Djibouti entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Djibouti's airport or land borders. This has been the standard entry method for years and remains in place for 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your documents and cash.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. Have 60 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the airport ATM often runs out of cash and card payments are not accepted. The process takes about 15 minutes at the immigration counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Djibouti. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Djibouti. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a confirmed booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least 200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter at Djibouti Airport does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring the exact fee in US dollars or Djiboutian francs. There are no ATMs before immigration, so you can't withdraw cash after landing.
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from Kenya
Kenya is considered a yellow fever endemic country. Djibouti requires proof of vaccination if you've been in Kenya within 6 days before arrival. Get the shot and carry the yellow booklet.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually separate from passengers who already have visas.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash — US dollars or Djiboutian francs. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. The officer will check your passport and visa, then let you through.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on how many flights arrived at the same time.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
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
CostFree (0 USD)
Visa on arrival is free; no alternative paid tourist visa is commonly available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (0 USD)
Multiple entries are not typically issued; reapply on each arrival.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for Kenyan passport holders for stays up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; travellers should avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~5 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Kenyan passport holders transiting through Djibouti International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport and photos.
Practical information for KE 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 visa on arrival costs 10,000 Djiboutian francs (DJF), roughly $55 USD. You must pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. US dollars are usually fine, but bring small bills for exact change.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including the border crossings from Ethiopia and Somalia. The process is the same — show your passport, pay the fee, get the visa.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Djibouti City before your visa expires.
Yes, you can extend your stay. Visit the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Djibouti City. Extensions are typically granted for an additional 30 days. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee (around 5,000 DJF).
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (including Kenya), you need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, it's standard. Just keep it in a money belt or a secure pocket. Once you're through immigration, you can withdraw local currency from ATMs in the arrivals hall.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.