Djibouti entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Djibouti's airport or land borders. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or short business trips. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Djibouti eVisa at evisa.gouv.dj before you fly. The process takes about 15 minutes and you get a PDF approval within 72 hours. Print the approval and carry it with your passport — immigration at Djibouti-Ambouli Airport will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Italian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Djibouti. No minimum 6-month rule applies here — just cover your dates. Airlines at Rome Fiumicino or Milan Malpensa will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Djibouti | Immigration officers at Djibouti-Ambouli Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you're flying out to a neighboring country like Ethiopia or Somalia, a bus ticket won't cut it — show a flight booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Djibouti. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple Booking.com confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready to show you have enough cash for your trip. Djibouti is expensive — expect hotel rooms from $80/night and meals around $15. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have a recent statement on your phone. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring at least $100 USD in small bills to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Visa on arrival is the standard method
Italian citizens do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. The visa on arrival is the normal entry procedure for tourism and short business trips. Just show up with the required documents and cash.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete — name, passport number, purpose of visit, duration. A pen is usually available at the counter.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (USD or EUR are accepted). As of 2026, the fee is around $90 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa, and your boarding pass. You'll be through in a few minutes.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost10,000 DJF (~$56 USD)
Apply online at e-visa.dj; extension costs 5,000 DJF.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, total 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost20,000 DJF (~$112 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost30,000 DJF (~$168 USD)
Requires sponsor in Djibouti; apply at Djibouti embassy.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~50,000 DJF (~$280 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Djiboutian company. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~30,000 DJF (~$168 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Djibouti. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~100,000 DJF (~$560 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Djiboutian business. Requires business plan and local partner.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in local currency or USD at the airport. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available for certain nationalities; check eligibility. | 30,000 DJF (~$170 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap; fines accumulate daily. | 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
Italian passport holders transiting through Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar prevention as dengue.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; consider atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Djibouti City
Immigration Office at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
Airport terminal, arrival hall
Open 24/7
Visa on arrival issued here; also handles transit issues.
Practical information for IT 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately $90 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. You can pay in USD or EUR cash. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter, so bring enough cash.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a longer-term visa at a Djiboutian embassy before you travel.
Not required for Italian citizens arriving directly from Italy. However, if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a vaccination certificate. Check the latest health requirements before travel.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, such as from Ethiopia. The process is similar — have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready. Expect slightly longer processing times at land borders.
No, the standard visa on arrival is single-entry only. If you need multiple entries, you must apply for a visa at a Djiboutian embassy before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling to Djibouti.
Djibouti is generally safe, but it's wise to keep cash in a money belt or hidden pouch. Alternatively, you can withdraw local currency (DJF) from ATMs at the airport after arrival, but the visa fee must be paid in USD or EUR at the counter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.