Djibouti entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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

To enter Djibouti from Madagascar, you'll need an e-visa, which you can obtain entirely online before your flight — no embassy visit required. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp.

Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Djibouti e-VisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once you're in Djibouti.
Apply online before travel
Citizens of Madagascar must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Djibouti e-Visa portal (https://evisa.gouv.dj/) at least a few days before departure. The e-Visa is not extendable.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival in Djibouti.
Minimum 6 months from entry
Your Madagascar passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Djibouti.Required
Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp and visa endorsement.Required
Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready to show at the border.
Proof of departure
Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Djibouti before your visa expires.Required
Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry a bank statement or credit card to prove you can support yourself during your visit.
Sufficient for stay
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., cash, credit card, bank statement) to cover your stay in Djibouti.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form before landing.
Not required
Djibouti does not require an arrival declaration form for Madagascar passport holders.Not required
Apply early — don't risk it
The e-visa processing time is not guaranteed. While it usually takes a few days, delays happen. Apply at least 7–10 days before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
Passport validity is strict
Djibouti enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline and entry by immigration. Check your passport now, not the night before your flight.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.dj/ and fill out the application form. Upload your passport photo and passport data page, enter your flight and accommodation details, and pay the fee online. The process takes about 15–20 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Check your email (including spam folder) for the approval. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, e-visa approval, and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking) if asked. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes depending on queues.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Business visa (e-Visa)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$90

Requires invitation letter from a Djiboutian company; same e-Visa portal.

Transit visa (e-Visa)
Max stay72 hours
Validity72 hours from entry
Cost$30

For onward travel by air or land; must show confirmed onward ticket.

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
e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Mandatory for all travelers; apply online before arrival.$90
e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Same fee as 30-day visa; select longer validity when applying.$90
Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the National Police immigration office in Djibouti City.$50

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

Transit visa required

All travelers, including transit passengers, must obtain an e-Visa before arrival. Airside transit is not exempt.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders with prior authorization
  • Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 24 hours may be granted a transit visa on arrival, but this is not guaranteed; e-Visa is strongly recommended.
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 Jun 4
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

Processing typically takes 2–5 business days, but it can be longer during peak travel times. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The fee is set by the Djibouti e-visa portal and is payable online during the application. The exact amount is shown on the website before you pay — it's usually around $30–$50 USD, but check the current rate on https://evisa.gouv.dj/.
No — the e-visa is the standard way for Madagascar passport holders. You must apply online before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival option for your nationality.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply for a new e-visa, or contact the Djibouti immigration office before your visa expires to discuss options.
Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport operates 24/7, and immigration is staffed for all arriving flights. You'll go through the same process regardless of arrival time.
If you're arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country, you may be asked to show a vaccination certificate. Madagascar is not on the typical yellow fever list, but check with your doctor before travel. It's not a visa requirement, but it's a health entry requirement.
The e-visa is valid for entry at all official border points, including the airport, the port of Djibouti, and land borders. However, most travellers arrive by air. If you're entering by land, make sure the border post is open and has immigration facilities.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.