Djibouti entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Djibouti. The process is straightforward — you'll get your visa stamped at the airport after landing. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Djibouti eVisa | Apply online at evisa.gouv.dj before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays up to 90 days. Processing takes 1-3 business days — apply at least 72 hours before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Swiss passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Djibouti. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely check, but if asked, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). There is no ATM or card machine at the immigration counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and some extra for incidentals.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
Djibouti has limited medical facilities. A serious injury or illness could require evacuation to Nairobi or Europe, costing tens of thousands of dollars. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is a smart investment.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually short. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Fill it in while waiting.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR accepted). As of 2026, the fee is around 90 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport and hand back your documents. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes. You're now free to enter Djibouti.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance at Djibouti embassy. Same as VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost30,000 DJF (~$170 USD)
Available on request at embassy. Requires justification for multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EUR accepted) at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap is 100,000 DJF (~$565 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | 5,000 DJF (~$28 USD) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport do not need a 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 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
As of 2026, the visa on arrival costs about 90 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. You can pay in USD or EUR cash. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter, so bring cash.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Djibouti requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Switzerland, you don't need it. But if you've been in an endemic country recently, bring your certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. There are no exceptions.
The visa on arrival is available at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — it's safer to fly in. If you plan to enter overland, check with the nearest Djiboutian embassy.
Djibouti is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in markets and crowded areas. Avoid travel near the borders with Eritrea and Somalia due to sporadic tensions. Register with the Swiss embassy in Addis Ababa (which covers Djibouti) for updates.
No. There is no online arrival declaration required for Djibouti. You simply fill out a paper form at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.