Djibouti

Djibouti is in the Horn peninsula on the Gulf of Aden. The country can be divided into three regions; the coastal plain and volcanic plateaus in the central and southern parts of the country and the mountain ranges in the north. Much of the country is wasteland with virtually no arable land.

Cities

• 1 Djibouti - the capital and by far the largest city

Towns

• 2 Galafi
• 3 Obock
• 4 Tadjoura

Other destinations

• 1 Day Forest National Park — Djibouti's only national park
• 2 Lake Abbe on the Ethiopian border is a desolate, steaming lake surrounded by limestone chimneys and a lunar landscape used as the "Forbidden Zone" in Planet of the Apes.
• 3 Lake Assal is Africa's lowest point (157 m below sea level) and the saltiest lake outside Antarctica. Its shores are largely salt pans and nearby is Ardoukoba, which last erupted in 1978.
• 4 Moucha Island

Understand

Djibouti's location near the Suez Route, one of the world's most busiest shipping routes, has made the country important for international trade.

Climate

Djibouti's climate is very hot, humid and arid, especially in the summer. The summer heat is moderated, however, by a sustained breeze in the coastal city of Djibouti. From October to April, the temperature is cooler, with occasional rain. Cyclones from the Indian Ocean create heavy rains and flash flooding.

Get in

Visa requirements

Most nationals can get a visa on arrival for 15,000 DJF or 90 USD (as of November 2018), valid for one month. Transit visas are valid for 10 days and are available on arrival at the airport to nationals of the European Union, Scandinavian countries and the USA for 10,000 Fdj. If you plan to enter by land you have to arrange for visas in advance. Visas can be obtained from neighbouring countries (e.g. embassy in Addis makes visa within a day). Where no Djibouti embassy exists, they can often be obtained from the French embassy. The types of visas include: Entry (visa de séjour); Tourist (visa de tourisme); Business (visa d’affaires); and Transit (visa de transit). Those travelling on Singaporean passports can get a visa free. It is possible to make e-visa, though there are many reports of rejections and delays without any explanations.

By plane

1 Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB IATA). connects Djibouti with Ethiopia, Eritrea, France, Kenya, Qatar, Somalia, Somaliland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Air France and Djibouti based Daallo Airlines operates flights to Dubai–International Airport and Hargeisa . The airport is 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the city. (updated Aug 2010)

By car

There are roads from Djibouti to Assab (Eritrea) and going west into Ethiopia via Dikhil. Those using them should be aware that road conditions are generally poor and personal security might be at risk when travelling, particularly to Ethiopia. Visitors are advised to check transit regulations as political conditions in Ethiopia and Eritrea are changeable. There are no formal border posts with Eritrea. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for the interior. There is a new highway from Djibouti to Tadjoura. Traffic drives on the right. It is advisable to carry water and petrol on any expedition off main routes. An International Driving Permit is recommended, although not legally required. A temporary licence to drive is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid UK driving licence.

By train

Passenger train services between Ethiopia and Djibouti City were restarted in December 2016. While the line mostly serves as a vital freight link from landlocked Ethiopia to the major port of Djibouti, it also has passenger service. Reportedly passenger trains reach a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) and take 12 hours for the more than 700 km (430 mi) long journey from Addis Abeba that used to take three days by road.

By bus

Buses operate from Djibouti to most towns and villages throughout the country. Buses leave when they are full. A minibus service operates in Djibouti, stopping on demand. A fixed-fare system is used.

By boat

There are ferry services connecting Djibouti to Yemen. Djibouti City is one of the main ports of eastern Africa so it's a popular route.

Get around

• Taxis are available in Djibouti and from the airport to the town, as you exit the airport there is a big billboard displaying expected taxi fares, look for it; also in Ali-Sabieh, Dikhil, Dorale and Arta. Fares can increase by 50% after dark.
• Bicycling is a great way to get around the small capital.
• Ferry services sail daily from L'Escale (Djibouti) to Tadjoura and Obock. The journey takes about three hours.

By car

You should avoid driving after dark outside the city of Djibouti. Vehicles do not always have working headlights and there may be livestock on the roads. Extra care must be taken in the occasionally chaotic traffic.

Talk

Although French and Arabic are the official languages, Somali and Afar are widely spoken. English may be spoken at tourist facilities, but is not widely spoken by locals or taxi drivers.

See

• Lake Assal. 150 m below sea level, Lake Assal is the third-lowest point on Earth. You'll need to hire a car or ask someone who lives in Djibouti to drive you there. Expect a rough ride: the roads outside the capital are destroyed by the truck traffic between Djibouti and Ethiopia. The road passes within sight of the Devil's Island, and some impressive views. Expect to be awestruck. (updated Jul 2016)
• Lake Abbe is one of the most desolate places on Earth and is dotted with limestone chimneys standing as high of 50 m. It was described as lunar, and Planet of the Apes was filmed here.

Do

• Scuba diving — Despite the country's arid landscape, off the coast lie several reefs teeming with all sorts of life.
• Sea kayaking — Sea kayaking allows you to enjoy the Gulf of Tadjoura and Ghoubet Kharrib in an eco-friendly way, with the possibility of observing whale sharks and sea turtles.
• Whale shark tours — You can also go snorkelling or diving with whale sharks, although the chance of seeing them varies throughout the season (70-80% in Nov-Jan and close to zero during warmer months).

Buy

Money

The currency of Djibouti is the Djiboutian franc, denoted by the symbol "Fdj" (ISO currency code: DJF). The Djiboutian franc is pegged to the US dollar. You can convert dollars to francs with local street money changers located in the Djiboutian market area. The street money changers are women who line the street waiting to convert foreign currencies to francs. Whilst generally honest brokers it is still advisable to have yours ready and check the exchange rate in advance. Most of them speak basic English.

Coins in Djibouti come in denominations of 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, 250 and 500 Djiboutian francs. Banknotes in Djibouti come in denominations of 1,000-, 2,000-, 5,000 and 10,000 Djiboutian francs. There is also a 40 Djiboutian franc banknote, but is worth more as a numismatic piece than as a circulating piece.

Shopping

Khat: A leafy stimulant popular with the locals. It is flown into the country each morning from Ethiopia and arrives by truck in Djibouti's Central Market at about 13:00. It is fairly inexpensive, but quality varies greatly, so shop with caution. Khat may not be taken out of Djibouti through the airport, and is illegal to possess in many other countries.

You can purchase general merchandise and food items at the larger department stores using US dollars. The tourist traps will see you coming a mile away and charge ridiculous conversion rates and tourist prices. If you have access to Camp Lemonnier, go to the disbursement office for the best rate.

Eat

The city of Djibouti has many places to eat, including tourist traps. Western food is often expensive cuisine, with local cuisine being much cheaper. For example, the Ethiopian Community Center offers a wide variety of local, tasty and reasonably priced dishes. Average price per meal outside tourist areas is US$4 including drink.

Drink

Sleep

Stay safe

Natural hazards include earthquakes and droughts. Occasional cyclonic disturbances from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods.

Visitors should be aware of the risk of banditry outside the capital city.

Stay healthy

Health insurance is advisable. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for any medical treatment. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for visitors over one year of age coming from infected areas. Cholera is also a serious risk and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding if these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. Typhoid immunization is usually advised.

Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists year round. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. Mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil are recommended.

The adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is over 3% or 1 in 33 adults. Protect yourself.

Tap water is not safe to drink unless it has been boiled or otherwise sterilized.

Respect

Casual wear is widely acceptable, but Djibouti is a Muslim country and certain codes of behaviour should be observed. Shorts are generally not appropriate outside of hotels, beaches or sport activities. Homosexuality is criminalised.

Connect

There is a 3G phone network in the country that runs on 900MHz. The maximum speed is 7mbps but expect it to be lower. You can get 1GB of data for about US$3. More info can be obtained here

Exercise a high degree of caution; see also regional advisories.

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.

Terrorism

Regional terror groups, including those associated with al Qaeda and al-Shabaab, continue to threaten Western interests and other potential targets in Djibouti. The September 21, 2013 attack on an upscale Nairobi mall illustrates the threat of attacks on civilians in East Africa.  Further attacks cannot be ruled out. Be vigilant in crowded places and monitor local media.

Crime

Street crime is on the rise. Be vigilant in public places frequented by foreigners, such as hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping areas. Do not show signs of affluence. Ensure that personal belongings, including passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Demonstrations

Political demonstrations occur frequently. Avoid all gatherings and demonstrations as they can turn violent without warning. Monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Road travel

Drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution in the capital. Do not travel after dark. Streets are narrow, poorly maintained and lack adequate lighting. Local driving habits, pedestrians, roaming livestock and excessive speeds pose additional risks. Major roads are paved, but often lack guardrails. Police may set up roadblocks of wire coils, which may be difficult to see at night. Railway crossings are not well indicated. In the event of an accident, the driver should wait until the police arrive on the scene. You should contact the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Consulate of Canada in Djibouti, or local authorities for the latest security information prior to overland travel.

Since the operating gas stations are located at a considerable distance from one another (mostly in the cities of Djibouti, Ali Sabieh, Dikhil, Tadjourah and Obock), you should ensure you have sufficient fuel provisions in reserve before undertaking long drives.

While Djibouti has been declared a “mine-safe” country, you should stay on paved roads, particularly in the northern districts of Tadjourah and Obock as well as the Ali Sabieh district in the south, where mines have been found in the past.

Public transportation

Intercity public travel is limited to bus and ferry services between Djibouti and the towns of Tadjourah and Obock. Buses are poorly maintained and driven erratically. Avoid travel by road or rail to Djibouti. There have been acts of sabotage and derailment on the Djibouti-Ethiopia railway.

Consult our Transportation FAQ in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in Djiboutian coastal waters, and in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. Whenever possible, transit in trafficked sea-lanes. When sailing in and around the Horn of Africa, in the southern part of the Red Sea near the coasts of Yemen and in the Gulf of Aden, vessels should convoy in groups and maintain good communications at all times. The Yemeni Coast Guard 24-hour Operations Centre can be contacted in case of emergency at 967-1562-402. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

General safety information

You should always carry identification, preferably a certified copy of your passport’s identification page. Avoid walking alone after dark. Because of their isolation, avoid visiting the beaches of Dorale and Khor Ambado late in the afternoon.

Modern tourist facilities and communications networks are limited in the city of Djibouti and scarce in many outlying areas. Outside the capital, cell phone coverage is often unavailable.

Health

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and Detention page for more information.

Homosexuality is illegal.

Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of firearms. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Hunting is forbidden by law.

Photography of military installations is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women wearing the veil.

An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Culture

Islamic practices and beliefs are part of the country’s customs, laws and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. It is forbidden to produce, display publicly or sell any object, image, film or audio-visual recording considered contrary to accepted standards of behaviour. The prohibition on the use of drugs must be respected. Consumption of alcohol is authorized, but public displays of drunkenness could result in a two-year prison term.

Money

The currency is the Djiboutian franc (DJF). Credit cards are accepted only by airline companies and some major hotels. Traveller’s cheques in U.S. dollars can be cashed at banks. There are only a few automated banking machines (ABMs). They are frequently broken and should not be depended upon as the sole means for obtaining currency.

Climate

The climate is very dry and hot from May to October. Due to below-average rainfall over the last four years, many regions of eastern Africa are currently afflicted by severe drought, including Djibouti. Expect difficulties travelling overland.