Djibouti travel advice:

Djibouti is a developing country located at the juncture of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a multi-party democracy with traditional Islamic practices. With the majority Muslim population, other residents include Roman, Catholic, and Protestant and Greek Orthodox minorities. French and Arabic are the official language with Afar and Somalia are widely spoken locally. Local drivers and traders are very familiar with English also.

Entry requirements:

A valid passport as well as visa is mandatory for your entry in the country. Travelers may obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti, 1156 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005. Be sure to take comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling to Djibouti. Djibouti visa can be obtained from French Embassy in London. 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 about US$55. Be sure to carry enough hard currency or traveler’s cheque as it is very difficult to obtain currency against credit cards in Djibouti. There are a very limited number of ATMs in the country. A valid yellow fever certificate is also required for your entry if you are coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic.

Local Laws and customs:

Djibouti, a predominately Muslim populated area follows strict laws as well as rules. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited here. Be mindful in dressing also. Visitors should dress in a conservative manner in the city. Seek local advice if you want to photograph any major infrastructure in the city, as it is strictly prohibited.

General Safety:

Due to its insecure geographic location with Eritrea to the North, Ethiopia to the west and south and Somalia to the Southeast, the country usually experiences a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be expected in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Travel to the border areas or outside the capital area is highly insecure. It is advised to monitor the local news reports for recent warnings and updates while you are in the country. Exercise a high degree of caution against petty crime such as pick pocketing.

Natural hazards including earthquakes, droughts, cyclones and flash flooding are often experienced. The place is also an active volcanic and earthquake zone. October to April is the best time to visit the country with comparatively cooler climate with occasional rain.

Djibouti based Daallo Airlines operates flights to Paris and services extended to Ethiopia, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. Visitors can also travel in Djibouti-Ethiopian Railway operates regular trains between Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa with one train daily connecting with Djibouti.