Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa

Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, known for its strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping lanes, its diverse culture, and its beautiful landscapes. For those who wish to visit Djibouti to see family or friends or to engage in social activities, a family/social visit visa is required.

What is a Family/Social Visit Visa?

A family/social visit visa is a type of Djibouti visa that allows foreign nationals to visit Djibouti for a short period of time for the purpose of visiting family or friends or engaging in social activities. This type of visa is typically issued to individuals who have relatives or friends living in Djibouti and wish to visit them for a short period of time. It is also issued to individuals who wish to attend social events or ceremonies in Djibouti.

Who is eligible for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

A Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa is intended for individuals who want to visit their family members or friends in Djibouti. The following individuals are typically eligible to apply for this type of visa:

1. Immediate family members (spouse, parents, children) of Djibouti citizens or residents.
2. Extended family members (siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) of Djibouti citizens or residents.
3. Individuals attending social events such as weddings, family gatherings, or cultural ceremonies.

Applicants may need to prove their relationship with their Djibouti host and show financial stability and intent to return home.

What are the requirements for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

The requirements for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa may vary depending on the specific visa type and the purpose of your visit. However, here are some general requirements for obtaining a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and a blank visa page.
• Visa application form: A completed visa application form, which can be obtained from the embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
• Invitation letter: An invitation letter from your family or friends in Djibouti indicating the purpose of your visit, your relationship with the host, and your length of stay in Djibouti.
• Proof of accommodation: A confirmed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Djibouti indicating your place of stay during your visit.
• Proof of financial support: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Djibouti, such as bank statements or a letter of support from your sponsor.
• Travel itinerary: A copy of your round-trip ticket or travel itinerary.
• Vaccination certificate: A valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever may be required if you are arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country.
• Visa fee: Payment of the visa application fee.

It's important to note that the Djibouti embassy or consulate may require additional documents or information depending on your specific circumstances. 

How to apply for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit eVisa?

To apply for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit eVisa, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Djibouti eVisa Application Portal and select "Family/Social Visit" as your visa type. Fill out the online form with your details and your host’s information.
2. Upload the required documents, including your passport copy, invitation letter from your host, and proof of sufficient funds. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
3. Submit your application and wait for approval. Once approved, download and print your eVisa to present upon arrival in Djibouti.

Apply for your Djibouti Family/Social Visit eVisa early and ensure all required documents are ready to allow sufficient time for processing.

What is the processing time for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

A Djibouti Family/Social Visit eVisa takes 4 - 7 Working Days to process, so apply early and ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.

If you need your visa urgently, you may be able to request expedited processing for an additional fee. Here are the options that you have:

What is the duration of a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

The duration of a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa can vary at the discretion of the immigration authorities. However, typically a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa is issued for a period of 90 days. It's important to note that the visa validity period is not the same as the duration of stay allowed in Djibouti. The visa validity period indicates the time frame during which you can use the visa to enter Djibouti, while the duration of stay refers to the actual amount of time you are permitted to remain in Djibouti. 

Can a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa be extended?

Yes, a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa can be extended for a maximum period of 90 days. However, you must apply for the visa extension at least 7 days before the expiry of your current visa.

How to Apply for an Extension

To extend your Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa, you will need to

• Visit the immigration authorities to submit your request.
• Provide a valid reason (e.g., extended family visit or attending an event).
• Pay the required visa extension fee if approved.

Visa extensions are not guaranteed, and the immigration authorities may deny your application if they determine that your reasons for the extension are not valid. If you overstay your visa, you may be subject to fines, detention, or deportation, so it's important to apply for a visa extension or leave Djibouti before your visa expires.

What are the restrictions on a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

There are several restrictions that apply to a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa. These restrictions may include:

It's important to adhere to these restrictions and any other conditions specified on your visa, as violating these restrictions could result in fines, detention, or deportation.

Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa Application Through an Embassy

To apply for a Djibouti family/social visit visa, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Determine if you need a visa: Confirm if your nationality requires a visa to enter Djibouti for a family or social visit.
2. Gather the required documents: You will need to provide the following documents to apply for a Djibouti family/social visit visa:
   1. A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
   2. A completed visa application form
   3. A letter of invitation from your host in Djibouti
   4. Proof of accommodation in Djibouti (hotel booking or letter of invitation indicating accommodation arrangements)
   5. Proof of financial support during your stay in Djibouti (bank statements or sponsorship letter)
   6. A recent passport-sized photograph
   7. A copy of your flight itinerary
3. Submit Your Application: Apply at the embassy/consulate in your country. Some locations may allow online applications.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Fees vary based on the embassy/consulate and length of stay. Payment is required when submitting the application.
5. Wait for Processing: Processing may take several weeks, so apply early. You may need to attend an interview or provide additional documents.
6. Receive Your Visa: If approved, you will receive your visa by mail or in person from the embassy/consulate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa? Who is eligible for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa? How long can I stay in Djibouti on a Family/Social Visit Visa? How long does it take to process a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa? Where can I apply for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in February 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.