By the time you finish this, you’ll know exactly which visa fits your trip, how to apply without surprises, what health documents you need, and how to handle extensions or transit stops. You’ll also get insider tips on public-holiday delays, rare denial reasons, and how Djibouti’s spot by the Red Sea shapes its entry rules.
Picking the Right Permit: e-Visa, Visa on Arrival or Transit Visa
Djibouti offers three main routes for short-stay visitors. Choose the one that matches your travel style and schedule.
The e-Visa route
You apply online at the Official e-Visa Portal, upload a scan of your passport (valid at least six months), a recent photo, and pay by credit card. Within 48 hours you get your visa by email, as noted in the US Department of State’s Djibouti country information. Simply print it and show both it and your passport on arrival.
Visa on Arrival explained
If you miss the e-Visa window, you can still pay for a visa at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport or the port. All nationalities are eligible (no preferential treatment by citizenship). Have cash (USD, EUR) ready for the fee and your passport with at least two blank pages.
Transit Visa for quick layovers
Passing through Djibouti for under 24 hours? Ask for a free transit visa at the airport’s visa desk. You won’t need a full tourist visa so long as you stay in the transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket. For details on transit rules, see KAYAK’s travel restrictions overview for Djibouti.
Application Essentials and Health Requirements
Gather these before clicking “Submit.”
– A passport photo (35×45 mm)
– Scanned passport biodata page
– Return or onward ticket
– Proof of accommodation
– Valid email address for e-Visa
Beyond COVID-19: Vaccination rules
If you arrive from or have transited through a yellow-fever zone, you must show a yellow-fever vaccination certificate on arrival. See the WHO’s International Travel and Health chapter on yellow-fever vaccination for a full list of at-risk countries.
Scheduling around government closures
Djibouti’s public holidays can delay processing. Plan your application at least two weeks before departure.
• New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
• Independence Day (Jun 27)
• Labour Day (May 1)
• Eid al-Fitr/Eid al-Adha (dates vary)
You can confirm the full list on OfficeHolidays.com’s Djibouti page.
Special Provisions and Regional Agreements
You might expect regional visa waivers, but Djibouti’s e-visa system applies the same fees to all nationalities—even African Union or IGAD passports. Diplomatic or service-passport holders may follow a streamlined process through their consular channels. For more on regional policy, see the African Union’s travel guidelines.
Extending Your Stay and Avoiding Refusals
Want to linger past 30 days? You can apply for a month-long extension at the Directorate of Immigration in Djibouti-Ville. Bring:
1. Your original visa
2. A copy of your passport photo page
3. Proof of local address
4. Extension fee (approx. USD 50)
In-depth advice on extensions is available in Lonely Planet’s visa extension guide for Djibouti.
Common (and Uncommon) Reasons for Denial
• Missing or expired documents
• Criminal record flagged on arrival
• Insufficient funds for your stay
• Health concerns (no yellow-fever vaccine when required)
• Overstaying a previous visit without paying fines
Visa Policy Shaped by Djibouti’s Strategic Location
Perched at the gateway to the Red Sea, Djibouti must balance open borders with maritime security. Entry-point checks follow guidelines set by the International Maritime Organization and reflect Djibouti’s importance as described by Britannica’s geographic overview of Djibouti.
Your Djibouti Journey Begins
You now have a clear roadmap: pick the visa type that fits your itinerary, check health rules, mind local holidays, and know how to extend if you fall in love with the sights. Get your docs in order, apply early, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable visit to one of Africa’s most strategically fascinating—and welcoming—destinations.