Djibouti entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Djibouti's airport or land borders. You fill out a form, pay the fee in cash, and receive a stamp valid for up to 30 days. This has been the standard procedure since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Djibouti eVisa | Apply online at evisa.gouv.dj before travel. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 90 days. Approval takes 1–3 business days — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Djibouti. Airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Djibouti. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Have at least $100 USD per day of stay available in cash or on a card. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means, especially for longer visits. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — USD or EUR. Cards are not accepted. Have small bills ready to avoid issues with change.
30-day stay, extendable locally
Your visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you need more time, you can extend it at the immigration office in Djibouti City. Start the process before your initial visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport (JIB)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. The queue is usually short. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll receive a small card on the plane or at the immigration desk. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee and get stamped
Hand over your passport, form, and cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process the visa on arrival — expect a 30-day stamp. Keep the receipt.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your bags. Customs is usually straightforward — declare anything over the duty-free limit.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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 date
Cost10,000 DJF (~$56 USD)
Apply at Djibouti embassy or online eVisa. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost20,000 DJF (~$113 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost50,000 DJF (~$282 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~100,000 DJF (~$564 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Djibouti. Requires employer to obtain work permit and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~30,000 DJF (~$169 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Djibouti. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~500,000 DJF (~$2,820 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$50,000 USD in a Djibouti business. Requires business plan and approval from the Investment Promotion Agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (local currency or USD) at the airport. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available from Djibouti embassies or online eVisa system. | 10,000 DJF (~$56 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a specified period. | 20,000 DJF (~$113 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | 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
French passport holders transiting through Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa is required.
Transit hubsDjibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB)
Health & vaccines for Djibouti
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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
Mon–Thu 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Djibouti City
Immigration Office at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
Aéroport International de Djibouti-Ambouli
Open 24/7 for arriving flights
Handles visa on arrival and entry issues. Have exact change for visa fee.
Practical information for FR 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 standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It's a single-entry stamp. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Djibouti City.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Djibouti City. The process takes a few days and costs around $30–$50 USD. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and proof of funds.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, including the border with Ethiopia at Loyada. The process is the same — fill out a form, pay in cash, and get stamped.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the visa on arrival.
USD or EUR are accepted. Bring small bills — $20s and $10s — because change may not be available. The fee is roughly $30–$60 USD depending on the type of visa.
No, it's not mandatory for the visa on arrival. But it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Djibouti is limited and expensive — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars.
Djibouti does not currently offer an e-visa for French passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method. No pre-approval is needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.