Italy suspends Schengen visas for Somali passport holders amid fraud concerns

The Italy Embassy has suspended the issuance of Schengen visas to Somali passport holders in Somalia, dealing a significant blow to the country’s efforts to regain international credibility for its travel documents.

Despite a steady climb in the Passport Power Rank—rising from 128th more than a decade ago to 95th—Somalia’s passport still faces scrutiny from foreign governments. The Italian mission did not provide specific reasons for the sudden halt, but insiders suggest the decision is linked to concerns over fraudulent applications involving diplomatic passports.

“Please be informed that the Embassy of Italy in Nairobi has suspended with immediate effect the issuance of entry Schengen visas,” read the embassy’s brief statement. The suspension affects all applications processed in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital.

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According to sources cited by *The EastAfrican*, the Italian Embassy grew suspicious of applicants using diplomatic passports to seek Schengen visas for unofficial travel, potentially violating visa regulations. This raises concerns that diplomatic privileges may have been exploited by individuals not engaged in official government duties.

The Schengen visa, which allows non-EU nationals to visit any of the 27 Schengen countries, including Italy, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, is highly sought after by travelers. However, Italy’s abrupt move casts uncertainty on the ability of Somali passport holders to access one of the most coveted travel permits in the world.

While Italy has not confirmed how long the suspension will last, the decision comes as a setback for Somalia’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its international standing, especially for a passport that has made notable gains in recent years.