A major data breach in Somalia's electronic visa system may have exposed personal information belonging to tens of thousands of applicants, including US citizens, the American embassy in Somalia has warned.
It said had received credible reports that unidentified hackers had penetrated the Somali government's e-visa platform, potentially compromising data from at least 35,000 people.
The leaked documents circulating online include names, photos, dates of birth, marital status, home addresses and email contacts, according to a US embassy statement issued on Thursday.
This data breach is ongoing and could expose any personal data you enter into the system, the UK has also warned travellers.
Somali authorities have not commented on the breach. However, the government has shifted its visa service from evisa.gov.so to etas.gov.so, without providing an official explanation.
Critics say travellers have faced extra fees in certain regions, amounting to double charges.
The alleged breach adds to long-running tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa over control of Somali airspace, confusing travelers who have faced stranded situations over visa complications.
Prior to this incident, Somaliland has stated it would not recognize the e-visa system implemented by Somalia, leading to further confusion and increased risk concerns among travelers regarding their personal data safety.
