Djibouti entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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

Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Djibouti. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get a visa on arrival at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR) — around $60–$90 USD depending on your nationality and length of stay. Have a passport photo ready.Check eVisa portalRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Djibouti
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from the day you leave Djibouti. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. A printed itinerary or digital copy works.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you're arriving without a clear plan, they may request proof of where you're staying.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient cash or card for your stay
Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) or have a credit card with available balance. There's no fixed minimum, but showing you can cover accommodation and meals avoids any questions.Recommended
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). There is no ATM at the visa counter and credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough small bills to cover the fee.

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 for visa issuance before passport control.
2
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and your return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR preferred — have small bills). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You'll be allowed entry for up to 30 days.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost10,000 DJF (~$56 USD)

Apply at Djibouti embassy or online.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost20,000 DJF (~$112 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost50,000 DJF (~$280 USD)

Requires sponsor or proof of purpose.

work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~100,000 DJF (~$560 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer in Djibouti. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
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
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500,000 DJF (~$2,800 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Djibouti. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in local currency or USD at the airport.15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available through Djibouti embassy or online.10,000 DJF (~$56 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a period.20,000 DJF (~$112 USD)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration.1,000 DJF (~$5.60 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

Madagascar 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

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

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

Djibouti City
Immigration Office at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
Airport terminal, arrival hall
Open 24/7

For visa on arrival and entry issues.

Practical information for MG 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 31
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 fee is typically around 90 USD or 80 EUR for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Pay in cash (USD or EUR) at the counter. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Djibouti and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Djibouti requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Madagascar is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, bring your certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at the Djibouti–Ethiopia land border (Loyada) and the Djibouti–Somaliland border. The process is similar — cash only, same fee.
No pre-arrival form is required. You'll fill out a simple arrival card on the plane or at the airport. No online registration needed.
Bring USD or EUR in cash. Small denominations (20s and 10s) are easiest. Avoid large bills — change may not be available.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.