Djibouti Visa on Arrival

Djibouti allows some travellers to obtain a visa upon their arrival. Rather than applying for a visa online or in advance at an embassy or consulate, travellers can simply present their passport and other required documents to immigration officials and receive the visa immediately. This process can be more convenient and quicker than obtaining a traditional visa in advance.

What is a Djibouti visa on arrival? 

Djibouti offers visas on arrival in two situations: 

• If you hold diplomatic, service, or official passports, or
• If you are included in Djibouti agreement program.

As these two scenarios necessitate distinct approaches, we have provided separate information below.

Djibouti Visa on Arrival for Diplomatic, Service, or Official Passport holders

Individuals who hold diplomatic, service, or official passports are eligible for this visa on arrival category, which is a separate category aimed to simplify the steps involved in entering the country.

Required Documents for Diplomatic, Service, or Official Passport Holders:

• Passport: It is absolutely necessary to possess an official passport, which must be valid for a period of at least six months after the date on which you intend to depart from Djibouti.
• Official letter: A formal document from your government or organisation that verifies your official status and specifies the purpose of your visit. This letter should explicitly state your stance, the objectives of your visit, and the duration of your stay in Djibouti.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Document demonstrating adequate financial resources to support your expenses while in Djibouti. This may take the shape of a credit card, traveller's checks, or an adequate sum of cash.
• Return or onward flight ticket: A confirmed ticket for your return flight or onwards journey to another destination. This serves as proof of your plan to depart from Djibouti within the designated period.
• Passport-size photograph: One of the mandatory documents for the visa on arrival is a recent passport-size photograph.

How Diplomatic, Service, or Official Passport holders can obtain Visa on Arrival 

The procedure of obtaining a visa upon arrival is straightforward; however, the country will only allow entry if the appropriate documentation is present.

• Arrival at Djibouti International Airport: Upon arrival at Djibouti International Airport, proceed to the immigration hall.
• Once you complete the process, the immigration officer will give you a visa application form. Fill out the application form and submit it to the authorised person with the other required documents.
• Visa Issuance:
• Document Verification: The immigration officer will meticulously review your passport and other documents.
• Eligibility Check: Upon arrival, your nationality and the purpose of your visit will determine your visa eligibility.
• Payment of Visa Fee:
• The fee amount is contingent upon the type of visa and your nationality.
• Payment alternatives may encompass credit cards or currency.
• Passport Stamping: The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a visa. This stamp will show your visa type, stay length, and other important information.

Djibouti Visa on Arrival for Agreement Programme Participants 

Djibouti offers a Visa on Courtesy to individuals participating in a specific agreement program with the Republic of Djibouti, who may be eligible for a courtesy visa upon arrival. This is a special privilege that allows them to bypass the regular visa application process and obtain a visa directly at the airport.

Who Gets Djibouti’s Courtesy Visa on Arrival?

The following categories of individuals are often eligible for a courtesy visa on arrival in Djibouti due to specific agreements and diplomatic relations between Djibouti and the respective countries or organisations.

International Organisations:

• United Nations: Individuals holding UN documents, such as UN Laissez-Passer, may be eligible for a courtesy visa on arrival.
• African Union Document Holders are also eligible for a courtesy visa, especially if they are attending AU meetings or conferences in Djibouti.
• African Development Bank (AfDB): AfDB staff and officials may be eligible for a courtesy visa, especially if they are on official business.
• COMESA: Similarly, officials and personnel from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) may qualify for a courtesy visa.

Military Personnel

• French Military: French soldiers and their families, particularly those on official missions, may be eligible for a courtesy visa.
• US Military: US military personnel and contractors may be eligible, especially those stationed at the US military base in Djibouti.
• Italian, Japanese, German, Spanish, and Chinese Military: Military personnel from these countries, particularly those on official missions, may be eligible for a courtesy visa.

Djibouti Visa on Arrival Documents for Agreement Programme Participants

1. International Organizations
   • United Nations: UN Laissez-Passer.
   • African Union: AU Diplomatic Passport or Official Travel Document.
   • African Development Bank (AfDB): AfDB Staff ID or Official Letter.
   • COMESA: COMESA Staff ID or Official Letter.
2. Military Personnel
   • French Military: Mission Order and Military ID Card.
   • US Military: Uniform ID Card and Contractor or DOD Identification.
   • Italian, Japanese, German, Spanish, and Chinese Military: Mission Order and Military ID Card.

Procedure to be Followed to obtain visa on arrival for Agreement Programme Participants

Obtaining a visa upon arrival is a simple process; however, entry into the country is contingent upon having the necessary documentation.

1. Arrival at the Airport: Upon arriving at Djibouti International Airport, make your way to the immigration hall.
2. Receive and Fill the Application Form: The immigration officer will provide you with an application form. Fill it out and submit it with the relevant documents.
3. Document Verification: The immigration officer will examine your passport and additional documents carefully.
4. Eligibility Check: The immigration authorities will determine your visa eligibility upon arrival based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
5. Visa Fee Payment: You may not be required to pay any visa fee.
6. Visa Approval: After obtaining all necessary clearances, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with a visa. This stamp will indicate your visa type, length of stay, and other important information.

Djibouti Visa on Arrival – Seamless Travel Made Easy

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Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in January 2025, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.