Djibouti:Visa Requirements

DjiboutiLearn the visa requirements for this country. Last check:Last update:

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Djibouti Visa Requirements Map

Djibouti: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • Visa exemption is limited to the passport type covered by the applicable bilateral agreement and the travel conditions specified in the agreement. Some officially announced exemption agreements cover only holders of diplomatic, official or service passports.
  • An up-to-date centralized checklist showing all visa exemptions, permitted durations of stay, and entry requirements applicable to each passport type has not been published. The minimum passport validity, required number of blank pages, return ticket, accommodation document, financial sufficiency, travel health insurance, and health certificate requirements are not definitively specified in the centralized official source.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • For an e-visa application, a passport valid for at least six months, a flight reservation or a reservation for another means of transport to be used, the address of the hotel or host in Djibouti, and an invitation letter containing the contact information of the inviting organization or person must be prepared.
  • The applicant must complete the electronic application process using a valid email address. The requested personal information, passport information and travel information must be entered into the online form; the application fee must be paid online. Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards are accepted in the official system.
  • The approved e-visa is sent to the applicant by email. The approval document must be printed and carried together with the passport used in the application throughout the journey. The passport used in the application and the passport presented upon entry into the country must be the same.
  • The e-visa can be used for tourism, business visit and transit purposes. Those traveling for work and education purposes must obtain a traditional visa through an embassy or consulate.
  • The issuance of an e-visa does not unconditionally guarantee the right to enter the country. The border authorities may deny entry to the country after carrying out the necessary checks.
  • The required number of blank pages in the passport, the number and technical specifications of photographs, the file format of the passport scan, the amount of financial sufficiency, bank account statement, travel health insurance and minimum insurance coverage are not definitively specified in the centralized official source.
  • The e-visa application fee, official processing time, how many days before travel the application must be made, single or multiple entry condition, and the exact maximum permitted duration of stay are not definitively specified on the accessible centralized official page. The current amount and conditions displayed in the system according to the travel duration and purpose selected during application must be taken as a basis.
  • An up-to-date and comprehensive list of specific airports, ports or land border crossings where the e-visa can be used is not definitively specified in the centralized official source.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • For work, education or other travel purposes not covered by the e-visa, a traditional visa application must be made through a Djibouti embassy or consulate. The required documents may vary depending on the mission applied to, country of residence, passport type and travel purpose.
  • For applications made through the Washington Embassy, the passport or travel document must be valid for at least six months. A copy of the page of the passport containing the photograph and personal information must be submitted.
  • The application form must be completed in full on both sides, dated and signed. The headings on the form must be filled in capital letters. Applications containing errors or incomplete information may not be processed.
  • The form must include: first and last name, date and place of birth, gender, marital status, current and previous nationality, type of passport or travel document, document number, issuing authority, date of issue and date of expiry, permanent address, telephone, email, occupation, employer information, accompanying children, and previous visits to Djibouti.
  • The purpose of travel, planned dates of entry and exit, requested number of entries, financial resources to be used during the journey, and the name, address and telephone number of the sponsor or host in Djibouti must be written on the form.
  • One recent color passport-sized photograph must be submitted. The photograph must have been taken within the last six months. The photo area on the Washington application form is indicated as “2 x 2”, but the unit of measurement is not specified. The background color and other technical photograph specifications are not definitively specified in the centralized official source.
  • A copy of the travel itinerary or transport reservation must be submitted. For business visa applications, a company letter is required; for diplomatic or official visa applications, an official letter issued by the competent authority is required.
  • In the Washington Embassy form, the transit visa is issued only as single-entry and for 1–15 days. The fee is 15 USD. The short-term visa is issued only as single-entry and for 1–90 days. The fee is 30 USD. The multiple-entry option is indicated only for diplomatic and official visas.
  • Payments to the Washington Embassy are accepted by bank money order, company check, or cash if applying in person. Credit cards and personal checks are not accepted. A bank processing fee of 2 USD applies to bank money orders and company checks originating from Canada.
  • After the processing in Washington is completed, passports can be collected after four business days. Those requesting passport return by mail must submit a stamped envelope bearing their own address or a prepaid and completed express courier shipping document.
  • Applicants not residing in the United States or Canada must attach to their file a request letter obtained from their own embassy or diplomatic mission or hold a valid United States visa.
  • Extension of the visa period in Djibouti is evaluated only on a case-by-case basis. Approval of the extension is not guaranteed.
  • A special short-term and long-term entry visa procedure applies to employees of companies operating in Djibouti's free zones. The short-term visa is valid for one month and single-entry. The long-term visa is valid for 12 months and multiple-entry; employees must also apply for a residence permit and a work permit.
  • In a short-term application made by the free zone company, the company's written request, the visa holder's name, position, country of origin, nationality and duration of stay, completed application form, passport copy, employment contract, and company license must be submitted. In the case of a family visit, copies of the relevant employee's residence permit and work permit must also be attached.
  • In a long-term application for free zone employees, a written request, a legible passport copy, a completed residence visa form, company license, two passport-sized photographs, employment contract, residence and work permit application, and the planned arrival date and flight number must be submitted.
  • The normal processing time in the free zone procedure is five business days. There is an expedited processing option within 48 business hours or 24 business hours for an additional fee. The exact amount of expedited processing fees is not specified in the centralized official source.
  • For general consular applications, travel health insurance, minimum insurance coverage, the amount required in the bank account, the period that the bank account statement must cover, birth certificate for children, parental consent, translation or notarization requirements for documents, and biometric data requirements are not definitively specified in the centralized official source.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • An electronic visa application can be made for transit purposes. For the application, a passport valid for at least six months, a transport reservation, the address of accommodation or host in Djibouti, an invitation letter containing contact information, a valid email address, and an accepted payment card are required.
  • The approved transit e-visa must be printed and carried together with the passport used in the application. The current maximum duration of stay, fee and processing time of the electronic transit visa are not definitively specified on the accessible centralized official page.
  • For transit visa applications made through the Washington Embassy, a passport or travel document valid for at least six months, a copy of the passport's photo and information page, a fully completed and signed application form, one color passport-sized photograph taken within the last six months, and a travel itinerary must be submitted.
  • The Washington Embassy's transit visa is only single-entry and is issued for a stay of 1–15 days. The application fee is 15 USD. The payment method and processing time are the same as the Washington Embassy rules applied for a consular visa.
  • There is no up-to-date centralized official regulation explaining whether a visa is required for all passengers for transfers made without leaving the airport's international transit area.
Population
1,199,459(2026 est.)
Official language
Arabic, French
Government type
Presidential republic
Continent
Africa
Capital
Djibouti
Currency
Djiboutian franc
Area
23,200 km²
Phone code
+253

Djibouti: Key Destinations

Djibouti City is the capital and primary gateway, with Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport serving international flights. As the country's largest urban center, it offers hotels, restaurants, and access to the port.

The Gulf of Tadjoura provides scenic coastline and access to Moucha Island beaches. Inland, Lake Assal is a striking salt lake, while Tadjoura and Ali Sabieh showcase local culture and history.

Travelers typically fly into Djibouti City and then take domestic flights or road trips to other regions. The country's compact size allows for multi-destination itineraries connecting coastal and inland attractions.