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 the 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 at simplifying the steps involved in entering the country.
Required Documents for Diplomatic, Service, or Official Passport Holders:
- Passport: Must be an official passport valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
- Official Letter: A letter from your government or organisation confirming your official status, visit purpose, and length of stay.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence showing you can cover your expenses in Djibouti, such as cash, cards, or traveller’s cheques.
- Return or Onward Ticket: A confirmed ticket proving you will leave Djibouti within the permitted period.
- Passport-Size Photograph: A recent photo that meets standard passport photo requirements.
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: Proceed to the immigration hall upon arrival.
- Visa Application Form: Collect, complete, and submit the visa application form with the required documents.
- Document Verification: Immigration officials review your passport and supporting documents.
- Eligibility Check: Your nationality and purpose of travel are assessed to confirm eligibility.
- Visa Fee Payment: Pay the applicable visa fee based on visa type and nationality.
- Passport Stamping: Your passport is stamped with the visa, showing validity and length of stay.
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?
Djibouti grants a Courtesy Visa on Arrival to individuals covered under specific diplomatic, military, or institutional agreements with the Republic of Djibouti. Eligible categories include representatives of international organisations and foreign military personnel on official duty.
International Organisation Representatives
Individuals travelling on official business may qualify if they hold valid institutional travel documents, including:
- United Nations (UN): UN Laissez-Passer
- African Union (AU): AU Diplomatic Passport or Official Travel Document (especially for meetings or conferences)
- African Development Bank (AfDB): AfDB Staff ID or official mission letter
- COMESA: COMESA Staff ID or official authorisation letter
Military Personnel
Foreign military personnel on official missions may also be eligible, subject to documentation:
- French Military: Mission order and military ID card
- United States Military: Uniform ID card and contractor or Department of Defence (DoD) identification
- Italian, Japanese, German, Spanish, and Chinese Military: Mission order and military ID card
Eligibility is confirmed upon arrival by Djiboutian immigration authorities based on the traveller’s documents, nationality, and purpose of visit.
Visa on Arrival Process 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.
- Arrival at the Airport: Upon arriving at Djibouti International Airport, make your way to the immigration hall.
- 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.
- Document Verification: The immigration officer will examine your passport and additional documents carefully.
- Eligibility Check: The immigration authorities will determine your visa eligibility upon arrival based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
- Visa Fee Payment: You may not be required to pay any visa fee.
- 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
FAQs
Holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports may be eligible for a visa on arrival.
The official currency of Djibouti is the Djiboutian Franc (DJF).
The duration of the stay depends on the specific agreement and the purpose of the visit.
People with diplomatic, service, or official passports, as well as those participating in special agreement programs, are eligible for visa on arrival.
Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in January 2026, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
