Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Djibouti due to terrorism and crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[253] 21 45 30 00; US Embassy in Djibouti, Lot 350-B Haramouss, B.P. 185, Djibouti; https://dj.usembassy.gov/; DjiboutiACS@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
253
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 351351; Fire: 18; Police: 17
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Djibouti: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Desert; torrid, dry
Currency (Code)
Djiboutian francs (DJF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French, Arabic, Somali, Afar
Major Religions
Muslim 94%, Christian 6% (mainly foreign born residents)
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Djibouti City; Lake Assal; Tadjoura; Ali Sabieh; Gulf of Tadjoura; Goba’ad Plain
Major Sports
Cricket, soccer
Cultural Practices
Unlike many western countries, the average work week in the country runs from Saturday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Many private companies reopen in the afternoon from 4 to 7 p.m.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is customary in Djibouti, with tips in restaurants being about 10%.
Souvenirs
Malachite and amber beaded items, hammered silver jewelry, traditional African clothing and woven goods, tribal art and daggers, wooden and carved stone items, scented incense, coffee beans
Traditional Cuisine
Skoudekharis — a one-pot dish of rice and spices that includes generous portions of lamb
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Friday, September 15, 2023
