UK passport holders must apply online at evisa.gouv.dj before travelling, as no visa-on-arrival option exists for British citizens. The Djibouti eVisa requirements mandate six uploads: a colour scan of your passport bio page, a recent passport-style photograph, a confirmed flight itinerary, accommodation proof, a completed online form, and fee payment. The application process mandates colour scans at 300 DPI, files under 2 MB in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format, and exact name matching to avoid automatic rejection. Approved Djibouti eVisas arrive as PDF files via email within 3 business days. Applicants must print the approved document and present it at Ambouli International Airport upon arrival. The eVisa is valid for a single entry only.
Published: 14 January 2026 | Last updated: 9 September 2026. Reviewed against the evisa.gouv.dj portal on 9 September 2026. Visa rules can change without notice; always verify current requirements on the government portal before applying.
What Documents Do You Need for a Djibouti eVisa Application?
The Djibouti eVisa requires six core uploads: passport scan, passport photo, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, completed form, and online fee payment ($23 or $12). Both the short-stay eVisa (15-90 days, $23, single entry) and the transit eVisa (1-14 days, $12, single entry) share the same base document set. The sole government submission channel is evisa.gouv.dj, available in French and English.
- Colour scan of passport bio-data page (valid for at least six months from arrival)
- Recent passport-style photograph (white background)
- Confirmed round-trip or onward flight itinerary
- Accommodation proof – hotel booking confirmation or host invitation letter
- Completed online application form (all fields matching uploaded documents)
- Visa fee payment via credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
UK passport holders must hold a full ‘British citizen’ passport. There is no British Embassy in Djibouti; consular support is extremely limited through the British Honorary Consul, with emergency assistance provided by the British Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. For UK-specific travel guidance, refer to the FCDO travel advice for Djibouti. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk; present it to the immigration official at the port of entry. The Djibouti eVisa does not guarantee entry; final decisions rest with immigration officials at the port of entry.
Passport Requirements for the Djibouti eVisa
- Validity: at least 6 months from arrival date
- Blank pages: minimum 1 full page for stamping
- Bio page scan: colour only, all four corners visible, glare-free
- Passport must be signed
- Passport number must exactly match the online application form
In our review of the Djibouti eVisa application process in 2026, we observed that even a minor mismatch between the passport number in the online form and the bio page scan triggers automatic rejection, requiring a completely new application and a second fee payment. The Djibouti eVisa requirements do not permit corrections after submission.
How to Scan Your Passport Bio Page Correctly
Scan your bio page at 300 DPI in colour; accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, PDF (max 2 MB). Use a flatbed scanner or a well-lit phone scan with no shadows. Ensure the machine-readable zone is fully legible. Name files with simple descriptive English names (e.g., passport_scan.jpg) and avoid special characters. Greyscale or black-and-white uploads may be rejected.
Passport-Style Photograph Specifications
Upload a recent colour photograph taken within the last 6 months against a white or light-coloured background. Dimensions should be 350 x 450 px or passport standard (35 mm x 45 mm). Confirm exact specs on the portal at the time of application. Accepted formats: JPEG or PNG, max 2 MB. A common error is uploading the passport bio page photo instead of a separate passport-style photograph.
Flight & Accommodation Proof
For flight proof, a confirmed reservation (PNR) is sufficient – a fully paid ticket is not required. The itinerary must display the traveller’s full name (matching the passport), flight number, departure and arrival airports, and entry and exit dates. All dates must align with those entered in the Djibouti eVisa application form.
Accommodation proof must be a hotel booking confirmation showing the property name, full address, check-in and check-out dates, and the applicant’s name. Confirmations from platforms such as Booking.com or Airbnb are accepted. Dates must match or fall within the flight itinerary. If staying at multiple locations, bookings covering the entire stay are required.
Host Invitation Letter – What to Include
When visiting friends or family, a host invitation letter is required instead of a hotel booking. The Djibouti eVisa requirements specify that the letter must include:
- Host’s full legal name and address in Djibouti
- Host’s phone number and email
- Copy of host’s Djiboutian national ID card or valid residence permit
- Statement of relationship to the traveller
- Exact stay dates matching the flight itinerary
- Host’s signature (handwritten or digital scan)
Transit vs Short-Stay Djibouti eVisa – Document Differences
| Attribute | Transit eVisa | Short-Stay eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1-14 days | 15-90 days |
| Government fee | USD 12 | USD 23 |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry |
| Accommodation | Single-night hotel reservation sufficient | Full-stay hotel booking or host invitation letter |
| Flight itinerary | Must show onward travel out of Djibouti within 14 days | Round-trip or onward confirmed reservation |
Passengers remaining inside Ambouli International Airport for a connecting flight do not need a transit eVisa. The Djibouti eVisa requirements only trigger when the traveller passes through immigration control.
File Formats, Upload Requirements & Application Form
The Djibouti eVisa requirements mandate that every uploaded document be a JPEG, PNG, or PDF file, no larger than 2 MB, scanned at a minimum 300 DPI in colour. Greyscale or black-and-white uploads may be rejected.
| Specification | Rule |
|---|---|
| Accepted formats | JPEG, PNG, PDF |
| Maximum file size | 2 MB per file |
| Minimum resolution | 300 DPI |
| Colour mode | Colour only (no greyscale or B&W) |
| File naming | Simple descriptive English names; no special characters |
Compress files exceeding 2 MB using free tools, but never reduce resolution below 300 DPI. Name files descriptively in English, for example passport_scan.jpg, to avoid upload errors caused by special characters or non-Latin text.
The Djibouti eVisa application form is completed entirely online at evisa.gouv.dj, with no downloadable PDF version. Key fields include full name as on passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport expiry date, travel dates, purpose of visit, accommodation details, and contact email. Every entry must exactly match the uploaded documents. No changes are permitted after payment; incorrect details require a new application.
Processing Time, Payment & After Approval
Pay the fee
$23 short-stay / $12 transit (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx)
Processing
~3 business days (excl. Fri-Sat weekend)
Receive eVisa
Approved PDF sent via email
Print & present
Colour A4 copy at Ambouli Airport
The fee is non-refundable and equates to approximately £18-£19 for UK applicants at current exchange rates. A payment confirmation receipt is typically emailed immediately after the transaction completes, and the processing clock starts only after successful fee payment.
The approved Djibouti eVisa is valid from the intended arrival date specified in the application form, not the date of issuance. It permits single entry only; leaving Djibouti invalidates the visa, and travellers who do not use the eVisa within the validity window must reapply with a new application.
Printed copy mandatory at Ambouli International Airport – no screenshots or digital PDFs. Print in colour on A4, keep a backup printout, and save the PDF to cloud storage as a secondary safeguard.
Where to Apply – Trusted Submission Channel
The only direct government portal for the Djibouti eVisa is evisa.gouv.dj, where application, upload, and payment all take place. The portal is available in French and English.
Third-party agencies offer intermediary services for an additional surcharge on top of the $23/$12 government fee. These are legitimate businesses but are not the government channel:
- VisaHQ UK: +44 204 577 3307 | [email protected]
- VisaGenie UK: 0208 571 0883 | [email protected] | 30 Morland Gardens, Southall, UB1 3DY
- FastTrack Visa: 097116 10418 | [email protected]
- VisaTitans: +1 202 599 3146 | [email protected]
Avoid websites claiming to be the government service with inflated fees. Always verify the URL before submitting personal data. For UK-specific travel guidance, consult the FCDO travel advice for Djibouti. The Djibouti eVisa does not guarantee entry; final decisions rest with immigration officials at the port of entry.
Common Reasons Your Djibouti eVisa May Be Rejected
Djibouti eVisa rejections most commonly result from passport validity under 6 months, blurry scans, files over 2 MB, or mismatched dates across documents.
| Rejection Reason | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Passport validity < 6 months from arrival | Check expiry date before applying; the Djibouti eVisa requirements demand at least six months of validity from your date of entry. |
| Blurry or incomplete bio-page scan | Use a flatbed scanner or well-lit phone scan with all four corners visible and no glare. |
| Wrong file format or file over 2 MB | Use JPEG, PNG, or PDF only; compress files that exceed 2 MB without dropping below 300 DPI. |
| Mismatched dates (flight vs. form vs. hotel) | Cross-check every date across your flight itinerary, application form, and accommodation booking before uploading. |
| Name discrepancy (passport vs. form) | Type your full name in the online form exactly as it appears on your passport bio page. |
| Missing accommodation proof | Upload a hotel booking confirmation or a host invitation letter with the host’s Djiboutian national ID copy. |
| Photo non-compliance (selfie, coloured background, outdated) | Use a recent colour photo (within 6 months) on a white or light-coloured background, in JPEG or PNG format. |
| Using unverified third-party portals | Confirm your final submission routes to the government portal at evisa.gouv.dj, not a lookalike domain. |
This article was independently researched and is not affiliated with the Djibouti government. Visa rules can change without notice; always verify every detail on the government portal (evisa.gouv.dj) before starting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions about Djibouti eVisa Requirements
Can I apply for a Djibouti eVisa if my passport expires in less than 6 months?
No. The Djibouti eVisa requirements state that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Djibouti. Applications submitted with passports expiring earlier will face automatic rejection.
Do I need a round-trip flight ticket or is a one-way ticket accepted for the Djibouti eVisa?
You must provide a confirmed round-trip or onward flight reservation. A Passenger Name Record (PNR) from an airline or booking platform is sufficient; a fully paid ticket is not required. The itinerary must display your full name, flight number, airports, and dates for both entry and exit.
Can I upload a black-and-white scan of my passport for the Djibouti eVisa?
No. The Djibouti eVisa requirements explicitly state that the passport bio page scan must be in colour. Uploads in greyscale or black and white may be rejected.
How long does the Djibouti eVisa take to process in 2026?
The standard processing time for the Djibouti eVisa in 2026 is approximately 3 business days (~72 working hours), excluding Fridays and Saturdays, which constitute the weekend in Djibouti.
Is the Djibouti eVisa valid for multiple entries?
No, the Djibouti eVisa is valid for single entry only. Leaving Djibouti invalidates the visa. The short-stay eVisa allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days; the transit eVisa permits up to 14 days.
What accommodation proof is accepted for the Djibouti eVisa?
Accepted accommodation proof includes a hotel booking confirmation or a host invitation letter. The hotel booking must show the hotel name, full address, check-in and check-out dates, and the applicant’s name. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation including the host’s details and a copy of their national ID is required.
Do I need to print my approved Djibouti eVisa at the border?
Yes, a physical printed copy is mandatory at Ambouli International Airport. Immigration officials will not accept phone screenshots or digital PDFs. Print in colour on A4 paper, ensuring the QR code is legible.
What payment methods can I use for the Djibouti eVisa fee?
You can pay using a credit or debit card: Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. The fee is charged in USD ($23 short-stay, $12 transit) and is non-refundable.
How early should I apply for a Djibouti eVisa before my travel date?
Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before your intended travel date. The standard processing time is 3 business days, so applying in advance ensures sufficient time to receive the approved PDF and print the physical copy.
Is travel insurance required for the Djibouti eVisa application?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory document for the Djibouti eVisa application. However, it is strongly recommended by the FCDO to cover medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Can I track my Djibouti eVisa application status after submission?
Yes, you can track your Djibouti eVisa application status using your confirmation code on the eVisa portal. No changes are allowed after submission; if details are incorrect, a new application is required.
Do transit passengers staying inside Ambouli Airport need a Djibouti eVisa?
No, a transit eVisa is not required if you are staying inside Ambouli International Airport for a connecting flight. The transit eVisa ($12, up to 14 days) is only necessary if you plan to leave the airport transit area.
