Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2025: Expanded E-Visa System
Djibouti has streamlined its e-visa process for 2025, allowing online applications for most nationalities with faster processing times of 24-48 hours. The fee remains around $30 USD, and it's valid for single or multiple entries up to 30 days. Always apply via the official government portal to avoid scams and ensure smooth entry at airports or borders.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Djibouti, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is strictly enforced at all ports of entry, including Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport.
Renew your passport early if it's nearing expiration, as Djibouti does not accept passports with less than six months validity, potentially leading to denied boarding or entry.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a limited number of countries, such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes. Always confirm your nationality's status on the official Djibouti immigration website before travel.
For visa-free entry, you'll still need to present proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, typically around $100 USD per day of stay.
Visa Applications
Most nationalities require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at the airport or borders for $30 USD (cash only), or via the e-visa system online for the same fee. Required documents include a passport photo, flight itinerary, and hotel booking; processing for e-visas takes 1-3 days.
Apply at least one week in advance if entering overland from Ethiopia or Somalia to account for potential delays at remote borders.
Border Crossings
Djibouti shares borders with Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia; the most common crossing is from Ethiopia via the Dewele border, which requires a visa on arrival and can take 1-2 hours due to checks. Air entry via Djibouti City is quickest with minimal formalities for pre-approved travelers.
Expect health screenings for yellow fever at all entry points; carry your vaccination certificate if coming from an endemic area.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended and often required for visa approval, covering medical evacuation (essential due to limited facilities), trip delays, and adventure activities like diving in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Policies should include coverage up to $100,000 USD for emergencies in remote areas.
Choose providers experienced in East Africa, as standard policies may exclude high-risk activities; costs start at $10-20 per week for comprehensive plans.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Immigration Office in Djibouti City, requiring proof of funds and a valid reason like extended tourism or business. The fee is approximately $30 USD, and processing takes 2-5 days.
Overstaying without extension incurs fines of $10 USD per day and potential deportation; always apply before your initial visa expires to avoid complications.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Djibouti uses the Djiboutian Franc (DJF), pegged to the USD at about 177.7 DJF per $1. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Djibouti-Ambouli Airport by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially from hubs like Addis Ababa or Dubai.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street vendors or local skoudehkaris spots for meals under DJF 2,000, avoiding hotel restaurants to save up to 60% on food expenses in Djibouti City.
Markets like the Central Market offer fresh fruits, camel meat, and spices at bargain prices, perfect for self-catering in rural areas.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared minibuses (taxis-brousse) for inter-city travel at DJF 1,000-3,000 per leg, far cheaper than private taxis which can cost 10x more.
For urban mobility in Djibouti City, daily bus passes are around DJF 500, including access to key sites like the Hamoudi Mosque.
Free Attractions
Explore Lac Assal salt flats, Ardoukoba volcano trails, and beach walks in Obock at no cost, providing authentic desert and coastal experiences without guided fees.
Many natural wonders like the Day Forest National Park have free entry for day visitors, though donations support conservation efforts.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and airlines, but cash (USD or DJF) is king for markets, taxis, and rural areas where ATMs are scarce.
Exchange USD at banks for the best rates; avoid airport kiosks and carry small bills to negotiate better prices with vendors.
Activity Bundles
Opt for multi-day tour packages covering Lake Abbe and Tadjoura Gulf for DJF 15,000-20,000, which include meals and transport, saving 20-30% over individual bookings.
National park combo tickets for sites like Godoria allow access to multiple geothermal areas for a flat fee of DJF 5,000, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Smart Packing for Djibouti
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for extreme heat, including long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection during desert excursions to Lake Assal. Modest attire is required for mosques and cultural sites in Djibouti City.
Include quick-dry fabrics for humidity in coastal areas like Tadjoura, and a wide-brim hat to shield from intense UV rays year-round.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/E for 220V), solar-powered charger for remote areas with unreliable electricity, and a rugged phone case for dusty environments. Download offline maps of Djibouti and translation apps for French and Somali.
A portable GPS device is useful for off-road travel to sites like Ardoukoba, where cell signal is spotty.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a full first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, and vaccinations for hepatitis, typhoid, and rabies. High-SPF sunscreen (50+), DEET insect repellent, and malaria prophylaxis are musts for humid regions.
Include electrolyte packets for hydration in 40°C+ heat, and a basic water purification system since tap water is unsafe.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for hiking, a collapsible water bottle (2L+ capacity), and a lightweight sleeping bag for potential overland camping near Lake Abbe. Secure money belt and passport copies are essential in crowded markets.
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting in the Day Forest and a headlamp for evening power outages in rural lodges.
Footwear Strategy
Choose high-ankle hiking boots with good traction for volcanic terrain around Ardoukoba and salt flats, plus breathable sandals for beach relaxation in Obock. Sand-resistant gaiters prevent grit buildup during desert winds.
Water shoes are vital for snorkeling in the Gulf of Tadjoura, where coral reefs can be sharp; pack multiples to rotate in humid conditions.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, high-moisture lotion for dry desert air, and wet wipes for water-scarce areas. A compact fan or cooling towel helps manage heat, and lip balm with SPF protects against constant sun exposure.
Pack extra contact lens solution and glasses as backups, since pharmacies in remote areas like Dikhil are limited.
When to Visit Djibouti
Cool Season (October-March)
Best time with milder temperatures of 25-30°C, ideal for hiking in the Day Forest and exploring Lake Abbe's otherworldly landscapes without extreme heat. Fewer rains mean better access to remote sites like the salt flats of Lac Assal.
Whale shark sightings peak in the Gulf of Tadjoura, and cultural festivals in Djibouti City offer vibrant experiences with comfortable weather.
Hot Dry Season (April-May)
Very hot at 35-40°C but low humidity makes it bearable for coastal activities like snorkeling in Obock; fewer tourists mean exclusive access to dive sites. Short days are perfect for early morning desert tours to Ardoukoba volcano.
Avoid midday heat by scheduling indoor visits to museums in Djibouti City, with clear skies enhancing photography opportunities.
Short Rains (June-September)
Hot and humid with occasional showers (30-35°C), but lush greenery transforms the Day Forest into a verdant paradise for birdwatching and lighter crowds. Flash floods can close roads, so focus on urban exploration in Djibouti City.
Lower prices on accommodations make it budget-friendly for extended stays, though pack rain gear for sudden downpours in coastal areas.
Peak Heat (June-August)
Extremely hot (40°C+) with high humidity; best avoided unless for specific events like Eid celebrations, but early mornings suit beach time in Tadjoura. Strong winds can make sailing excursions thrilling despite the temperature.
Hotels offer discounts, ideal for those prioritizing air-conditioned comfort and indoor cultural immersion over outdoor adventures.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Djiboutian Franc (DJF), fixed at 177.7 DJF = 1 USD. USD widely accepted in tourist areas; ATMs limited outside Djibouti City.
- Language: French and Arabic are official; Somali and Afar widely spoken. English is limited but useful in hotels and with expats.
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 17 for police, 18 for ambulance, 19 for fire; international +253 prefix
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% at restaurants, DJF 500 for guides or drivers
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Carry a filter for remote areas
- Pharmacies: Available in Djibouti City; stock up on essentials like antidiarrheals and antibiotics for rural travel