Mogadishu (WDN)- The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has announced that all international airlines operating in the country must submit Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR)data, effective March 31, 2025. The move aims to enhance national security, streamline border controls, and align with global aviation standards.

The announcement states that “ This directive aligns with Immigration Act No. 9 of 1966 and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 2178 and 2396, aimed at enhancing border security and countering threats such as terrorism and transnational crime.”

Under the new rules, airlines must provide passenger details—including names, nationalities, birthdates and travel documents—via API, while PNR will collect travel itineraries and booking information. The data will help Somali authorities conduct risk assessments, identify security threats, and improve immigration processes.

The FGS stated the measure aligns with international practices to combat terrorism, transnational crime, and illegal immigration. Airlines are expected to adopt the necessary systems by the deadline.

The announcement from Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency follows a March 4 security warning issued by the U.S. Embassy in Somalia, which alerted Americans to “credible information” regarding potential imminent terror attacks targeting multiple locations, including Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. The warning underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region and highlights the urgency of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen aviation and border security measures.

Somalia faces challenges in regulating movement across its porous land borders, due to the lack of coordination between the Federal Government and Member States, also large areas remain under the control of the extremist group Al-Shabaab. This undermines efforts to enforce border security and combat smuggling, human trafficking, and armed group movements, posing ongoing obstacles to Somalia’s security and development goals.

WardheerNews