Djibouti entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders need an e-visa to enter Djibouti. You can apply online before you travel — it's a straightforward process that takes a few days, so plan ahead.
Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Djibouti e-VisaWithout an approved e-Visa, you will be denied boarding or entry. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Djibouti. Apply at the official e-Visa portal (evisa.gouv.dj) at least a few days before your trip. The e-Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityDjibouti enforces a 6-month validity rule; if your passport expires sooner, you may be refused entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your French passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Djibouti. Check your passport's expiry date well in advance. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa or other stamps occupy the last available page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must prove you intend to leave Djibouti before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Djibouti. Immigration may ask to see it upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always requested, having proof of funds can speed up entry and avoid issues. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. The exact amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsHaving a clear place of stay helps demonstrate your travel plans. Hotel booking or host address | Carry your hotel reservation confirmation or the address and contact details of where you will stay in Djibouti. This may be requested by immigration. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your itinerary includes any at-risk countries before departure. 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. Otherwise, it is not required for direct travel from France. | Optional |
| Arrival declarationYou can skip this step; only the e-Visa is needed. Not required | Djibouti does not require an arrival declaration form for French citizens. No separate online or paper declaration is needed beyond the e-Visa. | Not required |
Apply early — don't wing it
The e-visa takes a few days to process, and there's no visa-on-arrival for French citizens. If you show up without approval, you'll be sent back. Apply at least a week before departure.
Passport validity is strict
Djibouti requires 6 months of validity from your arrival date. Even if you're only staying a week, a passport expiring sooner will get you denied boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.dj/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days. Check your email for the approval PDF. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have it.
3
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
On arrival, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, the e-visa (printed or on your phone), and your return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport — that's it.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$120
Requires invitation letter from a Djiboutian company
Transit e-Visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$40
For passengers continuing to a third country
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 |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist e-visa fee | $90 |
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Longer validity option | $180 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport, for certain nationalities | $90 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the National Police immigration office in Djibouti City | $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate airport departure tax for international flights | Included in airfare |
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 airside (not passing immigration) do not need a visa if they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or collect baggage, you must obtain a transit e-visa before travel.
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
Usually 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official site is https://evisa.gouv.dj/.
The fee varies depending on visa type and processing speed — check the official e-visa portal for the current amount. It's paid online.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or contact immigration before your visa expires.
If you're transiting and don't leave the airport, you may not need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country, even for a day, you need the e-visa.
You'll likely be denied entry and put on the next flight out. There's no visa-on-arrival for French passport holders, so don't risk it.
Typically it's single-entry. Check your approval letter for details. If you plan to leave and return, you'll need a new e-visa.
The Djiboutian franc (DJF). You can exchange money at the airport or use ATMs in the city. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels but cash is king elsewhere.
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.