Entry/Exit Requirements

A passport, visa, and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required for entry (if coming from or transiting a yellow fever-affected country).  Those travelling by air can obtain visas at Ambouli International Airport at the following lengths/costs: a 3-day visa can be obtained for 10,000 Djiboutian francs (60 USD) a 30-day visas can be obtained for 15,000 Djiboutian Francs (90 USD), and a 1-year visa can be obtained for 20,000 Djiboutian Francs (110 USD).  It is, however, advisable to obtain visas prior to travel to Djibouti whenever possible.  If visas are obtained prior to travel, one year, multiple entry visas are issued.  Travelers may obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti, 1156 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, telephone (202) 331-0270, or at the Djiboutian Mission to the United Nations, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 4011, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 753-3163.  Overseas inquiries may be made at the nearest Djiboutian embassy or consulate.  In countries where there is no Djiboutian diplomatic representation, travelers may sometimes obtain visas at the French Embassy.  The validity of the Djiboutian visa is also the amount of time one may stay in the country without a residency permit.  If one overstays his/her visa validity, an exit tax of 10,000 Djiboutian francs (60 USD) may be required.  Djiboutian airport taxes of 60 USD are typically added into the cost of an airline ticket by travel agents.  Tickets purchased online, however, sometimes fail to account for this charge and it may be requested at check-in.  Any airport/visa/customs fees must be paid in cash.

At this time, U.S. citizen contractors affiliated with Camp Lemonnier are not required to obtain an entry visa.  Contractors are advised to carry documentation from their company identifying their DOD contract and/or DOD-issued travel orders, CAS cards, etc.

U.S. citizen journalists or any U.S. citizen connected with the media must contact the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs section prior to travel to facilitate entry into Djibouti.  If you are unclear whether this applies to you, please contact the U.S. Embassy for more information.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a photocopy of their U.S. passport with them at all times to prove identity and U.S. citizenship if questioned by local officials.  Police occasionally stop travelers on the main roads leading out of the capital to check identity documents.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Djibouti.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.