Djibouti entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Djibouti's airport or land borders. Have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash. This has been the case since 2024.
Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Djibouti eVisa | Apply online at evisa.gouv.dj before you travel. The eVisa costs around $12–$70 USD depending on type and processing speed. Most approvals come within 24–48 hours, but apply at least 3 days ahead to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Djibouti. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Djibouti | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A flight booking out of Djibouti within your allowed stay is enough — no need for a specific airline. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you're arriving without a booking, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Carry enough cash (around $100–$200 USD per day) or have a credit card with available balance. Djibouti is cash-heavy — ATMs exist but can be unreliable outside the capital. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or EUR. No cards, no mobile payments. Bring crisp, new bills; old or damaged notes may be refused. ATMs in Djibouti are unreliable, so carry enough cash for the visa and a few days.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Djibouti, not from your departure date. If your passport expires in 5 months, you'll be denied entry. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to fill — name, passport number, purpose of visit, length of stay. Have a pen handy.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the fee in USD or EUR cash. The officer will process and stamp your visa.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, go to the passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa sticker. You'll be stamped in and can collect your luggage.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Cost15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)
Apply online or on arrival; extendable once for 30 days at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost30,000 DJF (~$170 USD)
Ideal for travellers making multiple trips; apply online.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (sponsor-dependent)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship; apply at Djibouti embassy.
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (DJF, USD, or EUR) at the airport or border. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via e-Visa or at embassy. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | 30,000 DJF (~$170 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; 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 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
No transit visa needed
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport do not need a 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.
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
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 about $60–$80 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Pay in cash with crisp, new bills. Old or damaged notes may be refused. There's no extra fee for the visa itself beyond this.
Yes. Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all official entry points, including the land borders with Ethiopia and Somalia. The process is the same — fill a form, pay cash, get stamped. But note that land border crossings can be less predictable; have a backup plan.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Djibouti City. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra — check with the office directly.
Djibouti requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from the Netherlands, you don't need it. But if you've been in any African or South American country recently, get the shot and carry the yellow card.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Djibouti strictly requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you travel. No exceptions.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Djibouti City. The process takes a few days and costs extra. Extensions are not guaranteed — they're granted at the officer's discretion. Best to plan your stay within the initial 30 days.
Djibouti is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in markets and crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. The country is stable, but check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.