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Djibouti Long-term Visa

Djibouti Long-term Visa

If you plan on staying in Djibouti for a longer period, there are options available for obtaining a long-term visa or a residence permit. However, the exact process and requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and nationality. It's recommended that you contact the nearest embassy or consulate for detailed information on obtaining a long-term visa or residence permit.

What is a Djibouti Long-term Visa?

A Djibouti long-term visa allows individuals to stay in the country for an extended period, usually for work, study, or other purposes. The duration and requirements vary based on nationality and circumstances. Some applicants may extend a short-term visa or apply for a long-term visa while in Djibouti. However, having a visa does not guarantee entry, as immigration checks still apply. Since the process can be complex, it's best to consult the nearest Djibouti embassy or consulate for guidance.

Djibouti Audio Guide for Long-Term Visas

Who Needs a Djibouti Long-term Visa?

A Djibouti eVisa is required for individuals who plan to stay in the country for an extended period beyond a short-term visit. This includes:

Foreign workers	Those seeking employment in Djibouti must obtain a work visa and relevant permits.
Students	Individuals enrolling in educational institutions need a student visa.
Business investors	Entrepreneurs or investors planning to establish or manage businesses in Djibouti.
Family reunification	Those joining family members who are legal residents or citizens of Djibouti.
Researchers and academics	Professionals conducting research or academic activities in the country.
Diplomats and government officials	Individuals on official missions requiring long-term stays.

Since visa requirements vary by nationality and purpose, it’s essential to check with the nearest embassy or consulate for specific guidelines.

How to Apply for a Djibouti Long-term Visa

The process for applying for a Djibouti long-term visa can vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. Here are some general steps you may need to follow:

Contact the Embassy or Consulate: Confirm the specific visa requirements and application procedures with the nearest embassy or consulate.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of financial means, accommodation details, and any additional documents requested.
Complete Application & Pay Fees: Fill out the Djibouti eVisa application form accurately and pay the required visa fee based on your nationality and visa type.
Submit & Wait for Processing: Submit your application with all required documents and wait for processing. Once approved, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.

Djibouti Long-term Visa Application Process

Contact the Embassy or Consulate

Confirm the specific visa requirements and application procedures with the nearest embassy or consulate.

Prepare Required Documents

Gather necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of financial means, accommodation details, and any additional documents requested.

Complete Application & Pay Fees

Fill out the Djibouti eVisa application form accurately and pay the required visa fee based on your nationality and visa type.

Submit & Wait for Processing

Submit your application with all required documents and wait for processing. Once approved, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.

Required Documents for Djibouti Long-term Visa

The required documents for a Djibouti long-term visa may vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the individual circumstances of the applicant. However, the following are the general documents that are required for a Djibouti long-term visa application:

Djibouti Visa Application Form: Duly filled, completed, and signed by the applicant.
A Valid Passport and Copy of the Main Page: Passport requirements for a long-term Djibouti Visa application
- Validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in Djibouti.
- Blank Pages: Should have at least two to three blank pages for visa stamps.
- Condition: Must be in good condition, with no significant damage or missing pages.
- Copies: Some embassies may require copies of the passport’s bio-data page (the page with your photo and personal details).
- Previous Visas: If applicable, provide copies of previous Djibouti visas or any relevant travel history.
Passport-photo: A clear recent passport size photo in the white background that meets Djibouti Visa Photo requirements.
Travel Itinerary: Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.) and Flight reservations
Criminal Background Check Certificate: Issued by the applicant’s home country or country of residence.
Medical Certificate: Issued by a registered medical practitioner.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, pay slips or other financial documents to prove that the applicant has sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Djibouti.
Additional Supporting Documents: Documents related to the purpose of the visit, such as a letter of invitation, employment contract, or acceptance letter from a university, may also be required.

Djibouti Visa through Embassy/Consulate fees

The fees for a Djibouti visa through Embassy/Consulate may vary depending on the embassy/consulate and the type of visa being applied for. Generally, the fees for Djibouti visa through Embassy/Consulate include:

Application fee: This fee is charged for processing the visa application and is non-refundable. The application fee may vary depending on the embassy/consulate and the type of visa being applied for.
Service fee: Some embassies/consulates may charge an additional service fee for processing the visa application.
Shipping fee: Applicants may also need to pay a shipping fee to have their passport and visa documents returned to them by courier.

Djibouti Long-term Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Djibouti long-term visa can take several weeks or even months, depending on the purpose of the visit and the applicant's circumstances. It is advisable to apply well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing and avoid delays. Since processing times may vary, applicants should consult the Djibouti embassy or consulate in their home country for specific details. In some cases, additional requirements such as interviews or extra documentation may extend the processing time further, so planning ahead is essential.

Djibouti Long-term Visa Extension Process

To extend a Djibouti long-term visa, the applicant must submit an extension application to the immigration authorities at least two weeks before the visa's expiration date. The extension application must include the following:

A completed and signed application form for a long-term visa extension.
A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended period of stay.
A copy of the original long-term visa and a copy of the page with the entry stamp.
Proof of the purpose of the stay in Djibouti.
A current criminal background check certificate.
A current medical certificate.
Proof of financial means to support the extended stay in Djibouti.
A letter explaining the reason for the extension request and the intended duration of stay.

After submitting the extension application, you may need to attend an interview or provide extra documents. The processing time is usually 2-4 weeks, so it's best to apply before your visa expires. Djibouti long-term visas can only be extended once, and the total stay cannot exceed the original visa duration.

Renewing a Djibouti Long-term Visa

To renew a Djibouti long-term visa, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa at an embassy or consulate outside of Djibouti. The renewal process involves submitting a new application, required documents, and fees, which may vary depending on the purpose of your visit. It’s best to check with the embassy or consulate for specific details on the renewal process. Keep in mind that long-term visas can only be renewed once, and the total stay cannot exceed the allowed duration for that visa type. Renewal is not guaranteed and depends on immigration authorities’ approval.

Can You Convert a Djibouti Long-term Visa to Permanent Residency?

It is possible to convert a Djibouti long-term visa into permanent residency, but the process depends on specific criteria set by the immigration authorities. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility for Permanent Residency in Djibouti

Must have legally stayed in Djibouti on a valid long-term visa for an extended period (usually several years).
Should have a valid reason for permanent residency, such as employment, business investment, or family ties.
Must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to support yourself in Djibouti.
Should have a clean legal record with no immigration violations, including overstays.

Here are the Key Considerations for Application of Permanent Residency:

Permanent residency is not automatically granted and depends on individual circumstances.
Investing in Djibouti, owning property, or contributing to the economy may strengthen your application.
If your application is denied, you may still be able to extend your long-term visa or explore other residency options.

Consequences of Overstaying a Djibouti Long-term Visa

Overstaying a long-term visa in Djibouti can have serious consequences, including:

Fines and Penalties: Overstaying a long-term visa in Djibouti can result in daily fines, which increase the longer you stay beyond your visa validity.
Detention and Deportation: Immigration authorities may detain you until fines are paid and could deport you from the country.
Ban on Future Entry: Depending on the length of overstay, you may face a temporary or permanent ban from re-entering Djibouti.
Legal Consequences: Immigration laws may change, so it's important to check with the Djibouti embassy or consult an immigration attorney for guidance on visa status and overstaying penalties.

Traveling In and Out of Djibouti with a Long-term Visa

Traveling in and out of Djibouti with a long-term visa requires careful attention to the terms of your visa. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Multiple Entries: If your visa allows multiple entries, you can leave and return to Djibouti without needing a new visa, as long as your current visa is valid.
Single Entry Visa: With a single-entry visa, once you leave Djibouti, your visa becomes invalid, and you'll need to apply for a new one to return.
Documents: Always carry your passport with your visa and be ready to show other documents, like accommodation details or a return ticket, when traveling.
Re-entry Process: When returning to Djibouti, immigration will check your visa and may ask about your stay.
Stay Duration: Make sure not to overstay your visa, as this can cause problems when re-entering Djibouti.
Check with Authorities: For any questions or specific details, contact the embassy or consulate in your country.

Frequently Asked Questions

A long-term visa in Djibouti allows a foreign national to stay in the country for a period of more than 90 days for a specific purpose, such as work, study, or family reunification.

You can apply for a long-term visa at the Djibouti embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to provide documentation to support your visa application, including a valid passport, proof of purpose for your stay, and proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay.

The processing time for a long-term visa application in Djibouti can vary depending on a range of factors. Generally, it can take several weeks or even months to process a visa application, so it is recommended that you apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

The duration of a long-term visa in Djibouti can vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of your stay. Typically, long-term visas are valid for up to one year, with the option to renew for additional periods of time.

Overstaying a long-term visa in Djibouti can result in fines, detention, deportation, and even a ban on future entry to Djibouti. It is important to abide by the terms of your visa and leave the country before your visa expires to avoid these consequences.

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.