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Somalia's Ban on Taiwan-Issued Passports

Somalia has announced a ban on Taiwan-issued passports from entering, exiting or transiting its territory, citing its commitment to the “one China” policy and UN Resolution 2758. The decision, made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Somalia on April 22, will go into effect on April 30. The direct...

Business Insider Africa

published: Apr 30, 2025

Somalia has barred Taiwan passport holders from entering or transiting through the country, a move Taiwan says was politically motivated by Chinese pressure.

Somalia has announced a ban on Taiwan-issued passports from entering, exiting or transiting its territory, citing its commitment to the “one China” policy and UN Resolution 2758. The decision, made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Somalia on April 22, will go into effect on April 30. The directive effectively blocks Taiwanese passport holders from Somalia’s airspace and borders, prompting swift condemnation from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), which claims China influenced the move.

Somalia announced a ban on Taiwan-issued passports citing the 'one China' policy and UN Resolution 2758
The ban goes into effect on April 30, blocking Taiwanese passport holders from Somalia's airspace and borders
Taiwan warned its citizens against travelling to Somalia or Somaliland due to potential restrictions and diplomatic uncertainty

Taiwan’s MOFA criticized the Somali government for what it called its “erroneous interpretation” of UN Resolution 2758. The ministry said the resolution did not support Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is subordinate to China.

“Somalia is acting at China’s instigation,” the ministry said, accusing Beijing of pushing its geopolitical agenda through diplomatic pressure.

Taiwan also warned its citizens against travelling to Somalia or Somaliland, citing potential restrictions and diplomatic uncertainty. The move further strained Taiwan’s relations with countries that align with China’s position on sovereignty.

Taiwan maintains a diplomatic presence in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia that declared independence in 1991. Although Somaliland is not internationally recognized, it has held several peaceful elections and is often praised for its democratic values.

A map of Somaliland, the self-declared independent region in northern Somalia where Taiwan maintains diplomatic ties despite international non-recognition.

Taiwan’s MOFA ministry reiterated support for Somaliland, calling it a like-minded partner committed to democracy and freedom. The MOFA said the Somali government's attempt to control Somaliland's airspace was damaging regional cooperation and undermining diplomatic relations. "This is not just a travel ban, it is a broader attempt to limit international exchanges between democratic partners," the ministry said.

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