Djibouti

Översikt

Capital: Djibouti (pop. 600,000)
Population: 1,184,076 (2025 est.)
Religions: Muslim 94%, Christian 6% (mainly foreign born residents)
Languages: French, Arabic, Somali, Afar
Time Zone: UTC+3
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +253
Electrical plug(s): Type C and Type E

Pengar

The local currency in Djibouti is Djiboutian francs (DJF). As of 6 October 2026 100 DJF is equal to 0.56 USD.

Currency exchange can be done at banks.

Travellers should be prepared to use cash to make payments. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Tipping is customary in Djibouti, with tips in restaurants being about 10%.

El

The power supply in Djibouti is not reliable. Electricity operates on 220V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C and E. The country lacks an affordable and reliable power, and has a low level of access to energy services.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Djibouti. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have two blank pages.

Visum

A visa on arrival scheme is in place for select travellers, but often depends on nationality, purpose of travel and port of entry. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

e-Visas

Single short-entry E-visa: Foreign nationals who wish to enter Djibouti on a single-entry for short stays or for business (0-90 days) need an e-visa to be allowed entry.

Application for multiple-entry visas are only available diplomatic and official visas, and must be done at a local embassy/consulate.

Visas on Arrival

Visa on arrival: Foreign nationals can buy a tourist visa on arrival at the airport with payment in cash. The visa is valid up to one month. Travellers are advised to verify entry requirements via the embassy or consular services prior the departure. Authorities recommend that inbound travellers apply for the eVisa instead of the VoA.

Lokal resor

Overview

The main airport is Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB/HDAM) in Djibouti City. Road conditions are poor across the country. Public transport remains severely underdeveloped and the presence of land mines continues to make any overland travel dangerous. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway operates regular trains between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Foreign nationals considering seaborne travel in Djibouti's coastal waters should exercise extreme caution due to the risk of piracy.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Djibouti's main international airport, the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB/HDAM), is located five km (three miles) south of Djibouti City. It boasts several direct international flights to Cairo, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Doha and Paris. Djibouti's national airline, Air Djibouti, flies between Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB/HDAM) and Somalia and Yemen.

All air carriers certified by the Djiboutian authorities, namely Daalo Airlines, are banned from operating flights to Europe due to a lack of conformity with the necessary technical elements and requirements prescribed by the applicable international safety standards.

Taxi fares are reportedly high; however, travellers are recommended to use taxis rather than public bus services to and from the airport.

Borders and Entry

Border closures: Djibouti's borders with Eritrea are closed.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Djibouti. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have two blank pages.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Djibouti might face legal and social difficulties.

Road Travel

Traffic in Djibouti moves on the right. The speed limit is 80 kph (50 mph) on highways and 50 kph (30 mph) in towns. It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level above zero. Most of the roads in Djibouti are narrow, poorly maintained and unlit making travel by night exceedingly dangerous. Many roads remain unpaved, particularly outside the capital, making overland travel hazardous. The presence of landmines near the border with Eritrea makes any travel in rural areas dangerous. Travellers are advised to avoid driving within 10 km (6.2 miles) of Djibouti's borders with Somalia and Eritrea. Military police roadblocks are frequent in the Tadjourah and Obock districts in the north.

Rail Travel

The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway operates regular trains between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Djibouti City. Train tickets should be booked in advance at the stations.

Public Transport

Public transport in Djibouti is limited. The best option for travelling outside Djibouti City is to hire a car with a driver.

Ferries and Boats: Ferries operate from Obock and Tadjourah to Djibouti City. Incidents of piracy have been reported in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and visitors are advised to exercise vigilance and seek local advice. In addition, ferries are often overcrowded and rarely reliable, capsizing with some regularity.

Buses: Within Djibouti City, a comprehensive system of cheap though crowded bus and minibus services the main thoroughfares. Given the unreliable and at times dangerous driving habits of bus drivers, it is advisable to secure private transportation within the city. Travellers should be aware of the fact that buses do not adhere to fixed timetables.

Taxis: Taxis are plentiful along the main city streets and at nightclubs. They are of questionable safety standards and are comparatively expensive. For an additional fee, travellers can obtain a private taxi rather than a communal one. Shared taxis are the most frequently used variety of transportation within towns and between them.

Vehicle Hire: There are some international and local car rental companies available in Djibouti City. An international driving licence is recommended for driving. Foreign nationals are advised to hire 4WD vehicles with a driver to travel around Djibouti. It is advisable to carry water and petrol for any expeditions outside the main routes.