Djibouti entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Djibouti, but applying for an eVisa online before you travel saves time and avoids the airport queue. The eVisa costs about $85 USD and is processed in 1–3 business days. Either way, you'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Djibouti eVisa | Apply online at evisa.gouv.dj before you travel. The eVisa is valid for entry at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport and the land borders. Processing takes 1–3 business days, and you pay the visa fee online.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Djibouti. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Djibouti Airport enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Djibouti | Immigration officers at Djibouti Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card to show you can cover your expenses. Immigration occasionally asks for proof of funds at the border. | Recommended |
Malaria is a real risk
Malaria is present throughout Djibouti, including in Djibouti City. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Also use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets. If you develop a fever after returning home, tell your doctor you were in Djibouti.
Healthcare is limited
Djibouti has few modern medical facilities. For serious conditions, evacuation to Europe or elsewhere is often necessary. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is not just a good idea — it's essential.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an eVisa (if doing it in advance)
Go to evisa.gouv.dj, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page. Pay the $85 USD fee online. You'll get a PDF by email in 1–3 business days. Print it or save it on your phone.
2
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. If you have an eVisa, join the shorter queue for pre-approved travellers. If you're getting a visa on arrival, join the main queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
3
Pay the visa fee (if on arrival)
At the immigration counter, the officer will process your visa and tell you the fee — currently 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD). Pay in local currency or USD. Keep the receipt.
4
Collect your passport and proceed to baggage claim
Once stamped, collect your passport and head to baggage claim. There's no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 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 date
Cost15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)
Apply at Djibouti embassy abroad; may require invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost30,000 DJF (~$170 USD)
For frequent travellers; same application process as single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in local currency or USD at the airport. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | 5,000 DJF (~$28 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation20%
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
Russian passport holders transiting through Djibouti's airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and sleep under nets.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, including urban 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
Mon–Thu 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Practical information for RU 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
Yes. Russian passport holders can get a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport. The fee is 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD), payable in local currency or USD. You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The queue can be slow, so the eVisa is a better option if you plan ahead.
The eVisa costs 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) for a single entry. Processing takes 1–3 business days. Apply at evisa.gouv.dj. You'll need to upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page. The eVisa is valid for entry at the airport and land borders.
Overstays are fined at 5,000 DJF (~$28 USD) per day with no maximum cap. The fine is paid at the immigration office in Djibouti City before you leave. Avoid overstaying — it can also cause problems for future visits.
Only if you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Russia, you don't need it. But if you've been in a yellow fever zone (e.g., parts of sub-Saharan Africa) within 6 days before arrival, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Yes. Tourist visas (both eVisa and visa on arrival) can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Djibouti City (Boulevard de la République). Bring your passport, two passport photos, and proof of funds. The office is open Mon–Thu 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00.
Djibouti is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime like pickpocketing happens in markets and crowded areas. The bigger concern is health: malaria is present nationwide (prophylaxis recommended), and medical facilities are limited. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
No. If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a transit visa. This applies at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport. If you need to enter the country (e.g., for an overnight layover), you'll need a visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.