Djibouti
Phone Code
+253
Capital
Djibouti
Population
1.1 Million
Native Name
Djibouti
Region
Africa
Eastern Africa
Timezone
East Africa Time
UTC+03:00
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Djibouti, a small but strategically significant nation located in the Horn of Africa at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, borders Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia while controlling the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait through which approximately 30 percent of global shipping passes en route between the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. Despite its compact size of approximately 23,200 square kilometers and population of just over one million predominantly concentrated in Djibouti City (the capital and largest urban center), the country hosts military bases for France, the United States, China, Japan, and Italy, making it one of the most militarized territories globally. Djibouti attracts visitors including military personnel stationed at various international bases, business travelers engaged in port operations and logistics industries, diplomatic staff, international organization workers focused on regional security and humanitarian operations, tourists exploring unique geological features like Lake Assal (the lowest point in Africa and third-lowest point on Earth) and Day Forest National Park, and transit passengers connecting through Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. The country has developed multiple visa facilitation options to accommodate its strategic importance and international traffic, including an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for advance applications (though U.S. State Department reports applications do not always process successfully), visa-on-arrival facilities at the airport for $23 USD payable in cash, and traditional embassy visa procedures for those preferring advance authorization. Understanding Djibouti's entry requirements, including passport validity of at least six months with two blank pages, yellow fever vaccination certificates for travelers arriving from endemic regions or after transiting more than 12 hours through endemic areas, evidence of onward journey, and accommodation proof, ensures smooth entry to this Red Sea gateway nation where French and Arabic serve as official languages and the economy centers on service industries supporting the Port of Djibouti and Doraleh Container Terminal.
Djibouti Visa & Immigration System Overview
Djibouti operates a flexible visa system offering multiple pathways for travelers to obtain entry authorization: an electronic visa (e-Visa) platform for advance online applications, visa-on-arrival facilities at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, and traditional visa applications through Djiboutian embassies and consulates. The e-Visa system enables travelers to apply online through the official government portal, though U.S. State Department reports receiving complaints that e-Visa applications do not process successfully in all cases; applicants upload required documents including passport biographical pages, recent photographs, accommodation confirmations, yellow fever vaccination certificates if arriving from endemic countries, pay visa fees via credit card or electronic payment, and receive visa approval electronically for those applications that process correctly. UK Foreign Office and German authorities confirm e-Visa option available alongside visa-on-arrival and embassy applications. Visa-on-arrival services available at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport enable most travelers to purchase tourist visa upon entry (UK Foreign Office confirms you can buy tourist visa when you arrive in Djibouti) requiring valid passports with minimum six months validity beyond arrival date per U.S. State Department and UK Foreign Office, two blank passport pages per U.S. guidance, completed arrival forms available at immigration counters, payment of $23 USD visa fee per U.S. State Department (UK Foreign Office specifies payment in cash in US dollars), evidence of onward journey per UK requirements, proof of accommodation such as hotel reservations, and yellow fever vaccination certificates if traveling from yellow fever endemic countries or after staying more than 12 hours in transit through endemic areas per German authorities (applies to persons aged 12 months and older). Visa-on-arrival processing typically completed within 30 minutes to one hour depending on arrival volume. For travelers preferring advance visa issuance, traditional visa applications available through Djiboutian embassies (German source provides Djibouti Embassy Berlin at Tauentzienstraße 6, 10789 Berlin, consular hours Monday-Friday 09:30-13:30; U.S. State Department directs to Embassy of Republic of Djibouti in Washington D.C.; UK provides Djibouti Embassy UK contact; countries without Djiboutian embassy should contact French embassy per U.S. guidance) requiring completed application forms, passport photographs, passport copies, invitation letters or hotel confirmations, return tickets, vaccination documents if applicable, and visa fees. All visa types generally issued with 90-day validity for tourism and short-term business purposes, with extensions available through immigration authorities in Djibouti City. Work permits and residence authorizations require separate applications through Ministry of Interior with employer sponsorship. Journalists require advance accreditation letters from Ministry of Communication and Culture; U.S. State Department advises contacting U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section at least two weeks prior to travel. Entry into Djibouti requires valid national passports, valid visas, yellow fever vaccination certificates for travelers from endemic areas (strict enforcement), evidence of onward journey, and customs declaration forms. UK Foreign Office warns strict rules exist about goods allowed into or out of Djibouti; all prohibited items or goods subject to taxation must be declared. Immigration officers may inquire about travel purposes, duration, accommodation, and financial means; travelers should have comprehensive documentation readily available.
Common Visa Types
E-Visa (Tourist/Business)
Electronic visa for advance online application suitable for tourism, business visits, family visits, conferences, and general short-term purposes. Application through official Djibouti government e-Visa portal with registration, form completion, digital upload of passport biographical page, recent passport photograph, accommodation confirmation (hotel booking or invitation letter), yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic country, and payment of $30 USD visa fee via credit card or electronic payment methods. Processing typically 3-5 business days with email notification upon approval. Print approved e-Visa and present at immigration along with passport and supporting documents. E-Visa valid for entry within 3 months of issuance and permits stays up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, conferences, visiting family, sightseeing, or similar temporary purposes. Single entry authorization; multiple trips require separate applications. Particularly convenient for travelers lacking easy access to Djiboutian embassies or preferring advance visa certainty before booking flights. Not valid for employment without additional work authorization
Visa on Arrival
Visa issued at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport upon arrival for most nationalities. Available for tourism, business visits, transit, family visits, and short-term purposes. Requirements include valid passport with minimum 6 months validity and at least one blank visa page, completed visa application form (provided at airport immigration counters), recent passport photograph (though some travelers report not being required if passport photo sufficient), proof of accommodation such as hotel reservation confirmation or invitation letter from host in Djibouti, return or onward travel ticket, yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or transiting through endemic countries (list maintained by Djibouti Ministry of Health; enforcement strict), and visa fee of $30 USD payable in U.S. dollars, euros, or by major credit cards (availability may vary; U.S. dollars most reliable). Processing at immigration counter typically 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on flight arrivals and staffing. Visa on arrival permits 90-day stays for tourism, business meetings, attending conferences, visiting family, exploring attractions, or transit purposes. Extensions available through immigration authorities. Travelers should verify visa-on-arrival eligibility for their nationality before travel; while available for most Western nationalities and many African and Asian countries, some nationalities require advance visa authorization. Not valid for employment activities
Tourist Visa (Embassy Application)
Traditional visa for tourism purposes obtained in advance through Djiboutian embassies or consulates. Suitable for travelers preferring pre-travel visa authorization, lacking internet access for e-Visa applications, or from nationalities requiring advance visa processing. Application through Djiboutian diplomatic missions with completed visa application forms, valid passport with 6 months validity and blank pages, passport photographs meeting specifications, hotel reservations or notarized invitation letter from private host in Djibouti with host's identity documents, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), return airline tickets, yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic region, and tourist visa fee (typically $30-60 USD equivalent depending on embassy and payment currency). Processing 3-7 business days for complete applications. Tourist visa permits 90-day stays for leisure travel, sightseeing, visiting attractions such as Lake Assal and Day Forest National Park, cultural experiences, family visits, and vacation purposes. Single entry typically; multiple entry available for frequent travelers with justification. Extensions possible through immigration in Djibouti City with hotel confirmations and financial proof. Visa holders must not engage in employment or business activities beyond tourism scope
Business Visa
Business visits, commercial meetings, contract negotiations, exploring investment opportunities, attending trade conferences, visiting port and logistics facilities, meeting with government officials for business purposes, conducting market research, establishing partnerships, and short-term business activities not constituting employment. Available as e-Visa, visa on arrival, or embassy application depending on traveler preference and circumstances. For embassy applications: requires invitation letter from Djibouti-based company or organization on official letterhead stating purpose, duration, and company registration details; letter from applicant's employer explaining business purpose; completed visa forms; passport valid 6 months with blank pages; photographs; yellow fever certificate if applicable; proof of accommodation; return tickets; and business visa fee ($30-60 USD equivalent). Processing 3-7 days through embassies. Business visa permits 90-day stays for meetings, conferences, site visits to Port of Djibouti, Doraleh Container Terminal, or free trade zones, negotiations with local partners, or commercial activities. Common for logistics industry professionals, military contractors, construction project representatives, telecommunications specialists, and business consultants. Does not authorize employment; work permits required for actual work activities
Work Permit/Residence for Employment
Employment in Djibouti for foreign nationals with job offers from Djiboutian employers, international organizations, foreign companies operating in Djibouti (particularly port, logistics, and military support sectors), diplomatic missions, or NGOs. Two-stage process: initial entry on tourist or business visa, followed by in-country work permit application through Ministry of Interior with employer sponsorship. Work permit requirements include valid employment contract specifying position, duties, compensation, and duration; proof of professional qualifications with educational certificates and credentials; employer's business registration certificate and tax compliance documents; justification demonstrating unavailability of qualified Djiboutian nationals for position; medical examination from approved Djiboutian medical facility; police clearance from home country; passport copies; photographs; and work permit fees. Applications processed by employer as sponsor with Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labor involvement. Processing typically 1-3 months. Work permits generally issued for contract duration up to 1 year, renewable annually with employer sponsorship. Common for positions in port operations, logistics, military base support services, construction, telecommunications, healthcare, education, international organization staff, and diplomatic personnel. Permits tied to specific employer; changing jobs requires new applications
Transit Visa
Short transit through Djibouti when traveling to another destination via Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport or traveling overland through Djibouti to neighboring countries. Available as visa on arrival at airport for most nationalities or advance application through embassies. Requirements include proof of onward travel with confirmed tickets to next destination, visa for next country if required, valid passport with 6 months validity, yellow fever certificate if arriving from or transiting endemic areas, and transit visa fee ($30 USD typically). Transit visas generally issued for 24 to 72 hours depending on transit duration and travel itinerary. Must specify transit route and next destination. Not valid for tourism, business meetings, or activities beyond direct transit. Travelers remaining within airport international transit areas without exiting immigration controls typically do not require transit visas; however, verify with airline and Djiboutian authorities before travel as policies vary by nationality. Given Djibouti's location as regional hub, transit visas particularly relevant for travelers connecting between Africa, Middle East, and Asia routes
Family Visit Visa
Visiting family members residing in Djibouti, whether Djiboutian citizens or foreign residents with work permits or residence status. Similar to tourist visa but requires additional family documentation. Available as e-Visa or embassy application. Requirements include invitation letter from family member in Djibouti (notarized or with official stamp), copy of family member's Djiboutian national identity card or residence permit, proof of family relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, or official documents establishing relationship), completed visa forms, valid passport with 6 months validity, photographs, yellow fever certificate if applicable, proof of accommodation at family residence with address, financial evidence or family sponsor's guarantee, return tickets, and visa fee ($30 USD typically). Processing 3-5 days for e-Visa or through embassies. Permits 90-day stays for family visits with extension possibilities. Common for family members visiting relatives working at military bases, port operations, international organizations, or Djiboutian nationals with foreign family
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