Taiwan has strongly condemned a new travel ban imposed by Somalia that bars entry and transit for travelers holding Taiwanese passports, calling the move politically motivated and instigated by China.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somalia’s civil aviation authority issued a directive last week that took effect on April 30, rendering Taiwanese passports invalid for both entry and transit through the East African nation. Somalia has yet to publicly comment on the policy.
Taiwan’s government denounced the decision on Tuesday evening, urging Somalia to revoke the order and accusing Beijing of pressuring Mogadishu to implement the measure. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly protested Somalia’s action made under the instigation of China,” it said in a statement, accusing Somalia of undermining the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals.
The dispute comes amid closer ties between Taiwan and Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has not been internationally recognized. The two territories established reciprocal representative offices in 2020 — a move that angered both Beijing and Mogadishu.
Taiwan, a self-governed democracy with its own constitution and elected government, is claimed by China as part of its territory under the “One China” principle. Beijing has sought to isolate Taipei diplomatically, limiting its international recognition to fewer than 15 countries.
China welcomed Somalia’s passport ban, with foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying on Wednesday that the measure reflects “Somalia’s firm adherence to the One China principle.” Guo described the move as “legitimate” and praised Somalia’s support for China’s stance on Taiwan.
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, criticized what it described as Somalia’s “misinterpretation” of UN Resolution 2758, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing China at the United Nations but does not explicitly address Taiwan’s status.
In light of the developments, Taiwan has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Somalia and Somaliland, citing safety concerns until the travel restrictions are lifted.
Neither Somalia nor Somaliland has issued any public response to the dispute.
The controversy underscores growing geopolitical friction in the Horn of Africa, where Somalia continues to oppose Somaliland’s diplomatic activities and recently condemned Ethiopia for reaching a port access deal with the breakaway region. Meanwhile, large parts of southern and central Somalia remain under the influence of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militant group.
