Somalia is set to introduce a third-generation biometric passport in October while making the National ID card mandatory for all passport applicants, marking another step in the country's efforts to strengthen its national identity ecosystem and enhance border security.

Announced by Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency, the new passport will be manufactured using polycarbonate technology and will incorporate enhanced security features while complying with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for machine-readable travel documents.

The rollout follows an international tender issued in 2025 for the supply of a polycarbonate biometric electronic passport with advanced anti-counterfeiting capabilities.

National ID Becomes a Passport Requirement

Under the new policy, all applicants seeking a Somali passport must first present a valid National ID card.

To support implementation, citizens who have not yet enrolled for the National ID will be able to register at passport service centres before completing their passport application.

Authorities say the move is intended to improve the integrity of official identity documents, strengthen border management, and reduce identity fraud by ensuring that passport issuance is linked directly to the country's national identity database.

Strengthening Somalia's Digital Identity Programme

Somalia's National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) issues the National ID card, which captures facial images, fingerprint biometrics, and a digitized signature during enrollment.

The government has gradually expanded the use of the National ID across multiple public services. Earlier this year, the card became mandatory for domestic air travel, while authorities have also extended its use within banking services in the Benadir region.

The latest passport requirement further integrates the National ID into Somalia's digital identity framework, creating a stronger connection between identity verification and secure travel documentation.

Modern Security Features for Next-Generation Passports

The forthcoming passport will utilize durable polycarbonate data pages together with enhanced security technologies designed to improve document durability and resistance to forgery.

Compliance with ICAO standards will support international interoperability while helping Somalia modernize its travel document infrastructure in line with global security practices.

The initiative reflects the country's continued investment in modern identity management systems designed to improve trust in official credentials and support more secure border control processes.

Future Opportunities Across the Identity and Security Printing Supply Chain

Somalia's ongoing identity modernization programme is expected to create opportunities for organizations involved in:

• e-Passport technologies
• Polycarbonate passport manufacturing
• National ID card production
• Biometric enrollment systems
• Identity management platforms
• Secure document personalization
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
• Border management technologies
• Secure document printing
• Identity verification and authentication solutions

As governments continue linking national identity systems with secure travel documents, Somalia's latest initiative highlights the growing importance of integrated biometric identity ecosystems that support secure document issuance, improved identity verification, and stronger border management.

 

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