By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, Aug. 6 2026 – Somalia's cabinet on Thursday reviewed progress towards introducing a third-generation polycarbonate electronic passport to modernise the country's travel documents and strengthen security.
According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, the cabinet received a detailed briefing from the Ministry of Internal Security on the development of the third-generation electronic passport and reforms to the passport issuance process.
The ministry said the new passport is intended to facilitate travel, modernise Somalia's passport system and simplify procedures for citizens applying for the document.
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It also told the cabinet that changes to passport holders' personal data had been halted entirely, describing the measure as part of efforts to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the Somali passport.
The briefing included technical information and statistics on the passport system, the statement said.
The review follows an announcement by Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) in July that the third-generation passport is scheduled to be launched in October 2026.
The agency has said the polycarbonate passport will include enhanced security features, comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and be integrated with Somalia's national identification system.