Djibouti is one of the world's most extraordinary and least-visited destinations—a small nation at the Horn of Africa that packs some of the planet's most otherworldly landscapes into a compact territory. Where else can you swim with whale sharks in the morning, float in one of Earth's saltiest lakes by afternoon, and watch alien-like limestone chimneys glow at sunset? From the surreal salt flats of Lake Assal (Africa's lowest point at 155 meters below sea level) to the steaming vents of Lac Abbé and the incredible whale shark encounters in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti is an adventurer's dream. The Djibouti e-Visa makes visiting this remarkable country straightforward—apply online and receive your visa electronically, no embassy required.
What is the Djibouti e-Visa?
The Djibouti e-Visa is an electronic visa that allows visitors to enter the country for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Introduced as part of Djibouti's efforts to boost tourism, it eliminates the need to visit an embassy—you apply entirely online and receive your approved visa via email.
Once approved, you receive your e-Visa as a PDF document. Print this and present it alongside your passport at immigration upon arrival at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. The process is straightforward and typically takes 3-5 business days.
Djibouti remains one of the least-visited countries on Earth, receiving only about 50,000 tourists per year. The e-Visa system is designed to change that by making access easier while maintaining secure border controls.
e-Visa at a Glance
Visa types: Single entry (30 days) or Multiple entry (90 days)
Stay duration: 30 or 90 days depending on type
Processing time: 3-5 business days
Cost: From $23 USD (30-day single entry)
Purpose: Tourism, business, transit
Yellow fever: May be required (check if transiting through endemic areas)
Best time to visit: November - March (whale shark season!)
Who Can Apply for a Djibouti e-Visa?
The Djibouti e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries. Here's what you need to know about eligibility:
- Most nationalities eligible: Citizens of USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and most other nations can apply online
- French citizens: Can obtain visa on arrival due to historical ties, but e-Visa is still recommended for faster entry
- Neighboring countries: Some East African nationals have different arrangements—check specific requirements
- Purpose of travel: Tourism, business visits, conferences, family visits, and transit are covered
- Age requirements: All ages can apply; minors need parental documentation
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival
Whale Shark Season
If you're visiting specifically for whale sharks (and you should!), aim for November to February. This is when the gentle giants congregate in the Gulf of Tadjoura—one of the best places on Earth to swim with them.
Requirements for Djibouti e-Visa
Gather the following documents before starting your application:
- Valid passport: Must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Passport scan: Clear, color scan of your passport's biographical data page
- Passport photo: Recent photo (within 6 months), white background, standard passport dimensions
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host
- Return flight ticket: Confirmed return or onward travel itinerary
- Travel itinerary: Brief outline of your planned activities in Djibouti
- Credit/debit card: For online payment of visa fees
- Valid email address: Your approved visa will be sent here
- Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from or transiting through endemic areas
- Business documentation: For business travelers, invitation from a Djiboutian company
Yellow Fever Note
Djibouti requires yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from or have transited through endemic areas (much of Africa and South America). If flying directly from Europe or North America, it's typically not required. Check current requirements and consider getting vaccinated regardless—it's valid for life.
How to Apply for Djibouti e-Visa
The application process is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Check eligibility: Confirm e-Visa availability for your nationality using our visa checker
- Gather documents: Collect passport, photo, hotel booking, and flight tickets
- Start your application: Visit the Djibouti e-Visa portal or use DoVisa's guided application for expert assistance
- Enter personal details: Full name exactly as in passport, date of birth, nationality, occupation
- Add travel information: Planned arrival date, accommodation details, purpose of visit
- Upload required documents: Submit clear scans of passport, photo, and supporting documents
- Select visa type: Choose 30-day or 90-day based on your needs
- Pay the fee: $23-65 USD depending on visa type
- Submit and wait: Processing takes 3-5 business days
- Receive your e-Visa: Approved visa arrives via email as PDF—print it for travel
Book a Tour Operator First
Djibouti requires organized tours for most attractions (Lake Assal, Lac Abbé, whale sharks). Book with a reputable operator BEFORE applying for your visa—their confirmation serves as your accommodation/itinerary proof and ensures a smooth trip.
Costs and Processing Time
Djibouti e-Visa fees are reasonable, especially considering how unique the destination is:
e-Visa Options and Costs
| Visa Type | Validity | Stay Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 30 days | Up to 30 days | $23 USD |
| Single Entry | 90 days | Up to 90 days | $40 USD |
| Multiple Entry | 90 days | Up to 90 days total | $65 USD |
Processing times:
- Standard processing: 3-5 business days
- Express processing: 1-2 business days (additional fee through DoVisa)
Note: Visa validity starts from the approval date, not your arrival date. Plan your application timing accordingly.
Apply for Your Djibouti e-Visa with DoVisa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid These Application Errors
Djibouti is a unique destination with specific requirements. Here's what to watch out for:
- Not booking a tour operator: Most attractions require organized tours. Book this first—it provides your proof of arrangements
- Passport validity: Ensure 6+ months validity—Djibouti is strict about this
- Name mismatches: Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport
- Poor quality documents: Ensure clear, legible scans of all documents
- Yellow fever oversight: If transiting through endemic areas, you NEED the certificate
- Summer travel: Djibouti is one of the hottest countries on Earth—summer temps exceed 45°C (113°F). Visit November-March!
- Last-minute applications: Allow at least 1 week for processing—Djibouti isn't a last-minute destination
- Insufficient accommodation proof: Have confirmed bookings, not just inquiries
DoVisa Expert Support
Our team reviews every application before submission and can recommend reputable tour operators in Djibouti. Since this is an unusual destination, we provide extra guidance to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Travel Tips for Djibouti
Djibouti is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Here's essential advice for an incredible trip:
- Best time to visit: November to March—cooler (30-35°C), dry, and whale shark season. NEVER visit June-August unless you can handle 45°C+ heat
- Whale sharks: The Gulf of Tadjoura is one of the world's best spots for whale shark encounters. November-February is peak season. Book with certified operators
- Lake Assal: Earth's saltiest lake and Africa's lowest point (155m below sea level). The salt formations are incredible. You'll float effortlessly—bring water shoes
- Lac Abbé: Limestone chimneys rising from a barren landscape—looks like another planet. Visit at dawn for the best photos. Overnight camping available
- Currency: Djiboutian Franc (DJF), but USD is widely accepted for tourism. Bring cash—ATMs exist but aren't reliable outside Djibouti City
- Language: French and Arabic are official. French is widely spoken in tourism. English is limited but improving
- Getting around: 4x4 vehicles are essential for attractions. Tour operators provide transport—don't try to navigate alone
- Health: Malaria risk is low in Djibouti City but present elsewhere. Consult a travel doctor. Stay hydrated—the heat is extreme
- Safety: Djibouti City and tourist areas are generally safe. Avoid the Eritrean border region. The country hosts major military bases (US, France, China) and is politically stable
Insider Tip
Stay at least 5 nights to properly experience Djibouti: Day 1 arrive & Djibouti City, Day 2-3 whale sharks and Tadjoura Bay, Day 4 Lake Assal, Day 5 Lac Abbé overnight, Day 6 depart. Trying to rush it defeats the purpose of visiting this unique destination.
Why Apply with DoVisa?
Expert guidance for this unusual destination
Application review before submission
Tour operator recommendations
Express processing available
24/7 customer support
Secure payment processing
Money-back guarantee if denied
Help with complex itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Djibouti safe to visit?
When is the best time to see whale sharks?
How hot does it get?
Do I need a tour operator?
What's special about Lake Assal?
What's Lac Abbé like?
Is French necessary?
What about the military bases?
How will I receive my e-Visa?
Can DoVisa recommend tour operators?
Ready for Djibouti?
Djibouti offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth—swimming with whale sharks in crystal-clear waters, floating in one of the world's saltiest lakes, and standing among alien limestone chimneys as the sun rises. It's off-the-beaten-path in the truest sense, visited by fewer than 50,000 tourists annually.
Apply for your e-Visa through DoVisa and join the small group of adventurous travelers who've discovered the Horn of Africa's hidden gem. Our team provides expert guidance, tour operator recommendations, and full support to make your Djibouti adventure unforgettable.
Djibouti
Capital: Djibouti City
Currency: Djiboutian Franc (DJF) / USD accepted
Language: French, Arabic
Timezone: UTC+3 (East Africa Time)
Processing: 3-5 business days
Quick Facts
- Best time: November - March (cooler + whale sharks)
- Lake Assal: Africa's lowest point
- Power: 220V, Type C/E plugs
- Country code: +253
- Population: 1 million
- Only 50,000 tourists annually
Get the DoVisa App
Apply for your Djibouti e-Visa and manage documents on the go.
Comments(12)
Leave a Comment
Swimming with whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura was the MOST INCREDIBLE wildlife experience of my life! They're HUGE (12+ meters) and so gentle. Worth every penny to get here.
Question: How do you find a reliable tour operator? I've never heard of any companies in Djibouti.
Lake Assal is WILD - you float without even trying! The salt crystals are stunning but SHARP. Definitely bring water shoes. The drive there through volcanic landscape is incredible too.
The heat is NO JOKE. I visited in November (supposedly 'cool' season) and it was still 35°C. I can't imagine summer. Bring way more water than you think you need.
DoVisa support was fantastic - had questions about the yellow fever requirement since I was transiting through Ethiopia. They clarified everything and even helped coordinate with my tour operator. Great service!
Is Djibouti expensive? I've heard conflicting things about costs.
Lac Abbé at sunrise was the most alien landscape I've ever seen. Flamingos, steaming chimneys, volcanic rock - like being on Mars. The overnight camping was basic but SO worth it for the dawn light.
French speakers will have a much easier time here. English is limited. I only know basic French and struggled a bit, but tour guides usually speak English. Learn some French phrases!
The whale sharks are incredibly gentle - they just glide past you. Our boat found 6 in one morning! The guides know exactly where to go. Bring a GoPro - underwater shots are amazing.
Question: Is it possible to combine Djibouti with Ethiopia? I want to do both on one trip.
Djibouti City itself isn't much to see - most travelers just use it as a base. The magic is outside the city. Get out to Lake Assal, Lac Abbé, and the Gulf as quickly as possible!
Best trip I've ever taken. Seriously. No crowds, incredible landscapes, whale sharks, amazing hospitality. If you want adventure travel that's actually adventurous, Djibouti is it.