Djibouti entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Djibouti in 2026. Show up at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport with your passport and pay the fee at the immigration counter. The process takes about 10–15 minutes.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Djibouti eVisa at evisa.gouv.dj before you fly. The eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue and allows a single entry stay of up to 30 days. Processing takes 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Djibouti. Djibouti does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Djibouti | Immigration officers at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Djibouti. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration does not always check, but budget airlines flying into Djibouti sometimes request proof of funds at check-in. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa-on-arrival counter only accepts cash in USD or EUR. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
No arrival declaration needed
Djibouti does not require an arrival declaration form. Just walk through customs after collecting your luggage.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Queue up and present your passport and return ticket.
2
Pay the visa fee and get your stamp
Hand over your passport and the fee in cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process the visa, stamp your passport, and return it. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
Once you have your entry stamp, collect your luggage and head to customs. There's no arrival declaration form required. You're free to enter Djibouti.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)
Apply at Djibouti embassy or on arrival. Extension costs additional 10,000 DJF (~$56 USD).
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost30,000 DJF (~$170 USD)
Available on request at embassy; not guaranteed on arrival.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in local currency or USD at the airport or border. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | 5,000 DJF (~$28 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Djibouti
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsDjibouti–Ambouli International Airport (JIB)
Health & vaccines for Djibouti
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; similar to dengue.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Risk is highest in rural areas and during rainy season (October–April).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Djibouti City
Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI)
Boulevard de la République, Djibouti City
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–12:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalDjibouti
LanguageArabic, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyDjiboutian franc (DJF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 177.72 DJF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,ETypes C and E, with two round pins and a hole for the male grounding pin.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically around 50–100 USD (or equivalent in EUR). It's best to have exact change in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a longer-term visa at the Djibouti Immigration Department in Djibouti City before your current visa expires.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration will be stamped in your passport at the airport.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate. For direct travel from the UAE, it's not required. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
The visa on arrival is available at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — it's safer to enter by air.
ATMs exist in Djibouti City but are often out of service or run out of cash. Bring enough USD or EUR in cash for your entire stay, plus a backup card.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.