Djibouti entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport. Bring your passport and cash for the fee, and you'll be issued a visa at the counter. This has been the process since at least 2025.
Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport. Pay $90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a 30-day single-entry visa. Have two passport-size photos ready — the airport kiosk can take them for a fee if you forget.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for your entire stay in Djibouti. Airlines at Auckland or Christchurch may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Djibouti Airport asks to see a confirmed onward ticket before stamping you in. A flight out of Djibouti within 30 days works — they rarely check the exact date as long as you have one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host ready. Immigration rarely asks for it, but budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines or flydubai may request proof of accommodation at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your stay — roughly $100 USD per day is a safe estimate. Immigration almost never checks, but you may need to show funds if you look like you're working without a permit. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring USD, EUR, or Djiboutian francs in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport is well-practiced. Just have your documents ready and the fee in cash. Most travellers get through in under 30 minutes.
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 before passport control.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will issue a visa sticker on the spot.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa, join the passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost30,000 DJF (~$170 USD)
Apply at Djibouti embassy abroad; not available on arrival.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
CostVaries (approx. 50,000–100,000 DJF / $280–$560 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at embassy.
work visa
Djibouti Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~50,000 DJF ($280 USD) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Djibouti employer. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Djibouti Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~30,000 DJF ($170 USD) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Djibouti. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Djibouti Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~100,000 DJF ($560 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Djibouti business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 1 month)Payable in cash (USD or EUR accepted) at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are strictly enforced; avoid exceeding your visa duration. | 5,000 DJF (~$28 USD) per day, max 100,000 DJF (~$560 USD) |
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
New Zealand 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists but can occur in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; consider atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–12:00
For visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for NZ 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 fee is typically 10,000–15,000 Djiboutian francs (about USD 55–85). Pay in cash — USD or EUR are usually accepted. Cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., for a layover), you'll need the visa on arrival.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
There is no e-visa system for Djibouti. The only option for New Zealand passport holders is the visa on arrival at the airport.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry. But medical care in Djibouti is limited and can be expensive. Strongly recommended.
Immigration may refuse entry. Airlines also often check this before boarding. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
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.