Nearly all foreign nationals need a visa to enter Djibouti, and most can apply online via the eVisa system at evisa.gouv.dj. UK passport holders meet Djibouti eVisa eligibility requirements. The Djibouti eVisa costs $12 to $23 depending on visa type, with processing taking approximately 3 business days.
Do You Need a Visa for Djibouti?
Nearly all foreign nationals require a visa to enter Djibouti. Djibouti eVisa eligibility applies to citizens of most countries worldwide, including UK passport holders, who must obtain an electronic visa before departure.
The eVisa system launched on 18 February 2018, replacing the former visa-on-arrival process for ordinary passport holders. While the UK FCDO notes that a visa on arrival may still be purchasable at the airport in cash (US dollars), airlines may deny boarding without a pre-approved eVisa.
UK citizens travelling on a full “British citizen” passport must have a visa and evidence of an onward journey. The Djibouti eVisa can be applied for at evisa.gouv.dj before travel. The FCDO also advises against all travel to parts of Djibouti; check the latest FCDO travel advice before planning your trip.
Travellers arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate to immigration officials at the port of entry. Consult TravelHealthPro’s Djibouti guide, linked from gov.uk, for the current list of affected countries.
What Is the Djibouti eVisa?
The Djibouti eVisa is a single-entry electronic travel authorization delivered by email as a PDF, valid for entry at Ambouli International Airport and other border crossings.
Apply online
Complete the application at evisa.gouv.dj
Submit documents & pay
Upload required documents and pay the fee by card
Receive eVisa by email
PDF delivered within approximately 3 business days
Print & present
Present the printed eVisa at the port of entry
Two visa types are available. The transit eVisa costs $12, permits a stay of up to 3 days, and remains valid for up to 14 days. The short-stay eVisa costs $23, permits a stay of up to 90 days, and remains valid for up to 90 days. Validity begins on the intended arrival date specified in the application, not on the approval date.
The Djibouti eVisa permits entry at Ambouli Airport or other border crossings. It is single-entry; if it expires unused, a new application is required.
Djibouti eVisa Eligibility by Nationality
Djibouti eVisa eligibility covers most nationalities, including UK passport holders, who apply online at evisa.gouv.dj.
| Nationality | Visa Requirement | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | eVisa required | Apply online at evisa.gouv.dj |
| United States | eVisa required | Apply online at evisa.gouv.dj |
| France / Germany / EU | eVisa required | Apply online at evisa.gouv.dj |
| India / Nigeria / South Africa | eVisa required | Apply online at evisa.gouv.dj |
| Singapore | Visa-free (indefinite stay) | No application needed |
| Hong Kong SAR | Visa-free (14 days) | No application needed |
Singapore ordinary passport holders may enter visa-free for an indefinite period, while Hong Kong SAR passport holders are permitted up to 14 days without a visa. All other nationalities not listed as exempt must apply for the Djibouti eVisa through the online portal.
Countries Exempt from the Djibouti eVisa
Singapore and Hong Kong SAR ordinary passport holders can enter Djibouti visa-free, while holders of diplomatic and service passports from eight countries are also exempt under bilateral agreements.
Three ordinary-passport categories are exempt from the Djibouti eVisa: Singapore (indefinite), Hong Kong SAR (14 days), and Chinese passports endorsed “for public affairs” (indefinite).
| Country | Exempt Passport Type(s) | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Benin | Diplomatic, official, service | Up to 90 days |
| Egypt | Diplomatic, service | Up to 90 days |
| India | Diplomatic, official, service | Up to 90 days |
| Morocco | Diplomatic, official, service | Up to 90 days |
| Russia | Diplomatic, service | Up to 90 days |
| Turkey | Diplomatic, service | Up to 90 days |
| Kenya | Diplomatic, official, service | Up to 60 days |
| Libya | Diplomatic | Up to 14 days |
Bilateral exemption agreements with Angola and Benin were signed in February 2024 but have not yet entered into force. Citizens of all other countries must obtain a Djibouti eVisa before travel.
Qualifying Travel Purposes for the Djibouti eVisa
Djibouti eVisa eligibility covers tourism, business/commerce, family visits, and transit, but does not permit work, study, or diplomatic travel.
The Djibouti eVisa permits four travel purposes: tourism, business/commerce, family visits, and transit. Applicants must declare their purpose when applying at evisa.gouv.dj and submit supporting documents matching that purpose: a flight reservation showing inbound and outbound flights, confirmed accommodation proof with the applicant’s name, and, when staying with a host, a copy of the host’s Djibouti passport and ID.
Work, study, and diplomatic travel are not covered by the Djibouti eVisa and require a visa from the Djibouti Embassy. Transit travellers qualify for a dedicated transit eVisa permitting a maximum stay of up to 3 days within a 14-day validity window, while short-stay eVisas allow up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Djibouti eVisa Cost, Processing Time, and Documents
The Djibouti eVisa costs $12 (transit, up to 3 days) or $23 (short-stay, up to 90 days). Processing takes approximately 3 business days; Djibouti’s weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, which may extend processing for applications submitted Thursday through Sunday. Apply at least 1 week in advance.
| Visa Type | Validity | Max Stay | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit eVisa | Up to 14 days | Up to 3 days | $12 |
| Short-stay eVisa | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | $23 |
Payment by credit/debit card (Mastercard, VISA, American Express). Fee non-refundable; no changes after submission.
To meet Djibouti eVisa eligibility, applicants must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival, with at least 1 blank page. Required supporting documents include a copy of the signed passport information page, a recent photograph on a white background (JPG or PNG), a flight reservation showing both inbound and outbound flights, and confirmed accommodation proof matching the travel dates. Travellers staying with a host must additionally provide a copy of the host’s Djibouti passport and ID, along with contact information. All documents are submitted through the portal at evisa.gouv.dj.
Travellers arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk must also present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Consult TravelHealthPro’s Djibouti guide for the current list of affected countries.
All eligibility data in this guide was cross-checked against the government portal at evisa.gouv.dj, UK FCDO travel advice for Djibouti, and the IATA Timatic database. Last updated: September 2026.
Djibouti eVisa Eligibility FAQ
Do UK citizens need a visa for Djibouti?
Yes. UK passport holders must have a visa to enter Djibouti. The Djibouti eVisa can be applied for online at evisa.gouv.dj before travel. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival, and you must have evidence of your onward journey.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Djibouti instead of an eVisa?
The Djibouti eVisa system was introduced on 18 February 2018 to replace the visa on arrival. While the UK FCDO notes that a tourist visa may still be purchasable with cash in US dollars at the airport, airlines may deny boarding without a pre-approved eVisa. Applying online in advance is strongly recommended.
What travel purposes qualify for the Djibouti eVisa?
The Djibouti eVisa covers tourism, business and commerce, family visits, and transit. Work, study, and diplomatic travel do not qualify for the eVisa and require separate visa categories obtained through the Djibouti Embassy.
How long is the Djibouti eVisa valid?
The transit eVisa is valid for up to 14 days with a maximum stay of 3 days. The short-stay eVisa is valid for up to 90 days with a maximum stay of 90 days. The validity period begins on the intended arrival date specified in your application, not the approval date.
Do children need a separate Djibouti eVisa?
Yes. Each traveller, including minors and children, requires an individual Djibouti eVisa application with a separate fee. Children listed on a parent’s passport should also have their own application submitted.
How much does a Djibouti eVisa cost?
The transit eVisa costs $12 and the short-stay eVisa costs $23. These are the government fees on the portal at evisa.gouv.dj. Third-party visa services may charge additional service fees on top of the government fee. The fee is non-refundable if the application is rejected.
What is the processing time for a Djibouti eVisa?
Standard processing time is approximately 3 business days. Djibouti’s official weekend is Friday and Saturday, so applications submitted from Thursday to Sunday may take longer in real time. Apply at least 1 week before travel.
What passport validity is required for the Djibouti eVisa?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Djibouti and must have at least 1 blank page. A copy of the passport information page, which must be signed, is required as part of the Djibouti eVisa application.
