🇩🇯 Djibouti visa requirements

You can get a visa on arrival for Djibouti if your passport’s from the US, EU, UK, Canada, or Australia. Everyone else needs to apply beforehand.

Who gets visa-free, who gets it on arrival?

Djibouti is pretty straightforward for most Westerners. If you hold a passport from the USA, EU, UK, Canada, or Australia, you’re good for a 30-day visa on arrival. No need to sort anything out before you land. Just have your passport ready.

For citizens of countries not on that list, you must get a visa before you travel. This usually means applying through a Djibouti embassy or consulate in your home country or a nearby one. Don't expect to waltz up to immigration without one if you're not from one of the privileged blocs. There's also a list of countries that get a 14-day visa on arrival, but it's shorter and you should verify this list with the official Djibouti immigration or embassy website before booking anything.

How long can you actually stay and what are the penalties?

The standard tourist visa, whether obtained beforehand or on arrival, is for 30 days. This is usually single-entry. If you need to leave and come back, you’ll need a new visa. This is where people often get tripped up. Don't assume you can pop over to Ethiopia for a weekend and re-enter on the same stamp.

Overstaying is where things get expensive and inconvenient quickly. While exact figures can fluctuate and aren't always clearly published, expect daily fines. Historically, fines have been around DJF 5,000 to DJF 10,000 per day†. Beyond the financial hit, you risk detention or being banned from re-entry. Always ensure your exit stamp is properly processed when you leave; this is your proof of departure and can be critical if you face scrutiny later.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp: yes or no?

This is the big grey area for digital nomads. Officially, working on a tourist visa is not permitted in most countries, and Djibouti is no different. You're supposed to be there for tourism, not to conduct business or earn income within the country. However, enforcement is the key question here.

In practice, for short-term visitors, especially those using the 30-day on-arrival visa, authorities aren't typically scrutinizing people’s laptops or asking for proof of their remote work status. As long as you're not trying to set up a local business or look overtly like you’re employed by a Djiboutian entity, you’ll likely be fine. The risk increases if you plan extended stays or try to conduct business in a way that draws attention. There isn't a formal digital nomad visa, so you're operating under tourist rules.

What’s new with Djibouti’s entry rules?

Djibouti has been making some moves to modernize its entry procedures. The most significant development in recent years has been the introduction of an eVisa system. This aims to streamline the process for those who need to apply for a visa in advance, moving away from sole reliance on embassies. You can typically apply online and receive an electronic authorization.

Fees for visas and eVisa applications have seen adjustments. The cost for an eVisa can vary but often falls in the range of $50 to $100 USD† for a standard tourist stay. Always check the official government eVisa portal for the most current pricing and application procedures, as these can change. There haven't been major suspensions or expansions of visa-free access lately, but the eVisa is the primary change worth noting for ease of application.