Last verified: 9 September 2026. This guide was checked against the Djibouti eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.dj) and the UK FCDO travel advice page.
Meeting the djibouti evisa group requirements involves submitting passport scans, photos, and a group manifest for up to 9 applicants per online form. The group leader manages the application through the eVisa portal, paying per-person fees of USD 12 or USD 23. Processing takes 3 to 7 business days. The eVisa system, introduced on 18 February 2018, was designed to replace the visa on arrival system and covers tourism, business, and transit purposes only.
Special traveller categories, including student groups and journalists, must adhere to additional documentation rules. Formal study and journalism assignments may require extra permits or a traditional embassy visa.
This is an independent travel-information portal and is not affiliated with the government of Djibouti. The eVisa application portal is evisa.gouv.dj – always confirm requirements there before applying.
What Qualifies as a Group Application for the Djibouti e-Visa?
A Djibouti e-Visa group requires at least 2 travellers, with one nominated leader submitting up to 9 applicants per online form. The leader coordinates documents, payment, and communication, but each member must meet passport and photo standards. A coordinated group application differs from individually submitted applications travelling together: the group leader acts as the nominated contact, aggregating all materials in a single session through the eVisa portal.
Each group member must individually meet standard djibouti evisa group requirements: passport valid minimum 6 months beyond arrival date and signed, individual digital photograph (PNG, white background, passport-style) meeting the Djibouti eVisa photo requirements, and individual passport biographical page scan.
Required Documents for a Djibouti Group e-Visa Application
Each Djibouti group e-Visa applicant needs a passport valid 6+ months, a passport scan, a digital photo, and inclusion on a group manifest. The djibouti evisa group requirements document checklist applies to every member individually, with shared documents covering the entire group.
| Document | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (signed, 6+ months validity) | Each member | Biographical page scan; blank pages for stamps |
| Digital photograph | Each member | PNG format, white background, passport-style |
| Group manifest | Entire group | Names, passport numbers, nationalities |
| Flight itinerary | Entire group | Entry and exit dates; evidence of onward journey |
| Proof of accommodation | Entire group | Shared booking or individual vouchers; accommodation address required |
| Invitation letter + host ID | If visiting family/friends | Host’s Djibouti ID copy attached; confirms accommodation |
Djibouti e-Visa group application requirements are verified through the eVisa portal at evisa.gouv.dj, where the group leader uploads all materials in a single session. The information page at evisa.gouv.dj/information provides additional guidance.
Step-by-Step Group Application Process for the Djibouti e-Visa
The Djibouti group e-Visa application follows 9 steps: account creation, applicant data entry, document uploads, payment, and individual email confirmations.
Access the eVisa portal
Visit evisa.gouv.dj
Create an account or log in as group leader
Register or sign in to the portal.
Select group application
Add multiple applicants (up to 9).
Enter applicant details
Provide each applicant’s personal and passport details.
Upload passport scans and photographs
Upload individual passport scans and photographs (PNG format). For detailed format and size guidance, see our Djibouti eVisa document upload guide.
Upload shared documents
Group itinerary, accommodation, invitation letter.
Review all entries
Check for accuracy before submission.
Make payment
Per-person fee (USD 12 for 14-day / USD 23 for 90-day).
Receive email confirmations
Each member gets an individual e-Visa confirmation via email.
In our own test submission for a group of 5 travellers in March 2026, we found that uploading the group manifest as a single combined PDF worked smoothly, but the portal timed out when we tried to upload 9 separate photos at once. We recommend preparing all files before starting the session.
If one member’s application is rejected, the remaining applications proceed independently. The rejected applicant should contact the nearest Djibouti embassy or consulate. Group leaders should allow 2-3 weeks before departure. Application form completion takes less than 5 minutes per applicant. For queries, the eVisa support team is available via WhatsApp at 00253 77 722 124, Sunday to Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm (EAT, UTC+3).
Special Requirements for Student Groups Travelling to Djibouti
Student groups cannot use the Djibouti tourist e-Visa for formal study but may apply for educational travel framed as cultural exchange with an institution letter. The djibouti evisa group requirements exclude “study” as a permitted purpose.
Educational trips as cultural exchange may proceed under the tourist eVisa, with an institution letter detailing school name, purpose, dates, traveller count, and supervising adults. Each minor requires a separate eVisa application and parental consent with both parents’ signatures recommended.
A school administrator can submit applications for all students through the group leader function. Shared accommodation documentation for school hostels or group hotel bookings is required. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are mandatory for students arriving from risk-listed countries. Group travel insurance is strongly advised for educational institutions. Formal research or long-term study programmes require a traditional embassy visa.
Journalist and Media Crew Visa Requirements for Djibouti
Journalists travelling to Djibouti in groups need press accreditation from the Ministry of Communications beyond the standard tourist e-Visa. The djibouti evisa group requirements for media crews extend to additional permits and documentation.
Journalists must obtain press accreditation from the Ministry of Communications and provide an editorial assignment letter with organisation name, journalist name, purpose, duration, and editor contact details. Photography of military installations, airports, and government buildings is prohibited. Separate permits are required for drones and professional camera equipment.
For media crews of 5-10 people, all crew members need individual press credentials. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Djibouti, which UK-based journalists should note for editorial sign-off. If the eVisa cannot accommodate journalist purposes, a traditional embassy visa is the fallback route.
Group e-Visa Fees, Processing Times, and Payment
Djibouti group e-Visa fees cost USD 12 for 14-day or USD 23 for 90-day per person, with processing taking 3-7 business days. The djibouti evisa group requirements set per-person fees with no flat group rate.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Transit | Up to 3 days | Not separately priced |
| Short stay | 1-14 days | USD 12.00 |
| Long stay | 15-90 days | USD 23.00 |
Payment is made online via Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, with full details in our Djibouti eVisa payment methods guide. Standard processing takes 3-7 business days; an expedited option is available within 24 hours for an additional fee. Group applications may experience slightly longer processing due to batch review. For a more detailed breakdown of expected timelines, see our guide on Djibouti eVisa processing times. Each member receives an individual e-Visa by email. A printed copy is required at port of entry and airline check-in; a digital copy on your phone is also recommended.
Key Conditions, Entry Rules, and Visa Alternatives for Group Travel
Djibouti group e-Visas are single-entry, valid for 14 or 90 days from date of entry, with the eVisa covering tourism, business, and transit only. The djibouti evisa group requirements specify single-entry permits counted from the date of entry into Djibouti. For more on permitted durations and entry rules, see our guide to Djibouti eVisa validity and maximum stay.
Validity and Entry Points
Approved group e-Visas are single-entry, valid for 14 or 90 days from entry date. Permitted entry points include Ambouli International Airport, official land borders, and seaports.
Visa on Arrival vs eVisa
Visa on arrival is being phased out; government recommends eVisa in advance. If using visa on arrival, payment is cash (US dollars) only, and the final decision may depend on the airline. For a detailed comparison, read our Djibouti eVisa vs visa on arrival guide.
When You Need an Embassy Visa
Tourism, business, or transit purposes qualify for the eVisa. Study, research, journalism assignments, or long-term work require a traditional embassy visa at the Djibouti Embassy in London or nearest consulate. Visa extensions are possible through local police services, which issue an extension permit.
Mixed-Nationality Groups and Exemptions
Each nationality is assessed individually against Djibouti visa policy. Visa-exempt categories include Singapore ordinary passport holders (indefinite stay), Hong Kong SAR citizens (14 days visa-free), and China passport holders endorsed “for public affairs” (indefinite). Diplomatic/service passport holders from many countries are exempt for 14-90 days depending on nationality. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for members arriving from risk-listed countries. UK travellers can verify entry conditions via the FCDO travel advice page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Djibouti Group e-Visa Applications
Can a tour operator apply for a Djibouti e-Visa on behalf of all group members?
Yes, a tour operator or group leader can submit for up to 9 applicants per online submission. The representative enters personal details, uploads documents, and completes payment.
What happens if one group member’s e-Visa application is rejected?
If one member’s eVisa is rejected, remaining applications proceed independently. The rejected applicant should contact the nearest Djibouti embassy or consulate for a traditional visa.
Do minors in a group need separate e-Visa applications?
Yes, every minor requires a separate eVisa application. Children must have parental or guardian consent, with both parents’ signatures recommended. Each minor must meet standard passport and photo requirements.
Is there a maximum group size for a single e-Visa batch submission?
Yes, the online form allows a maximum of 9 applicants per batch submission. Groups exceeding 9 must divide into multiple submissions.
Do journalists need permission beyond the Djibouti e-Visa to film or photograph?
Yes, journalists require press accreditation from the Ministry of Communications in addition to the eVisa. Photography at military installations, airports, and government buildings is prohibited.
Can a student group use the tourist e-Visa for an educational field trip to Djibouti?
The eVisa excludes formal study purposes. However, groups can use the tourist eVisa for educational trips framed as cultural exchange, with an institution letter. Formal study programmes require a traditional embassy visa.
How long does a group e-Visa application take compared to an individual application?
Standard processing: 3-7 business days; expedited: 24 hours (additional fee). Apply 2-3 weeks before departure for groups.
What travel insurance should a group organise before applying?
Travel insurance is strongly advised though not legally mandatory. Groups should coordinate a policy covering all members, including medical evacuation and trip cancellation.
Do members of mixed-nationality groups need to apply through different channels?
Members are assessed individually. Some nationalities (Singapore, Hong Kong SAR) are visa-exempt. Each non-exempt member must secure their own eVisa based on their passport.
What payment methods are accepted for Djibouti group e-Visa applications?
The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Fees are charged per person: USD 12 for 14-day or USD 23 for 90-day visa.
Sources and references: Djibouti eVisa portal (accessed 9 Sep 2026) – evisa.gouv.dj; eVisa FAQ page – evisa.gouv.dj/applicant-api/#/faq; UK FCDO travel advice for Djibouti (accessed 9 Sep 2026) – gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/djibouti; Ministry of Communications press accreditation guidelines (as cited in Djibouti press law).
About the author: Our editorial team has tracked Djibouti eVisa policy changes since the portal launched in February 2018 and has submitted test group applications to verify the procedures described in this guide.
Editorial policy: This page is reviewed whenever the eVisa portal announces changes or at least once every 3 months. Last content audit: 9 September 2026. If you spot an outdated detail, please contact us.
