Djibouti entry requirements for Iraq passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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

Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Djibouti's main airport. No need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few key documents ready at the counter.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Djibouti eVisa
Apply online at the official Djibouti eVisa portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Processing takes 1–3 business days, and you'll receive the approval by email — print a copy to present at immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
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 a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before departure.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Djibouti
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient cash or bank statement
Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing available funds. Officers may ask to see proof you can cover your stay.Recommended
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring enough cash in US dollars, euros, or Djiboutian francs. There are no ATMs before immigration.
Visa on arrival is the standard method
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just show up with the required documents and cash. The process is routine for Iraqi passport holders.

What happens at the border

1
Land at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. You'll see a dedicated counter for visa issuance before the main passport control booths.
2
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa — this usually takes 5–10 minutes. Pay the fee in cash.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before walking away.
4
Proceed to passport control
Join the queue for passport control. Present your passport (with the new visa) and your boarding pass. The officer will stamp you in. You're now legally in Djibouti.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)

Obtainable on arrival; same as VoA.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost30,000 DJF (~$170 USD)

Apply at Djibouti embassy abroad; not available on arrival.

Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (sponsor required)

Requires employer sponsorship and approval from immigration.

work visa
Djibouti Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer fees vary)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Djiboutian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Djibouti Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Djibouti. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (DJF, USD, EUR) at the airport or border.15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; avoid overstaying.5,000 DJF (~$28 USD) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%

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

Iraqi passport holders transiting through Djibouti International Airport do not require a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.

DengueModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.

ChikungunyaModerate risk

Transmitted by mosquitoes; similar to dengue.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 Nationale (Immigration)
Boulevard de la République, Djibouti
Mon–Thu 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00

Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.

Practical information for IQ 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
updated May 29
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
Police17
Medical19
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival is primarily available at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport. Land border crossings (e.g., from Ethiopia or Somalia) may not offer this facility — you'd need to arrange a visa in advance or check with the nearest Djiboutian embassy.
The fee is typically around 10,000–15,000 DJF (about $55–85 USD). Bring cash in US dollars or euros — they're widely accepted. The exact amount can change, so have a little extra just in case.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Djibouti City before your visa expires.
Extensions are theoretically possible but not automatic. You'll need to go to the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale (immigration office) in Djibouti City. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and a fee. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Airlines also enforce this rule before boarding. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (including parts of Africa and South America), you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Iraq is not a yellow fever zone, so this usually doesn't apply — but if you've traveled elsewhere recently, carry your certificate.
Yes, but keep it secure. Use a money belt or hidden pouch. The airport is generally safe, but don't flash large amounts. ATMs are available in Djibouti City after you exit the airport.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.