Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Djibouti, you are subject to its laws.  Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.  In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.  In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.  In some places, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could land you immediately in jail.  These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.  There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.  For example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.  If you break local laws in Djibouti, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.  It’s very important to know what is legal and what is not wherever you go.  US citizens conducting business in Djibouti are highly encouraged to familiarize themselves with local business law, finance law and labor law.  Certain practices that may be standard in U.S. or European businesses are not accepted in Djibouti, and could lead to criminal or civil prosecution.  All legal proceedings are conducted in French or Somali.

If you are arrested in Djibouti, you have the right to request authorities alert the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. The U.S. does not have a bilateral agreement with Djibouti requiring notification of the U.S. Embassy upon your arrest, but Djibouti is a signatory to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.  The Vienna Convention requires prompt notification to the corresponding Embassy when one of their citizens or nationals is arrested. Under Djiboutian law, upon arrest Djiboutian law enforcement is required to offer the following: access to a doctor, access to an attorney, and notification of the U.S. Embassy.  These requirements are not universally known by Djiboutian law enforcement; if you are arrested in Djibouti you should use whatever means of communication available to alert the U.S. Embassy of your situation.  If you are arrested, the Djiboutian authorities have the right to hold you for up to 96 hours while they investigate the crime.  You may be remanded to prison for the duration of your judicial process if the Djiboutian authorities consider you a flight risk. Prison conditions in Djibouti are significantly below U.S. standards.  The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Embassy cannot interfere in Djiboutian legal processes, cannot get you out of jail, and cannot demand preferential treatment for incarcerated US citizens.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Although the narcotic khat is legal and widely chewed in Djibouti, it is illegal in many countries, including the United States.  Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol could result in legal penalties.

Djiboutians are generally conservative in manner and dress, especially in rural areas. Photography of public infrastructure (including, but not limited to, public buildings, seaports, the airport, bridges, military facilities or personnel) is not allowed in Djibouti. Use extreme caution when photographing anyone or anything near prohibited areas.  Photographic equipment will be confiscated, and the photographer may be arrested.  It is generally a good idea to ask permission before taking pictures of people as they may object to having their photo taken.

Djibouti uses the Djiboutian Franc (DJF) which is pegged at 177 DJF to the dollar.  Djibouti is a cash-based economy and credit cards are not widely accepted.  Automated teller machines (ATMs) are limited. Changing money on the street is legal, but be aware of possible scams as well as personal safety considerations if people observe you carrying large amounts of cash. The exchange rate on the street will be similar to that at a bank or hotel. U.S. banknotes printed before 2003 may not be accepted at many currency exchanges.

Djiboutian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation and exportation of firearms.  It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Djibouti in Washington, D.C., for specific information regarding customs requirements.

LGBT RIGHTS: The law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual conduct; however, the government has not taken any action against persons under the law, and there are no reported incidents of societal violence or discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.  Societal norms do not allow for the public discussion of homosexuality, and persons generally do not openly acknowledge being gay.  There are no known organizations for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons.  For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Djibouti you may review the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.  For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our  LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Djibouti individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations very different from what you find in the United States.  The government does not mandate accessibility to buildings or government services for persons with disabilities, thus accessibility is limited.  The constitution does not prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities; however, the labor code prohibits discrimination in employment against such persons.  Such persons have access to education and public health services.