Djibouti entry requirements for Netherlands 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

Dutch passport holders need an e-visa to enter Djibouti. You can apply online before you travel, and it's a straightforward process that takes a few days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

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
You must obtain an e-Visa before arrival. Apply at the official Djibouti e-Visa portal (https://evisa.gouv.dj/). The e-Visa is not extendable, so plan your stay accordingly.Required
Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – it needs to be valid for half a year after you arrive.
At least 6 months remaining
Your Netherlands passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Djibouti.Required
Blank passport pagesDjibouti border control will stamp your passport – you need a blank page for that.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It's wise to have a couple extra for any additional stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready – they want to see you're not planning to stay forever.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Djibouti before your e-Visa expires.Required
Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry proof that you can pay for your trip – not always asked, but better safe.
Sufficient means of support
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or a credit card.Recommended
Accommodation detailsThey might ask where you're staying – have the details handy.
Hotel booking or host address
Have your hotel reservation or the address where you'll be staying ready to present if asked by immigration.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if you've been in a yellow-fever area before coming to Djibouti – check your itinerary.
If arriving from an endemic country
If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate.Required
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form – just go through immigration normally.
Not required
Djibouti does not require an arrival declaration form for Dutch passport holders.Not required
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Dutch citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Djibouti. The e-visa must be approved before you fly. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding, and Djibouti immigration enforces it strictly. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before applying for the e-visa.

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 scan and photo, pay the fee, and submit. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Check your email for the approval. Print a copy of the e-visa (or save it offline on your phone). You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Djibouti.
3
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (even if you have an e-visa, you'll go through the same queue). Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will stamp your passport. Keep your e-visa with you during your stay.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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 stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$120

Requires invitation letter from Djiboutian company.

Transit visa (e-visa)
Max stay72 hours
Validity30 days from issue
Cost$40

For onward travel; must show confirmed ticket.

Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200

Requires employer sponsorship and police clearance.

work visa
Djibouti Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Djiboutian employer. Requires work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Djibouti Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in a recognised educational institution in Djibouti. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist e-visa fee; payable online.$90
Visa on arrival (if eligible)For those without prior e-visa; cash in USD/EUR/DJF.$90
Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at the National Police immigration office in Djibouti City.$50

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

Transit visa required

All nationalities, including Dutch, require a visa to transit through Djibouti, even if staying airside. E-visa must be obtained before arrival.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders with prior authorization
  • Crew members with valid airline ID and on duty
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.

Food/Waterborne diseasesHigh risk

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

Malaria risk: high

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

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–Thu 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00

Handles visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and cash.

Practical information for NL 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

Yes, you need an e-visa. You must apply online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival for Dutch passport holders.
Typically 2-3 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid stress.
The fee varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. Check the official e-visa portal for the current fee — it's payable online by credit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or contact the immigration office in Djibouti City before your visa expires.
You'll likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Dutch citizens, so don't risk it.
Not required unless you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. But it's always wise to check current health advice before travel.
Djibouti is generally safe for travellers, but be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The country has a visible military presence due to foreign bases, but crime against tourists is low.

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.