Djibouti entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders need an e-visa to enter Djibouti. You can apply online before you travel, and the process is straightforward — just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Djibouti e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you fly – there is no visa-on-arrival for Irish passport holders. Apply online before travel | Irish citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Djibouti e-Visa portal (https://evisa.gouv.dj/). The e-Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Djibouti. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page means a page with no stamps or markings – needed for the border officer. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration often wants to see that you have a way out of the country. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Djibouti before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems if they do ask. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Djibouti. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsShows where you'll be staying – helps prove your travel plans. Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry your hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Djibouti, as immigration may request it. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if you've been in a yellow-fever zone before Djibouti – check your route. Required if arriving from an endemic area | 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 an arrival declaration form for Irish citizens. | Not required |
Apply early — don't chance it
The e-visa processing can take up to 5 business days. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until you have the approval in hand. Also, double-check your passport validity — if it's under 6 months, you'll be turned away at the airport.
No visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for Irish citizens at Djibouti's airport. The e-visa is the only way to enter, so make sure you complete the online application before you fly.
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 usually takes 2–5 business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have it.
3
Print or save the e-visa
Print a copy of the approved e-visa to carry with you, and also save a PDF on your phone as backup. You'll need to show it at check-in and to immigration officers in Djibouti.
4
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After landing, go through immigration. Present your passport, the e-visa, and your return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp your passport — make sure they stamp it and check the date.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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 within 3 days.
work visa
Work Permit (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~50,000 DJF (~$280 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Djiboutian employer. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Carte de Séjour Étudiant)
1 year, renewable based on studies
~30,000 DJF (~$170 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Djibouti. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist e-visa fee; payable online. | $90 |
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Longer validity option. | $180 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; Irish passport holders are advised to obtain e-visa in advance. | $90 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Djibouti City; subject to approval. | $50 |
| Airport departure taxNo separate cash payment required at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport. | Included in ticket |
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
Irish citizens transiting through Djibouti (even airside) must obtain a transit e-visa before arrival. There is no visa waiver for airside transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members with valid airline ID may be exempt.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, 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
Boulevard de la République, Djibouti City
Mon–Thu 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Practical information for IE 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, Irish passport holders need an e-visa. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival for Irish citizens.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. The official site is https://evisa.gouv.dj/.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa you apply for (single entry, transit, etc.). Check the official e-visa portal for the current fee — it's paid online during the application.
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.
You'll likely be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There's no visa-on-arrival facility for Irish citizens, so don't risk it.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Ireland or Europe, you don't need it. But if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America recently, bring the certificate.
The Djiboutian franc (DJF). You can exchange money at the airport or use ATMs in the capital. 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.