Djibouti Entry Requirements

Djibouti Entry Requirements are the set of rules that every traveler must be aware of to enter Djibouti without any hassle. These requirements comprise, i.a., the list of necessary documents that must be gathered prior to the planned departure.

One of the most essential documents that you may need to travel to Djibouti is a valid passport. You must ensure that your document will remain valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to arrive in Djibouti.

Another equally important document that the majority of foreign travelers must hold is a valid visa. According to the Djiboutian visa policy, nationals of only two countries - the UK and Singapore - are granted visa exemption. Any other foreign citizen will need to have an approved visa in order to enter this African Republic regardless of their intended duration of stay or traveling motive.

Luckily, nationals of most countries around the globe are eligible for a Djibouti online visa application, which eliminates the need to spend long hours in embassy lines. The entire application process can be completed online, while the approved visa is delivered to the applicant via email.

For all kinds of long-term stays, however, including working or studying purposes, a traveler of any nationality will need to visit the nearest Djiboutian diplomatic mission and obtain a relevant visa or/and permit.

There are currently no visa bans on visiting Djibouti. Nationals of every country in the world can apply for a visa for Djibouti.

Apart from a valid passport and visa, you may also be asked to show proof of your onward or return travel ticket to enter the Djiboutian territory.

The Government of Djibouti also introduced some additional measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus within the country. The Djiboutian authorities constantly update the entry regulations according to the evolving pandemic situation.

The latest change in Covid-19 entry requirements was announced on September 29th, 2022. The Djiboutian authorities eased entry requirements for vaccinated travelers then. They are no longer required to present a negative PCR test result on arrival in Djibouti. Unvaccinated travelers, however, must still provide a negative PCR test certificate issued within 72 hrs prior to the planned departure time. Moreover, unvaccinated travelers are subject to post-arrival testing.

Please note that the country's authorities may reimpose, further ease, extend, or modify any restrictions at short notice. Make sure to always be up-to-date with the latest travel advice and entry regulations before going to Djibouti.

Who can enter Djibouti?

Travelers from all around the world can travel to Djibouti. The country welcomes both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers against Covid-19.

Documents check-list for entering Djibouti

• valid passport
• Djibouti visa
• proof of Covid-19 vaccination (first round)
• pre-departure PCR test taken 72 hrs before departure (only if unvaccinated)
• post-arrival PCR test (only if unvaccinated)
• travel insurance (optional)

Testing, Vaccination, and Quarantine Requirements

Important note: If you have tested positive for Covid-19 recently, you should follow the same entry requirements as regular travelers. Follow the regulations applicable to your Covid-19 vaccination status.

Testing requirements

Pre-departure testing

If you have not completed the first round of coronavirus vaccination or you cannot provide vaccination proof, you will need to take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to the intended departure time.

Post-arrival testing

Additionally, if you are not vaccinated or are unable to provide vaccination proof, another PCR test will be necessary upon your arrival in Djibouti. You shouldn't eat anything half an hour before your planned arrival at the Djiboutian entry point. You will also need to pay for the post-arrival test ($30) either in cash (dollars or euros) or by card. You cannot leave the port of entry until receiving your test result.

Vaccination requirements

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can enter Djibouti. However, those who are able to provide evidence of having completed the first round of Covid-19 vaccination will be exempt from additional entry requirements.

Quarantine requirements

Not fully vaccinated passengers may be required to undergo a 10-day quarantine in their own accommodation.

Moreover, all those (unvaccinated) travelers who need to take post-arrival testing may be instructed to quarantine if their tests are positive. The quarantine will need to be undergone at their own expense, at a hotel or hospital. A traveler will be allowed to complete the quarantine period only when receiving a negative test.

Traveling from Djibouti

In order to leave Djibouti, all passengers are asked to provide a negative PCR test result to the Djiboutian officials. In addition, nationals and residents of Djibouti may also be asked to show evidence that they have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccination.

Before leaving Djibouti, also make sure that you are aware of all entry requirements introduced in the country or your next travel destination.

Traveling to Djibouti

All travelers to Djibouti should familiarize themselves with the most recent entry and exit requirements. In most cases, they will need to hold a valid passport and a visa. Depending on their travel needs and planned duration of stay in Djibouti, different visas may be applicable.

Currently, travelers vaccinated with one dose who are able to submit vaccination proof don't need to meet any other coronavirus requirements. In turn, those who cannot show their vaccination proof need to meet a number of additional requirements, including pre-departure and post-arrival PCR testing.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic is still evolving worldwide, all the covid-related entry regulations may constantly change. The latest update was announced at the end of September 2022.

Entry Rules for Children

Children aged 10 years and younger are exempt from the post-arrival PCR testing requirement.

Transit through Djibouti

Covid-related rules

There are no coronavirus restrictions for transit passengers who will be staying in the airport (airside) when transiting through Djibouti to their final travel destination.

If a passenger in transit plans to layover (pass through immigration) in Djibouti, for example, to spend a night in a hotel before taking a connecting flight the next day, they will need to follow all the requirements applicable to regular travelers arriving in Djibouti.

Visa for transit

You can transit through Djibouti visa-free as long as you will be staying in the airport's transit zone.

Nevertheless, if you plan to exit the transit zone while awaiting the connecting flight, e.g., to spend a night in a hotel, you will need to obtain a transit eVisa. Remember to apply for the transit electronic visa at least 72 business hours before the planned transit stop in Djibouti.

Visa requirements

Djibouti eVisa

Djibouti Government introduced the eVisa system in 2018 to facilitate and speed up the process of getting a visa. Citizens of around 180 different countries around the globe can apply for a visa for Djibouti online.

There are two types of visas that they can choose from. Both electronic visa types are issued as single-entry permits and differ only in terms of the permitted duration of stay in Djibouti, which may be either 14 or 90 days.

A holder of eVisa can use the approved visa within 3 months from its issue and travel to Djibouti for tourism-related purposes.

eVisa applicant doesn't need to visit the embassy to handle visa formalities since the entire application can be completed online. It's important to apply for a Djibouti visa at least 3 business days to receive the approved visa on time. Read more on the Djibouti electronic visa here.

Visa-exempt countries

According to the Djiboutian visa policy, only 2 nationalities can enjoy visa-free entry to Djibouti. Currently, holders of ordinary passports from the United Kingdom and Singapore are allowed to travel to Djibouti without a visa. Additionally, holders of Chinese passports endorsed for 'public affairs' are also permitted visa-free access to Djibouti.

All visa-exempt nationalities need to show a passport with min. 6-month validity upon arrival in the Republic. They should also ensure that their passports have at least two blank pages for stamps. Moreover, they may also need to show a return or onward travel ticket and a yellow fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from a yellow fever belt country).

Travelers who enjoy visa exemption for Djibouti can usually stay in the country without a visa for a short period of time. If they wish to spend more time in Djibouti, they will need to obtain a relevant visa covering their particular travel needs. For these reasons, it's best to contact the nearest Djiboutian diplomatic mission.

Passenger Locator Form

Djibouti didn't introduce the Passenger Locator Form mandate. Travelers aren't required to provide their health-related details either before or after arrival in Djibouti.

Travel Insurance

There are no legal provisions to have travel insurance when arriving in Djibouti. It is recommended, however, to purchase adequate insurance covering accidents and illnesses, including Covid-19, as well as potential medical evacuation by air in life-threatening situations.