Nairobi, Kenya(Mogadishu24)-The Embassy of Italy in Nairobi has announced via Twitter the suspension of Schengen visa issuance for all applications processed by the Italian Embassy in Mogadishu. The decision, which takes immediate effect, impacts Somali citizens who previously relied on the Mogadishu embassy for visa processing to travel to Italy and other Schengen countries.

The embassy’s tweet read: “Please be informed that the Embassy of Italy in Nairobi has suspended with immediate effect the issuance of entry Schengen visas for all those applications that are processed by the Embassy of Italy in Mogadishu. For further info, please contact the Embassy of Italy in Nairobi.”

Italy was the only European country allowing Somali citizens to process Schengen visas directly from Mogadishu, making this suspension a significant disruption for students, business travelers, and those visiting family in Europe. The Schengen visa allows movement across 27 European nations, and Italy’s role in providing this service was crucial for many Somali citizens.

The reasons for the suspension have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear when, or if, the visa services at the Mogadishu embassy will resume. For now, applicants are advised to contact the Embassy of Italy in Nairobi for further details.

This decision leaves many Somali travelers in limbo as they face uncertainty regarding alternative visa processing routes.