Djibouti entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Swiss passport holders need an e-visa to enter Djibouti for tourism or business. The entire process is online, and you must apply before traveling. As of 2026, the e-visa is the standard entry method.
Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Djibouti e-VisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly – you cannot get it on arrival. Apply online before travel | Swiss citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Djibouti e-Visa portal (https://evisa.gouv.dj/) at least several days before departure. The e-Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – it must be valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months remaining | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Djibouti. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a flight booking out of Djibouti ready to show if asked. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Djibouti before your e-Visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry some proof that you can pay for your trip, like a bank statement or credit card. Sufficient means of support | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Djibouti (e.g., cash, credit cards, or bank statements). | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsKnow where you're staying and have the address handy – it helps at border control. Hotel booking or host address | Having a confirmed hotel reservation or the address of where you will stay can speed up immigration and may be required. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if you've been in certain countries before coming to Djibouti – check before you travel. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just your passport and visa. Not required | Djibouti does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Swiss citizens. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
The e-visa processing time is not guaranteed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Passport validity is strict
Djibouti enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport. Check your passport now.
Use the official e-visa portal only
Only use https://evisa.gouv.dj/ to apply. Third-party sites may charge extra fees or be scams.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.dj/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have it.
3
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport (JIB)
After landing, head to immigration. Have your passport, e-visa (printed or on your phone), and return ticket ready. The officer will check your details and stamp you in.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. Declare any items if required. Then you're free to enter Djibouti.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from date of issue
Cost$150
For longer stays; apply online.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days
Validity30 days from date of issue
Cost$120
Requires invitation letter from a Djiboutian company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Mandatory for Swiss citizens; apply online before travel. | $90 |
| Visa on arrival (if e-Visa not obtained)Available at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport, but e-Visa is strongly recommended. | $90 |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at the National Police immigration office in Djibouti City. | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Transit visa required
Swiss citizens transiting through Djibouti (even airside) must obtain a transit visa in advance. The e-Visa is valid for transit and can be obtained online.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt; check with the nearest Djiboutian embassy.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and payment in cash.
Practical information for CH 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
Yes, Swiss passport holders need an e-visa to enter Djibouti. You must apply online before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but it can be longer during peak times. Apply at least a week in advance to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa and processing speed. Check the official e-visa portal (https://evisa.gouv.dj/) for the current fee. It's paid online.
No, the e-visa is mandatory for Swiss citizens. There is no visa-on-arrival option for this nationality.
No, the e-visa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply.
You'll be denied entry. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Djibouti.
Djibouti requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're traveling directly from Switzerland, it's not required, but check if you've transited through an at-risk country.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.