa Bulletin | No: worldwide line |
| Green card lottery (last published list, DV-2026) | Eligible |
| Entry restrictions | Full: most visas suspended |
| Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | Terminated |
| Where visas are processed | There are no visa services in Somalia; Somalis are directed to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya for both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. |
Green card lottery: registration for DV-2027 had not opened as of mid-October 2026. A federal court ordered the State Department to open it, and that order may be appealed.
What is specific to Somalia right now
- Under Proclamation 10998 (in effect as of October 2026), U.S. visa issuance to Somali nationals is fully suspended for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including spouses and children of U.S. citizens, with only narrow exceptions such as dual nationals traveling on another passport.
- TPS for Somalia was terminated, with the designation ending August 14, 2026.
- Somalia was on the State Department's January 2026 immigrant-visa pause for 75 countries, which a federal court set aside in August 2026 while the government's appeal is pending.
Common U.S. immigration paths for people from Somalia
AsylumProtection for people who fear persecution in their home countryRemoval defenseWhat to know if you have a case in immigration courtTPSTemporary protection for nationals of designated countriesRefugee/asylee familyBring your spouse and children to join you (Form I-730)Family petitionSponsor children, adult sons and daughters, or siblingsImmigration waiversForgiveness for unlawful presence, past removal and other bars
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Can people from Somalia visit the U.S. with an ESTA?
No. Somalia is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) from a U.S. embassy or consulate is usually needed.
Can people from Somalia get an E-2 investor visa?
Not on Somalia nationality alone: there is no E-2 treaty between Somalia and the United States. Some people qualify through a second nationality from a treaty country, or use other paths such as EB-5.
Can people from Somalia enter the green card lottery?
Somalia was eligible in the last published program (DV-2026). Eligibility is set again every year, so check the official instructions when registration opens.
Where do people from Somalia have their visa interview?
There are no visa services in Somalia; Somalis are directed to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya for both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.
Can I work with a U.S. attorney while I am still in Somalia?
Yes. MyUSVisa works online: you tell your story from anywhere, licensed U.S. immigration attorneys review it and send proposals, and you choose. This works before you travel or once you are already in the United States.
More countries in Africa
Last checked by the MyUSVisa team and counsel in October 2026. Country rules change often, especially entry restrictions, TPS and parole programs. Always verify on travel.state.gov and uscis.gov, or ask your attorney.
MyUSVisa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.