Djibouti entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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

Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Djibouti's international airport. Bring the required documents and cash for the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for a Djibouti eVisa at evisa.gouv.dj. The process takes about 15 minutes and approval usually comes within 72 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Djibouti-Ambouli Airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for duration of stay
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Djibouti. Djibouti does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for at least 3 months beyond your departure date.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Djibouti-Ambouli Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. If you're flying out by land or sea, carry a bus or ferry booking confirmation.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 where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have cash (USD or EUR) or a credit card statement showing at least $200–$300 for a short stay. Immigration rarely checks, but if asked, you need to show you can cover accommodation and meals.Recommended
Cash is king at immigration
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring USD or EUR to exchange at the airport, or have Djiboutian francs ready. Exchange rates at the airport are fair but not great.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport is smooth and takes about 10–15 minutes. Just have your documents ready and cash in hand. No pre-approval or online application needed.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' — it's clearly marked. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, you'll pay the visa fee in cash. The exact amount varies but expect around 10,000–15,000 Djiboutian francs (roughly $55–$85 USD). Credit cards are not accepted, so bring cash in USD or EUR to exchange, or have DJF ready.
3
Receive your visa and enter
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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; no pre-approval needed.

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

Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.

work visa
Djibouti Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Djibouti. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Djibouti Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Djibouti. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or DJF) upon arrival at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport.15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)
Overstay fineNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues.5,000 DJF (~$28 USD) per 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

Sri Lanka 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
Transit hubsDjibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB)

Health & vaccines for Djibouti

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers to Djibouti.

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

Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.

Practical information for LK 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 fee is around 10,000–15,000 Djiboutian francs (about $55–$85 USD). Pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. You can exchange USD or EUR at the airport if needed.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Djibouti City.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the immigration office in Djibouti City. The process takes a few days and costs an additional fee. It's best to apply before your initial visa expires.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to be safe.
Djibouti requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Sri Lanka is not a yellow fever endemic country, so you likely don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area. Check with your doctor.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at the land border crossings, such as the one from Ethiopia. The process and fee are similar to the airport. However, it's always smoother at the main airport.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Having travel insurance is smart but not mandatory for entry.

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.