The Republic of Djibouti is located on the northeast coast of the Horn of Africa, and if you want to explore that country, you will most likely need to apply for a Djibouti visa to enter. Djibouti is one of a few countries that requires almost every nationality to apply for a visa. However, please be aware if you want to visit the country due to high-security risks.
Who Needs a Visa for Djibouti?
Everyone who needs to enter or visit the country must apply for a Djibouti visa (unless another way is stated). For example, citizens of Singapore do not need to apply for a visa to enter Djibouti, or China citizens holding passports for public affairs purposes do not need to apply for a visa.
Citizens who need a visa to enter the country can apply online or at the embassy consulate of Djibouti in your home country.
How to Apply for a Djibouti Visa?
Here are two options on how to apply for a Djibouti visa depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Apply online.
- At the embassy/consulate of Djibouti in your home country.
Apply Online
A Djibouti online visa or e-Visa is issued to foreigners who want to visit the country for tourism purposes. To apply for a Djibouti online visa, follow these steps:
- First, enter the official page of e-Visa for Djibouti.
- Then, fully complete the application form.
- Upload other requested documents, such as:
- A passport valid for at least six months after the date of return.
- A flight ticket.
- An accommodation proof.
- A letter of invitation from a friend of a family member.
- Wait for an email or SMS with your visa application result.
At the Embassy/Consulate of Djibouti in Your Home Country
Foreign citizens who want to visit Djibouti for longer than three months for study, work, or family purposes, must apply for a Djibouti visa at the nearest embassy or consulate of Djibouti in their home country. For an easier application process, they must follow these instructions:
- Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Djibouti in your home country and book a visa appointment.
- Fill out the Djibouti visa application form carefully and sign it at the end.
- Gather all the required documents. See ‘Djibouti Visa Requirements’ for further information.
- Submit all the required documents to your home country’s embassy or consulate of Djibouti.
- Wait for a response from the embassy with your application visa result. The processing time for a Djibouti visa is between six to nine working days.
Djibouti Visa Requirements
Here are all the documents you need to submit when applying for a Djibouti visa:
- A valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the return date.
- A valid health insurance. The health insurance must be valid for the period of your stay in the country, and it must cover any medical expenses you have while in Djibouti.
- A completed Djibouti visa application form. Fully complete and sign the visa application form. Do not leave any blank spaces.
- A passport-sized photo in colors. You must take your passport photos in line with Djibouti visa photo requirements.
- An accommodation proof. The accommodation proof can be a rental agreement, a hotel reservation or an invitation letter.
- A criminal record. The police authorisation issues this document in your home country. A criminal record must prove that you are not a threat to the Republic of Djibouti.
- A travel itinerary. A travel itinerary must include details of places you plan to visit in Djibouti.
- A letter of invitation. A friend or a family member issues a letter of invitation. The invitation letter proves that you have a place to stay while in the country.
- A flight ticket. A return flight ticket must prove that you will return to your home country after your visa expires.
- A bank statement document. The bank statement proves that you are financially stable and can financially support yourself while in Djibouti.
- A marriage certificate (if applicable).
- A birth certificate (if applicable).
- A letter of acceptance from a University in Djibouti (if applicable).
Note: The embassy or consulate of Djibouti to which you apply may request other additional documents deepening on the type of visa you are applying for. Any missing document or false information can result in your application being refused.
Duration of a Djibouti Visa
A Djibouti e-Visa is valid for two weeks to three months. Foreign citizens who want to stay longer than three months must apply for an extension or can apply for a consular visa.
Djibouti Visa Fees
When applying for a Djibouti visa, there is an additional fee payment you need to finish either online or at the embassy/consulate of Djibouti in your home country when submitting the documents. The fee payment can change depending on several factors, such as:
- The country you are applying from.
- Your age.
- The type of visa you applied for.
Depending on these factors, applicants who want to apply for a Djibouti visa must contact the embassy/consulate of Djibouti regarding the payment fee they need to complete.
Is It Safe to Visit Djibouti?
The Republic of Djibouti has been in conflict with Eritrea since 2008, and the situation remains unchanged. Before travelling to Djibouti, here are some safety measures you need to follow:
- Do not walk alone at night.
- Do not travel to Djibouti’s border with Somalia because there is a high risk of kidnapping.
- Do not drive at night through the city.
- Do not attend public gatherings; they may get violent.
- Do not visit Djibouti from May to October. The country can experience huge dust storms, and the temperatures can go over 50°C.
- Avoid travelling alone to the country.