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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Djibouti, please see Ireland.ie.

Djibouti

If you’re travelling to Djibouti our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. 

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Health
  • Additional information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security Status

High Degree of Caution

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens require a visa to enter Djibouti.

A tourist visa may be purchased on arrival with cash (USD is accepted). You may also apply online or by contacting a Djiboutian Embassy.

A valid passport is required for travel to Djibouti. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into Djibouti. Passport cards cannot be used.

Visitors to Djibouti are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in Ethiopia on Twitter@IrlEmbEthiopia to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

You can contact the emergency services in Djibouti by dialling the following numbers from a local phone:

  • Police: 17
  • Fire brigade/Ambulance: 18

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

Due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and the volatile security situation in the wider region, we advise you exercise a high degree of caution in Djibouti, avoid large crowds and monitor local media. 

We advise against all travel to the area bordering Eritrea due to ongoing tensions between the two countries. There is also a danger from uncleared landmines in these areas.

As there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Djibouti, we’re limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, please contact the Embassy of Ireland in Addis Ababa

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Crime

While Djibouti is relatively safe, petty crime can occur. Take the usual precautions – avoid walking around the city alone late at night, and keep valuables, particularly jewellery, cameras and passports, out of sight.

Driving

If planning to drive in Djibouti, be advised that driving standards are generally poor and speeding and unsafe driving are common. Drivers should stick to paved roads where possible. Driving outside city centres after dark should be avoided – vehicles often do not have lights, and there may be pedestrians and livestock on the roads.

Terrorism

There is a risk of terrorism in Djibouti, which could be indiscriminate and targeted at public areas frequented by foreigners, including hotels and shopping areas. Irish citizens should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and during major gatherings like sporting or religious events.

Reporting Crime

If you are a victim of a crime while in Djibouti, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Addis Ababa if you need help.

Practical advice

  • Read our Know Before You Go travel guide for useful security tips when travelling abroad
  • Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
  • Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
  • Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Djibouti is a predominantly Muslim country and you are likely to be expected to dress and behave in a conservative manner.

Alcohol and Drugs

Drinking alcohol in Djibouti is permitted, but drunken behaviour could result in a two-year prison term. Convictions for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs carry long prison sentences or heavy fines. Note that the narcotic khat, while legal in Djibouti, is illegal in many other countries, and should not be carried out of the country.

Homosexuality

There are no legal restrictions on homosexuality in Djibouti, though the subject is somewhat taboo among Djiboutians. However, public displays of affection, such as kissing or hand-holding by same-sex couples, carry a risk of prosecution by authorities under laws prohibiting attacks on “good morals”.

Photography

There are a high number of military installations in Djibouti, and travellers should be aware that photographing infrastructure, including military facilities, ports, airports, bridges and public buildings is prohibited. Care should be taken when photographing near prohibited locations.

Money

Djibouti is largely a cash-based economy. The Djiboutian Franc is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and supermarkets, but note that Visa is much more widely accepted than Mastercard. ATMs are available in Djibouti City, again Visa more widely accepted. You should ensure that you carry sufficient hard currency.

Practical advice

  • Read our travel advice, inform yourself before travelling, and get advice locally when you arrive.
  • Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them.
  • Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Health

Health

Get travel and medical insurance

Medical facilities in Djibouti are limited. Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Additional information

Additional Information

Entry requirements 

Passports

A valid passport is required for travel to Djibouti. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into Djibouti.

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Djibouti and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad you should contact the Irish Embassy in Ethiopia. We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

• Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home;

• If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.

Visas

Irish citizens require a visa to enter Djibouti. You may purchase a tourist visa on arrival, paid in cash. You can also apply for a visa before travelling through a Djiboutian Embassy, or for an eVisa online at evisa (gouv.dj).

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

Please note that if you require assistance in the case of emergency, please contact the main Embassy number, + 251 11 518 0500

Embassy of Ireland
Kazanches
Guinea Conakry Street
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia

Tel: +251 (11) 518 0500
Fax: +251 (11) 552 3032

Monday - Thursday 8.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.00pm; Friday from 8.30am-11.00am

Contact us