Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful natural landscapes, rich culture, and unique history.
If you are planning to travel to Djibouti, it is important to know the visa requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may need a visa to enter Djibouti.
Complete Djibouti eVisa Requirements
To obtain a Djibouti eVisa, applicants must submit the following:
-
Passport bio page
- A clear, complete scan or photo of your passport’s biodata page
- Full page visible (no cuts, shadows, glare or reflections)
- Valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date
- Damage-free and with at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps
-
Applicant photo
- One recent passport-sized color photographs (JPEG or PNG)
- Taken within the last six months, against a white or light-coloured background
- High resolution, clearly showing your facial features (no shadows or distortions)
-
Flight ticket or reservation
- A confirmed return or onward flight booking showing both entry into and exit from Djibouti
- If you’re transiting, include a valid visa or entry permit for your next destination
-
Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Valid hotel reservation covering your entire stay
- Or, if staying with a host, a signed invitation letter from them, including:
- Full name and contact details of the host
- Your planned travel dates and accommodation address
Additional supporting documents (if required)
Depending on the visa category, you may also need: residence permit, marriage certificate, proof of property ownership, etc.
-
Proof of financial means
Recent bank statements, employment letter, or formal sponsorship letter demonstrating you can support yourself
-
Travel insurance (recommended)
Comprehensive policy covering medical emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation
-
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Required only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission
-
Criminal record certificate (where applicable)
Clean criminal record from your home-country authorities, if requested
-
Invitation letter for specific purposes
For business/study/family visits: a letter from your host organization or sponsor in Djibouti detailing the purpose, duration and financial arrangements
How to Apply for a Djibouti Visa
Djibouti offers multiple ways to apply for a visa, including an online eVisa, Visa on Arrival, and Embassy/Consulate applications. Below is a detailed guide on each method, including steps, processing times, fees, and required documents.
1. Online Application (e-Visa)
The Djibouti eVisa is the most convenient option for travelers who want to obtain their visa before arriving.
Here is a simplified 3-step process to apply for a Djibouti eVisa:
- Visit the eVisa Website: Go to Djibouti eVisa portal and select Djibouti eVisa Application Form.
- Complete the Application: Provide your personal details, select your visa type, and upload the required documents (passport, photo, itinerary, etc.). Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.
- Submit and Wait: Submit your application and wait for approval. You will receive an email notification once your visa is approved. Download and print the eVisa for presentation upon arrival in Djibouti.
2. Visa on Arrival
Djibouti offers Visa on Arrival (VoA) to eligible travelers at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport.
Eli gibility for Visa on Arriva l
- Available to travelers from most countries, except those requiring pre-approved visas.
- Travelers must arrive by air (Visa on Arrival is not available at land or sea borders).
3. Applying at an Embassy or Consulate
If you prefer to apply for a Djibouti visa before traveling and do not qualify for an eVisa or Visa on Arrival, you can apply at an Embassy or Consulate.
Where and How to Submit Documents
- Locate the nearest Djibouti Embassy or Consulate.
- Complete the visa application form (available online or at the embassy).
- Submit the required documents for visa application, note that some embassies require an appointment before submission.
- Pay the visa fee at the embassy.
Common Reasons for Djibouti Visa Rejection & How to Avoid Them
Applying for a Djibouti visa does not always guarantee approval. Here are some common reasons why applications get rejected and how to avoid them:
|
Reason for Rejection |
Explanation |
How to Avoid |
|
Incomplete or Incorrect Application |
Missing details or errors in personal information. |
Double-check all information before submission. |
|
Passport Issues |
Passport is valid for less than 6 months or is damaged. |
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and in good condition. |
|
Lack of Financial Proof |
Insufficient funds shown in bank statements. |
Provide recent bank statements showing enough funds or a sponsorship letter. |
|
Missing Supporting Documents |
No return ticket, hotel booking, or invitation letter (for business visits). |
Include flight details, accommodation proof, or an invitation letter if needed. |
|
Past Visa Violations |
Overstayed a previous visa or history of rejections. |
Follow visa rules, avoid overstaying, and correct past issues before reapplying. |
|
Security or Health Concerns |
Criminal record or missing required vaccinations (e.g., Yellow Fever certificate). |
Declare past legal issues honestly and provide vaccination proof if required. |
|
Late Application |
Applying too close to the travel date, causing delays. |
Apply at least 2–4 weeks before travel for timely processing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your arrival date in Djibouti. The required photo should be passport-sized, taken within the last six months, and have a white background.
Yes, transit passengers require a Djibouti transit visa unless they remain in the airport’s international transit area and do not go through immigration.
Tourist visa: Requires a return ticket and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter).
Business visa: Requires an invitation letter from a company in Djibouti and a letter from the applicant’s employer stating the purpose of travel.
Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the embassy’s workload, but it is advised to apply well in advance of travel. Djibouti offers an online eVisa application for tourist, business, and transit visas through the eVisa portal.
Some Djibouti visas can be extended, but travelers should confirm the process with Djibouti immigration authorities.
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.