Djibouti: main airports
Djibouti has a single international airport: Djibouti Airport (Ambouli), the only air gateway to the small country on the Horn of Africa, a strategic crossroads between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Djibouti: recommended activities
Djibouti: visa and entry requirements
A visa is mandatory for all nationalities, without exception. The simplest way is the e-visa (evisa.gouv.dj): a transit visa (1-14 days) costs 12 USD, while the short-stay visa (15-90 days) costs 23 USD/23€, processed in 3-4 working days. However, it is valid only for entry via the airport, not for land or sea border crossings, which require a consular visa. Beware of third-party websites that charge additional fees compared to the official portal. The passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity.
Djibouti: safety
Djibouti is generally manageable for tourists with the usual precautions in the customary areas: the United States classifies the country as Level 2 ('exercise increased caution') due to the risk of terrorism in public and tourist areas. The border area with Eritrea is instead classified as Level 3 ('reconsider travel') due to border tensions: avoid it.
Djibouti: health situation
A yellow fever certificate is not required for entry. The heat is extreme for most of the year, with peaks exceeding 45°C in summer: constant hydration and caution with outdoor activities during the central hours of the day are essential. Healthcare facilities are limited: insurance with possible medical evacuation is advisable.
Djibouti: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Djiboutian franc (DJF), pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of about 177.7 to 1. Cash is essential outside upscale hotels, where Visa and Mastercard are nonetheless accepted. There do not appear to be widespread ride-hailing apps: local taxis are the main means of transport, generally at an agreed fare. For connectivity, the state operator Djibouti Telecom sells prepaid SIM cards. For driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required alongside the national one.
