Djibouti entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders need an e-visa to enter Djibouti. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option for UK citizens. The process is straightforward and usually takes a few days, so sort it out before you book flights.
Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Djibouti e-VisaYou must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight to Djibouti. Apply online before travel | British passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Djibouti e-Visa portal (evisa.gouv.dj). The e-Visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months of your arrival, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months remaining | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Djibouti. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a completely blank page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking or itinerary ready to show at check-in or border control. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Djibouti before your e-Visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | Immigration may request evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Djibouti. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival declaration before landing. Not required | Djibouti does not require an arrival declaration form for UK passport holders. | Not required |
No visa-on-arrival for UK citizens
Don't assume you can get a visa at the airport. Djibouti does not offer visa-on-arrival for British passport holders. You must have the e-visa approved before you fly.
Apply early — don't cut it close
E-visa processing can take up to 5 working days, and the portal occasionally has glitches. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
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 2-5 working days, but it can be longer. Check your email (including spam) for the approval. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have it.
3
Print or save the e-visa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone — have both ready at check-in and at immigration in Djibouti.
4
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
On arrival, go to the immigration desk for foreign visitors. Present your passport, e-visa, and any supporting documents. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Expect a short queue — it's usually not too busy.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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 (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$60
Requires invitation letter from a Djiboutian company.
Multiple-entry e-Visa (90 days)
Max stay90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
work visa
Djibouti Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer pays)
For foreign nationals employed by a Djibouti-based company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Djibouti Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years)
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Djibouti. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Djibouti Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Djibouti business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Required for UK passport holders; apply online before travel. | $35 |
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays; apply online. | $60 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the National Police visa office in Djibouti City; subject to approval. | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport (JIB) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a standard e-Visa is required.
- If the layover exceeds 24 hours, a visa is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists, but risk increases with poor food/water hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 immigration office for extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Djibouti City
Immigration Office at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
Airport terminal, arrival hall
Open during flight arrivals
For visa-on-arrival issuance and immediate queries; limited services.
Practical information for GB 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 e-visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You must enter Djibouti within that window. Check your approval letter for the exact validity period.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply for a new e-visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
The fee is paid online during the application. The exact amount is shown on the e-visa portal — it's around $30-50 USD, but it can change. You'll see the final price before you pay.
You'll be refused entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for UK passport holders. Don't risk it — apply in advance.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever certificate. For direct flights from the UK, it's not required, but check if you're transiting through an affected country.
No, the e-visa is single-entry only. If you leave Djibouti and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if there's an error in your application. Double-check all details before submitting. If rejected, you can re-apply or contact the Djibouti embassy for guidance.
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.