Welcome to Offvisa’s comprehensive guide to traveling in Djibouti, a captivating and mysterious African land that offers a multitude of astonishing landscapes and a unique cultural scene. Whether you’re an intrepid adventurer or a curious traveler, Djibouti has something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Visa Requirements

To travel to Djibouti, you’ll need to hold a passport with a minimum validity period of 6 months. Also, the local authorities require that your passport contains at least two blank pages.

No matter your country of origin, you’ll need a visa to enter Djibouti. To apply for your eVisa, you’ll need to follow strict Djibouti visa requirements. You’ll need a passport with at least six months of validity from the planned date of stay, your flight reservation, an invitation letter, an address, and a credit card.

Travel Insurance

It’s highly recommended that you get comprehensive travel insurance before traveling to Djibouti. COVID-19 remains a risk in the country, as do insect-borne diseases and polio. Djibouti’s medical facilities are limited, so you should ensure your travel insurance covers any evacuation, repatriation, and medical expenses. Also, ensure your insurance covers you for all the activities you plan to undertake during your trip.

Currency

The official currency of Djibouti is the Djiboutian Franc (DJF). Note that ATMs aren’t widely available, and credit cards aren’t the norm. However, you can exchange money at major banks. Also, while you can exchange currency directly on the street be wary of scammers.

Vaccines, Health, and Covid-19 Restrictions

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers over one year old traveling from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever certificate is required upon entry into the country. Here’s a list of recommended vaccination: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid fever, Polio, Rabies. It’s also highly recommended to bring malaria tablets with you.

If you’re unvaccinated and want to enter Djibouti by air, you’ll need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before your flight. If you’re arriving by sea or land, you’ll have to pay for a PCR test on arrival.

How to Travel Around Djibouti?

Djibouti’s public transport system is limited to ferry and bus services between Djibouti (the capital) and the towns of Obock and Tadjoura. In Djibouti city, you will also find private-owned mini buses that don’t really have a schedule and stop when people hail in the street.

Other than that, the easiest and safest way to travel around the country is to hire a private chauffeur or rent a car. Europcar is particularly popular among international travelers.

Safety in Djibouti

Due to the Western military presence in the region, Djibouti is considered one of the safest places to travel to in Africa. Yet, petty crime, scams, and violence happen. So, here are a few tips to enjoy a fun and safe trip to Djibouti: Don’t travel within 10 km of the borders with Somalia or Eritrea, avoid other remote areas, remain on sealed roads, don’t travel at night, dress conservatively, and don’t carry any valuables with you.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Djibouti?

Djibouti has two distinct seasons: a hot season from May to October and a cooler season from November to April. Between November and April, the temperatures tend to be cooler, making it the ideal time to visit Djibouti and explore the stunning parks and other natural wonders the country has to offer. The season between November and February is also the prime period to observe whale sharks as they feed in the plankton-rich waters of Ras Eiro and Arta beach.

But this doesn’t mean that you should avoid Djibouti during summer. In fact, summer is the low season in Djibouti, meaning prices are lower and places are much less crowded.

Must-Visit Places in Djibouti

Djibouti is a hidden gem with a variety of landscapes and cultural experiences. Here are some must-visit places in Djibouti: Djibouti City, Lake Assal, Tadjoura, Lake Abbe, Khor Ambado Beach, Day Forest National Park, Île Moucha, Arta Beach, Moucha Islands, and Gulf of Tadjoura.

Remember to check the local travel advisories and follow all safety guidelines when planning your trip. Enjoy your adventure in Djibouti!