Djibouti travel guide
About Djibouti
Tucked away in the Horn of Africa, diminutive Djibouti offers ethereal landscapes, traditional tribes and mega marine life by the camel load – little wonder this slice of East Africa is being touted as the next big thing.
Refreshingly devoid of large-scale tourist developments (for now, at least), you won’t find international hotel chains outside the eponymous colonial capital. Tourists are still something of a rarity and it is not uncommon to be invited into a family’s home to share a pot of tea.
Contrasting strongly with the bright blue skies and the colourful macawis worn by locals, the flat plains outside Djibouti City have a harsh and otherworldly aesthetic, which are celebrated by the local tribespeople in poetry and song. The loose rocks that litter the khaki-coloured ground amid semi-wild herds of camel speak of the country’s volcanic past.
Away from the capital, which is wafted by a cool Red Sea breeze, Djibouti becomes oppressively hot in the summer months. Locals move slowly and purposefully; at least until the daily delivery of khat, a semi-narcotic plant chewed like gum, which seems to stop daily life in its tracks.
If you do manage to defy the heat, there are ample opportunities to connect with the natural world. Visitors can scale the dormant Ardoukoba volcano, explore Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa, or go snorkelling with whale sharks in the Red Sea. Found in the Bay of Ghoubbet, these slow-moving giants trawl the Djiboutian coast, gorging on plankton.
Exhibiting a blend of African and Arabian culture, the people of Djibouti are equally fascinating. Gracious and welcoming to foreigners, their country still largely works along tribal lines, but it is quiet, unthreatening and small enough to get to grips with. Above all else, though, it’s absolutely stunning.
Key facts
23,200 sq km (8,958 sq miles).
899,598 (UN estimate 2016).
35.7 per sq km.
Djibouti.
Republic.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh since 1999.
Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed since 2013.
Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all travel to the border with Eritrea.
See Local travel
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Djibouti’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Djibouti. Attacks could be indiscriminate and happen at any time. You should be vigilant at all times, especially in in public places frequented by foreigners, such as hotels, restaurants and shopping areas. See Terrorism.
Consular support for British people in Djibouti is provided by the British Embassy in Addis Ababa. If you are in Djibouti and need consular assistance you should contact the British Embassy in Addis Ababa on +251 (0)11 617 0100. If you are in the UK and worried about a British person in Djibouti, you can call the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in the UK on 0207 008 5000. For routine matters, you can also contact us via our online form.
Be aware of poor road safety if you travel outside the capital city. See Local travel
Piracy remains a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See Sea travel
Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Djibouti on the TravelHealthPro website
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are in Djibouti and have symptoms call the helpline on 1517 immediately and ask for advice.
International travel
Djiboutian air, sea and land borders are open. You should contact airlines direct to get details of scheduled flights. The train service to and from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia is running normally.
When leaving Djibouti, foreign residents of Djibouti (as well as Djiboutian nationals) are required to show evidence of a completed first round of vaccination or provide evidence of medical exemption from having the vaccine.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Djibouti.
When leaving Djibouti, foreign residents of Djibouti (as well as Djiboutian nationals) are required to show evidence of a completed first round of vaccination or provide evidence of medical exemption from having the vaccine.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Local measure
No specific measures in place.
Accommodation
Hotels are open as normal.
Public places and services
There are no restrictions on public gatherings.
Healthcare in Djibouti
View Health for further details on healthcare in Djibouti.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Further information
Website for President of Djibouti
Military activity in the Red Sea area
Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.
Crime
Petty crime is not uncommon in Djibouti. Don’t walk around town alone late at night. Keep valuables, particularly cameras and passports, out of sight.
Local travel
The FCDO advise against all travel to the border with Eritrea. In 2008 there were military clashes between Djibouti and Eritrea after an incursion of Eritrean forces into the disputed Djibouti border region. The situation remains fragile and further conflict is possible.
Take great care if you travel to remote areas of the country notably the border with Somaliland, the north-west of Somalia and on roads north of Tadjoura where there are military roadblocks. You should respect the advice given by those operating the roadblocks and, if required, seek formal military approval for a journey.
Road travel
Avoid travelling outside city centres after dark; vehicles often have no lights and livestock may be on the roads. Driving standards are generally poor and on the main Djibouti-Ethiopia road there are a very high number of large trucks. Many drivers use the (legal) narcotic khat and this contributes to speeding and unsafe driving. Roads are generally narrow, poorly lit and poorly maintained. Police set up wire coils as roadblocks on some of the major roads, which are not clearly visible at night. Stay on paved roads. Unmarked landmines are present in the border region with Eritrea, but in other border areas most landmines have been marked or cleared. The borders between Djibouti and Ethiopia and Djibouti and Somalia are not always clearly identified.
Rail travel
Freight and passenger rail services are running.
Sea travel
The threat of piracy related activity and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. Reports of attacks on local fishing dhows in the area around the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa continue. The combined threat assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces remains that all sailing yachts under their own passage should remain out of the designated High Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom. For more information and advice, see our Piracy and armed robbery at sea page.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Djibouti. Attacks could be indiscriminate and happen at any time. You should be vigilant at all times, especially in public places frequented by foreigners, such as hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Djibouti and international interests within Djibouti (including several military bases and personnel and hotels, and other public places frequented by foreigners) may be seen as a legitimate target by Al Shabaab because of Djiboutian participation in the African Union peacekeeping mission, ATMIS, and international support to the Somali Government. Al Shabaab has previously issued public threats against Djibouti. In May 2014, they claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a restaurant in Djibouti City, which injured foreign nationals.
Be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas and bars, and during major gatherings like sporting or religious events. Previous terrorist attacks in the region have targeted places where football matches were being viewed.
Follow the advice of local authorities, take care while travelling around the country and avoid large gatherings.
Djibouti has a predominantly Muslim population. You should dress and behave in a conservative manner.
Whilst drinking alcohol is permitted, drunken behaviour could result in a two-year prison term.
Homosexual behaviour is not illegal, but public displays of affection such as kissing or handholding by same-sex couples could lead to prosecution by the authorities under laws prohibiting attacks on “good morals” given the cultural norms in Djiboutian society. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
During Ramadan you should show respect to those who are fasting and take care not to offend Islamic values. See Travelling during Ramadan.
Photographing infrastructure (such as ports, public buildings, airports, military facilities and bridges) is prohibited. Your equipment will be confiscated and you could be arrested. When taking photos near prohibited places you should take care and seek local advice if you are unsure.
French, Arabic and Somali are widely spoken.
This page has information on travelling to Djibouti.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Djibouti set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Djibouti’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy.
All travellers
You will need a visa to enter or travel through Djibouti as a visitor. See Visas
If you’re fully vaccinated
Provided you show evidence of having completed a first round of vaccination there are no additional requirements.
Foreign residents in Djibouti (as well as Djiboutian Nationals) are required to show evidence of vaccination to leave Djibouti.
Proof of vaccination status
Djibouti will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
If you’re not fully vaccinated
If you have not completed a first round of vaccination or unable to produce evidence, you will need a PCR test certificate taken within 72 hours of the start of the journey and will have to take an additional PCR test on arrival that will cost $30.
You should not eat anything 30 minutes before your arrival at the entry point. You will have to pay for the test either by credit card, but as the credit card machines do not always work, cash (dollars, euros accepted) is a more reliable method of payment. If the test result is positive, you will be instructed on action to take – this might be going into quarantine, at your own expense, at a hotel agreed with those conducting the test or if showing symptoms into the hospital, until testing negative.
If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year
Entry requirements for Djibouti are the same for all travellers, regardless of whether you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year.
Children and young people
Children aged 10 years and below are not required to take PCR test on arrival. Those aged 24 years and under are not required to show evidence of having been vaccinated.
If you are transiting through Djibouti
If you are transiting through Djibouti on your way to another country and staying in the airport (airside) or on the plane there are no COVID-19 related requirements.
If you are transiting through Djibouti on your way to another country and will be passing through immigration (sometimes known as a layover), for example to stay in a hotel for a flight the next day, you need to follow the requirements for entry into Djibouti.
Exemptions
There are exemptions on providing evidence of vaccination for those that can show evidence that health reasons mean they should not have the vaccine, those that are pregnant or breast feeding baby up to 6 months old, had COVID-19 less than four months before travel date.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Djibouti.
Visas
British nationals need a visa to enter Djibouti. You can buy a tourist visa on arrival at the airport with payment in cash, although the official Djiboutian government website has not been updated to reflect that on arrival visas were reintroduced in 2022. You can also apply online, before travelling, or contact a Djiboutian Embassy. You must have evidence of your onward journey.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Medical treatment
Medical facilities in Djibouti are limited. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 35 09 62 or 35 27 12 (switchboard) and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
From May to October the climate is very hot and dry.
Djibouti is in an active volcanic and earthquake zone. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the website of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Intense rainfall, whilst rare, can lead to flash floods, particularly in the vicinity of Djibouti City, most recently in November 2019. This can lead to major disruption, damage to buildings and roads, and the outbreak of water-borne and respiratory diseases. You should avoid flood areas and follow official advice.
Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted. Where credit cards are accepted, visa cards are often required. ATMs are normally available in Djibouti City but may not accept Mastercard. You should make sure that you carry sufficient hard currency.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.
