U.S. Embassy Warns of Possible Hack of Somalia’s E-Visa System

 

14/11/2025 | Mogadishu, Somalia

The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu has issued a warning about a potential breach of Somalia’s electronic visa (E-Visa) system, emphasizing that it has not yet been confirmed whether any personal data of U.S. citizens was compromised.

In a statement released today, the embassy said it is closely monitoring reports that hackers may have gained access to personal information submitted through Somalia’s online visa application system. U.S. citizens who recently applied for an E-Visa were urged to exercise caution and protect their personal data.

“It is possible that personal information could be misused. We advise E-Visa applicants to regularly monitor their email accounts and other online accounts,” the statement read.

According to available reports, the breach may have affected data of over 35,000 individuals, including names, photographs, dates and places of birth, email addresses, and other personal details. However, the full extent of the attack has not yet been verified, and further investigation is ongoing.

The Somali government has not yet publicly commented on the incident. Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts have called for an immediate investigation to identify the perpetrators and assess the scope of the attack. The incident has heightened concerns about the security of government electronic systems and raised calls for stronger protection of citizens’ and visitors’ personal information.

Cybersecurity specialists also noted that the incident highlights the urgent need for robust safeguards, particularly for systems linked to travel and government services. Immediate measures are critical to prevent unauthorized access to personal information of citizens and tourists.

This situation has prompted both local and international communities to reassess the security level of Somalia’s online platforms, especially those related to travel and essential government services. Experts emphasize that Somalia needs to strengthen cybersecurity programs, provide staff training, and adopt preventive measures to mitigate future threats.

The U.S. Embassy has encouraged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious emails, and be cautious of potential phishing attempts or fraudulent messages that could compromise their personal data. E-Visa applicants are advised to continuously monitor their accounts and report any unusual activity promptly.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of data security and cybersecurity, especially as government services and travel processes increasingly rely on digital platforms. Safeguarding sensitive personal information is essential for protecting citizens and maintaining trust in online government services.

As investigations continue, authorities and experts are working to ensure that the E-Visa system remains secure and that users’ personal information is protected from unauthorized access.

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