Going to à DJIBOUTI: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay à DJIBOUTI

Money à DJIBOUTI

The national currency is the Djibouti franc (FDJ). The Djibouti franc is pegged to the dollar (178 FDJ = 1 US$). Exchange rate in September 2024: 100 FDJ = €0.5 and €1 = 197 FDJ.

Budget & Tips à DJIBOUTI

Life is expensive in this strong-currency country, where nothing is produced and everything is imported. Prices are closer to those in Paris than in Addis Ababa or Nairobi. It is difficult to give a budget, as travellers often opt for the "all-inclusive" formula. Food and public transport are not too expensive, even if fares are considerably higher than in neighboring countries. Accommodation, on the other hand, is likely to put a dent in your budget, especially if you want to avoid the capital's lower-end hotels. Outside the city, for traditional camps or accommodation, you'll need to pay €50 per person per day for full board. Activities at sea or inland (diving, hiking, excursions, fishing) are not for everyone's pocket either. However, with a minimum of 4 people, if you opt for a trekking-discovery package, for example, it's quite possible to do a ten-day tour for around FDJ 20,000 (around €100) per person per day, all-inclusive (accommodation in traditional camps or bivouacs, trekking, meals and 4x4 transport with driver-guide), which is very reasonable.

Passport and visas à DJIBOUTI

A visa is required to enter Djibouti.

Before departure. It can be obtained from Djibouti's diplomatic representations abroad or by using the e-visa procedure: https://www.evisa.gouv.dj.

On arrival in Djibouti. The visa can be obtained on presentation of proof of accommodation, a return or onward flight ticket and a passport valid for more than 6 months.

Visa fee: €20 for tourists and business travelers (1 month); US$12 for transit e-visa (1 to 14 days) and US$23 for short-stay e-visa (15 to 90 days) single entry.

For travellers going from Ethiopia to Djibouti by road: two checkpoints are compulsory, in both directions. The first is carried out by the border police, the second by customs. If you arrive at the border on a Friday (a day of rest in Djibouti) or on a public holiday, you run the risk of not being able to enter Djibouti the same day. It is therefore preferable and strongly recommended to obtain a visa in Addis Ababa or to present yourself at the border on a working day. Beware of entry conditions for your pets. Check with your embassy or consulate before you leave to find out how they can accompany you.

Driver's license à DJIBOUTI

As far as formalities are concerned, you need a driving license (of course). A French driver's license is sufficient for the first six months after arrival in Djibouti. When renting a vehicle, it is advisable to specify whether more than one person will be driving it. All drivers must be covered by insurance.
The RN1 linking the capital to the Ethiopian border is by far the busiest road, mainly used by large numbers of trucks. The road is of good quality. The Route de l'Unité, which leads to Tadjourah, is also asphalted, but rather deserted. Arta and Randa are also within easy reach. The country is criss-crossed either by paved roads of varying quality (Tadjourah-Obock, for example), or by tracks, some of them very difficult, requiring an excellent 4x4 and an experienced driver.

Health à DJIBOUTI

Malaria. Malaria is rife all year round in Djibouti. It is an infectious, potentially fatal disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus. The parasite is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. Preventive treatment can be prescribed by a doctor. Chemoprophylaxis should be started before departure. In addition, you should also take mosquito repellents. And if you develop a fever during your stay or in the months following your return, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Basic rules. You should also observe the usual rules of food hygiene: wash your hands regularly, before handling food, before eating and after using the toilet; avoid raw food where preparation conditions are questionable; ensure food quality and cooking; peel fruits and vegetables; only consume pasteurized or boiled milk; do not drink tap water. If soap and water are not available for hand washing, use a hydroalcoholic solution.

Mandatory vaccination à DJIBOUTI

No vaccinations are required for travel to Djibouti. However, the Institut Pasteur (www.pasteur.fr) recommends that travelers update the vaccinations included in the official vaccination calendar and, depending on the length of their stay, get vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies ("in the event of a prolonged stay in an isolated situation") and typhoid ("in the event of a prolonged stay or in precarious hygiene conditions"). Vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries where it is endemic. Controls have been stepped up since July 2024.

Security à DJIBOUTI

Djibouti is an island of stability in a sensitive area. Travel within the country is free and safe, but the border areas with Somalia and Eritrea are strictly inadvisable. Travellers should not venture beyond Khor Angar in the north. Similarly, in the south, travellers are advised not to go beyond Douda beach and Refuge Décan. The area around Loyada should be avoided, as it does not offer the best safety conditions and is of little interest to tourists.

Road risk. The Djibouti-Ethiopian border road (RN1) requires the utmost vigilance. Due to the heavy traffic of semi-trailer trucks and vehicles not always in the best condition, it is a dangerous road. Avoid all night driving throughout the country. In some areas, the presence of a driver-guide is recommended (Lake Abbe, northern part of the country).

Piracy. No acts of piracy have been reported recently. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against sailing south of the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa.

Seven Brothers Archipelago. An exceptional site for scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, it is nevertheless a high-risk area due to its location in the Bab el Mandeb Strait, its proximity to Eritrea to the north and Yemen to the east. It is only possible to go there by signing up for excursions organized by tourist agencies based in Djibouti, which have obtained prior approval from the Djibouti authorities. Any other form of visit is strictly inadvisable.

General advice. Travel at night is not recommended throughout the country; use the most frequented tracks; avoid straying from the tracks, except with the assistance of an experienced guide; off the main roads, and when traveling in the bush, we recommend using two 4x4 vehicles (bring a water supply of 8 liters per day per person, including 3 liters of drinking water); finally, avoid wearing valuable objects and jewelry.

Time difference à DJIBOUTI

The time in Djibouti is GMT +3. In other words, it is necessary to add 2 hours to the French time in winter and 1 hour in summer.

Spoken languages à DJIBOUTI

Djiboutians generally speak three languages: Arabic (the language of religion), French (the language of education and administration) and their native language (Somali/issa or afar). With the exception of remote areas where you are unlikely to go alone, you will always find someone who speaks French. English is widely spoken in international hotels.

Communication à DJIBOUTI

Today, wifi is available in most hotels and some luxury restaurants in Djibouti-Ville. The nationwide rollout of 4G+ was officially launched in June 2018.

Electricity and measurements à DJIBOUTI

The current is 220 V and the metric system is used, as in France.

Luggage à DJIBOUTI

Here is a short list of essentials to pack in your luggage:

hat or cap

sunglasses (reverberation is very important)

light, loose-fitting clothing

for your personal comfort, a sleeping bag and/or sheet (meat bag) for nights in traditional accommodation, although mattresses, sheets and blankets are provided

mosquito repellent spray (anti-malarial treatment may be required)

bathing suit

mask, snorkel and fins (so you don't miss out on the underwater gardens)

hiking boots and a pair of flip-flops

sunscreen (factor 50+)

knife (Swiss Army or Leatherman style; remember to put it in the hold or it will be confiscated at customs)

flashlight or headlamp

medical kit for first aid

camera

road map if necessary (IGN maps are very good)

passport (of course!) with photocopy.

Daily life à DJIBOUTI

Hello? à DJIBOUTI

Telephone numbers. The international code for Djibouti is +253. It is followed by an 8-digit number. The area code for Djibouti-City is 21, and 25 for the interior, followed by the 6-digit number of the correspondent. In this guide, the digits shown all include the area code. All cell phone numbers are preceded by 77.

Telephone operator. Djibouti Telecom is the only operator in the country, and therefore has a monopoly on all telecommunication services (landline, GSM, Internet). The nationwide rollout of 4G+ was officially launched in June 2018. The country is well covered and, in principle, there are no connection problems in the main populated areas. A good option is to travel with your previously unlocked cell phone, which you will equip with a prepaid SIM card system on the Evatis network (Djibouti Telecom). The Evatis chip costs FDJ 1,000, and top-ups are available at FDJ 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000.

Mobile data. If you want to keep your French plan, you'll need to activate the international option (usually free) before you leave, by calling your operator's customer service department. Beware, however, of mobile data usage, which can add considerably to your bill. As this is an extremely costly solution, we recommend buying a local SIM card.

Accessibility à DJIBOUTI

Djibouti is not a disabled-friendly country. In town, however, some establishments that cater to the public, upmarket hotels such as the Kempinski or the Sheraton, as well as more recent hotels, have toilets with grab bars and are wheelchair-accessible.

Health à DJIBOUTI

Food hygiene. As a general rule, we advise against drinking tap water, and do not swallow it in the shower or when brushing your teeth. Drink mineral water or boiled and filtered water, and make sure that the vegetables you eat are well washed. In rural areas, it's best to be extra careful, as you'll be more exposed to water- and food-borne diseases. Sensitive stomachs should be particularly careful not to eat raw food. To avoid any risk of microbial infection, wash your hands frequently, before eating and handling food, and after using the toilet. Remember to carry a hydroalcoholic solution if soap and water are not available.

Heat stroke. Never underestimate the summer heat in Djibouti. The country is one of the hottest in the world. It's essential to drink plenty of water regularly. Beware of "heatstroke", a hyperthermia that occurs after prolonged exertion in a hot and/or humid environment, or after long exposure to the heat. Always remember to pack a hat, water bottle, sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen.

Vaccinations. No specific vaccinations are recommended, but the Institut Pasteur recommends hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies "in case of prolonged stay in an isolated situation". And you should be scrupulously up to date with all basic vaccinations (DTP, MMR). Vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers from countries where it is endemic (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, etc.), and you may be asked for your vaccination certificate on arrival in Djibouti.

Malaria. The most dangerous animals in Djibouti are the smallest and concern everyone: mosquitoes. It's essential to protect yourself with repellents and a mosquito net. And, of course, by taking anti-malarial medication. Djibouti is classified in zone 3, the most severe. Ask your doctor for advice before you leave.

Emergency numbers à DJIBOUTI

In the event of a major health problem, contact the French consulate. They will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, the consulate will also inform the family and decide on repatriation. For information on international-standard emergency services and facilities, visit www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr. Djibouti-Ville has several hospitals, clinics and doctors. However, the French embassy recommends the Centre médico-chirurgical interarmées (CMCIA).

Securty à DJIBOUTI

Djibouti is not a dangerous destination. The people are friendly and genuinely welcoming. However, poverty and the influx of desperate refugees have led to an increase in petty crime. But, in principle, visitors are not victims. There are, however, a few rules of caution and common sense: leave valuables at home or in the hotel safe, don't show off large sums of money, be respectful in your dealings with people, and avoid certain areas as soon as it gets dark. Nights in the center of the capital can indeed be "hot", when sailors and soldiers on the prowl are numerous. It's up to you not to get involved in a brawl in one of the bars they frequent.

Habits and customs. As in all Muslim countries, it is advisable to observe a certain correctness in dress (avoid miniskirts, shorts, etc.) and behavior (public drunkenness, for example, is severely punished by law). Public display, manufacture, transfer or sale of images, films or objects contrary to public decency is punishable by imprisonment.

Hostile nature. Whether at sea or on land, it is essential to be accompanied by competent people who know the country well. The greatest dangers are linked to the country's climate and geography. Don't play the adventurer by setting off alone, or with others, ill-equipped, badly guided or ill-informed. You can't invent yourself as an explorer in this type of country. Nature here is extreme (temperatures, aridity, relief) and cannot be tamed by novices.

So, if you're going into the bush, in very little-visited areas, it's strongly recommended that you use at least two 4x4 vehicles. Make sure you have enough water and fuel for the duration of your trip.

On the road. The N1 road is heavily used by convoys of long trucks. Driving on this road must therefore be extremely cautious. The other roads are almost deserted, but not without danger. Animals (goats, dromedaries) frequent them freely, and you have to use your horn and slow down to ward them off. Potholes and speed bumps, often well-marked (invert), encourage you to slow down. Finally, it goes without saying that a good 4x4 and, above all, an experienced driver are needed to get onto the secondary roads.

A few inconveniences. Begging can be a real nuisance in central Djibouti, if you're not used to it. Children will call out "bakchich chef" and follow you for a few meters. But it's not really annoying, as they rarely insist. Still in the European quarter, it's not uncommon for the overly visible tourist to be approached with insistence by cab drivers who seem scandalized that they're not needed. Strangers also approach you for a chat, to direct you to one store or another. It's not a bad thing, you can just play along or make it easy to understand that you want some peace and quiet.

Safety. For the latest information on local security, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, which sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.

LGBTQ à DJIBOUTI

Homosexuality is de facto illegal in Djibouti. Although the law is sometimes confused on the subject, the government tends to adhere more to Islamic law than to constitutional law, making homosexuality illegal. For a homosexual couple, the utmost discretion and restraint are advised.

Embassies and consulates à DJIBOUTI

The French Embassy in Djibouti (https://dj.ambafrance.org/) can be reached on +253 21 35 09 63. The website is very comprehensive and provides important information on practical life in Djibouti: news, entry and residence formalities, health, advice for travellers, etc. In the event of an emergency (assault, death, serious accident or other life-threatening emergency), call the consulate hotline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) on +253 77 86 32 93. The consular section of the French embassy (+253 21 35 25 03) also handles passport and national identity card applications, civil status and nationality matters, social affairs and visa applications.

Mail à DJIBOUTI

Djibouti-Ville's main post office (www.laposte.dj) is located on Boulevard de la République. You'll find stamps, a poste restante service and a few postcards. The attractive stamps will help your cards and letters reach their destination relatively quickly (although it's hard to predict how long this will take). If your stay is short, you'll arrive before your cards do anyway. There are small post offices outside the capital. But for the sake of speed, it's best to post your letters in Djibouti-Ville. The post office is open from Saturday to Thursday, from 7.30am to 1.30pm and from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

You can also use the services of DHL Express (www.dhl.com), whose offices are located on rue de Genève, open Monday to Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Saturday from 7.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and Sunday from 7.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Local media à DJIBOUTI

The website of the Agence nationale du tourisme de Djibouti (www.visitdjibouti.dj) is quite comprehensive. You'll find general information on the country, as well as information on the various tourist sites and points of interest, activities on land and sea, culture, gastronomy, and a non-exhaustive list of hotels, travel agencies and restaurants in Djibouti-Ville.
The site of Djibouti's main and very official newspaper, La Nation (www.lanation.dj), provides information on political, economic and sporting life.

Djibouti ranks ^161st in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index 2024. There are no private or independent media in the country.