This guide was last verified on 9 September 2026 against the Djibouti eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.dj) and GOV.UK foreign travel advice. Fees, processing times and entry rules may change without notice.
This is an independent, unofficial informational guide for UK travellers. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Republic of Djibouti or any government authority. Always confirm current requirements on the eVisa portal or with the nearest Djibouti embassy.
Tourist eVisas cost USD 12 to USD 23 for stays up to 31 days, while the business eVisa costs USD 23 online, permitting stays up to 30 days for commercial meetings. This side-by-side comparison breaks down every difference to help UK travelers choose the correct visa before applying online. All Djibouti eVisa types are single-entry and are accepted exclusively at Ambouli International Airport. Select the correct visa for your purpose: leisure and family visits require a tourist eVisa; conferences and contracts require a business eVisa. Both options require a passport valid for at least six months and a confirmed flight booking, but the business eVisa additionally mandates a host-company invitation letter.
All Djibouti eVisa Types at a Glance
The Djibouti eVisa system issues single-entry authorisations valid only at Ambouli International Airport, with government fees ranging from USD 12 to USD 23 per application. The table below covers all four eVisa categories.
| Type | Validity | Max Stay | Gov Fee (USD) | Permitted Activities | Entry Type | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (14-day) | 30 days | 14 days | 12 | Leisure, sightseeing, family visits | Single | Hotel booking or host invitation |
| Tourist (90-day) | 90 days | 31 days | 23 | Leisure, sightseeing, family visits | Single | Hotel booking or host invitation |
| Business | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days | 23 | Meetings, conferences, contract negotiations | Single | Company invitation letter |
| Transit | Up to 14 days | 3 days | 12 | Airport transit only | Single | Onward flight booking |
Visa on arrival was discontinued for most nationalities in May 2018, making the eVisa the primary entry method. For a quick djibouti evisa tourist vs business decision: choose tourist for leisure, business for meetings or conferences, transit for connecting flights. For the latest UK government travel advice, visit the GOV.UK Djibouti travel page.
Duration and Validity – How Long Can You Stay?
The key difference for any Djibouti eVisa is that the validity window (when you may enter) and maximum stay (how long you may remain) are separate limits. A 90-day tourist eVisa lets you enter within 90 days of issuance, but the standard permitted stay is 31 days from the date of entry.
| Visa Type | Validity Window | Max Stay | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (14-day) | 30 days | 14 days | Single entry |
| Tourist (90-day) | 90 days | 31 days | Single entry |
| Business | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days | Single entry |
| Transit | Up to 14 days | 3 days | Single entry |
Practical example: if your 90-day tourist eVisa is issued on 1 March 2026, you must enter Djibouti before 30 May 2026, but you may stay only up to 31 consecutive days from the date of entry. Confusing the 90-day validity window with a 90-day stay is the most common mistake among Djibouti eVisa applicants.
Permitted Activities – What Can You Do on Each eVisa?
In the djibouti evisa tourist vs business comparison, tourist eVisas cover leisure travel and family visits, while business eVisas extend to conferences, contract negotiations, and commercial meetings.
| Activity | Tourist eVisa | Business eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Family visits | ✅ | ✅ |
| Conferences | ❌ | ✅ |
| Contract signing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Business meetings | ❌ | ✅ |
| Trade events | ❌ | ✅ |
| Photography (non-restricted areas) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Employment | ❌ | ❌ |
The Djibouti eVisa distinction matters at the border: photography is strictly prohibited near military bases, and drone cameras risk confiscation by authorities. Employment requires a separate work visa via an embassy regardless of eVisa type. Travelers combining leisure and business should apply for an embassy-issued visa rather than risk activity mismatch on a single-category eVisa.
eVisa Costs – Tourist vs Business Fee Breakdown
Government fees for the Djibouti eVisa range from USD 12 for a 14-day tourist eVisa to USD 23 for both the 90-day tourist and business eVisas via the online portal; embassy-processed business visas cost USD 85-113 depending on nationality and country of application.
| Type | Gov. Fee (USD) | Approx. GBP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (14-day) | 12 | ~£10 | Short-stay leisure visa |
| Tourist (90-day) | 23 | ~£18 | Same fee tier as business portal eVisa |
| Business (portal) | 23 | ~£18 | No separate business pricing on the eVisa portal |
| Transit | 12 | ~£10 | Max stay 3 days |
| Business (embassy) | 85-113 | ~£67-90 | Single or multiple entry; fee varies by nationality |
The Djibouti eVisa business category costs USD 23 online, matching the 90-day tourist. Higher fees apply only to embassy processing for multiple entries or extended stays. Third-party service providers add USD 15-50+ on top of the government fee. Online payments are made by credit/debit card or bank transfer; any fees at the port of entry require cash in US dollars. All fees are non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
Entry Rules, Ports of Entry & Required Documents
All Djibouti eVisa categories are single-entry permits accepted exclusively at Ambouli International Airport. Land borders (Loyada, Galafi) and seaports require an embassy-issued visa. For multiple entries, travellers must apply at a Djibouti embassy, where visas are valid for up to 6 months.
The Djibouti eVisa does not guarantee automatic admission; the final decision rests with the immigration officer at the border. Travellers must present a passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival, a printed eVisa PDF, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Visa extension is technically possible through the Djibouti City immigration office, but fees are undocumented by available sources.
Both tourist and business eVisa applicants must submit a signed passport with at least one blank page, a recent photo (JPG/PNG, white background), a confirmed flight booking, and travel medical insurance. The tourist eVisa additionally requires a hotel reservation or host invitation letter. The business eVisa requires an invitation letter from a Djibouti-based company containing the RCCM number, national tax ID, company letterhead, and a financial guarantee. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a transmission-risk country. The application form cannot be modified after submission.
How to Apply – Online Process & Processing Times
Tourist eVisa applications process in 1-3 business days while business eVisa applications take 3-7 business days due to additional inter-ministerial screening. The Djibouti eVisa application form takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Apply at least 7-10 days before departure. Incorrect information requires a new application and a new fee.
Visit the eVisa portal
Go to the Djibouti eVisa portal at evisa.gouv.dj.
Start a new request
Click “I wish to make a new request”.
Select visa type
Choose tourist, business, or transit.
Fill in personal and travel details
Provide all required personal and travel information.
Upload required documents
Passport scan, photo, and invitation letter for business applications.
Pay the fees online
Pay the government fee and service fee by card or bank transfer.
Receive eVisa approval
Get your eVisa approval via email as a PDF file.
Print and present on arrival
Print the PDF and present it at Ambouli International Airport on arrival.
Djibouti business days run Sunday through Thursday; Friday and Saturday are weekend with no processing. Expedited processing within 24 hours is not guaranteed. If your Djibouti eVisa is rejected, apply for a traditional visa at the nearest Djibouti embassy or consulate.
Djibouti eVisa Tourist vs Business FAQ
Which is cheaper, Djibouti tourist eVisa or business eVisa?
Both 90-day tourist and business eVisas: USD 23 online. 14-day tourist eVisa: USD 12. Embassy business visa: USD 85-113. Third-party fees add USD 15-50+.
Can I attend a business conference on a Djibouti tourist eVisa?
No. Tourist eVisas permit leisure only: sightseeing, cultural experiences, family visits. Conferences, contracts, or business meetings require a business eVisa or embassy visa.
How long does the Djibouti eVisa application take to process?
Tourist: 1-3 business days. Business: 3-7 business days (additional screening). Djibouti weekend: Friday-Saturday; late-week submissions are not processed until Sunday.
Is the Djibouti eVisa valid at land borders?
No. The Djibouti eVisa is accepted only at Ambouli International Airport. Land borders (Loyada, Galafi) and seaports require an embassy-issued visa.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Djibouti?
Yes. UK citizens must obtain a visa before travel. The Djibouti eVisa is the most convenient option for single-entry tourist or business visits.
Can I get multiple entries with a Djibouti eVisa?
No. All Djibouti eVisas are single-entry. For multiple entries, apply for an embassy visa, valid up to 6 months.
What happens if I overstay my Djibouti eVisa?
Overstaying may result in fines, detention, or future visa difficulties. Always depart before your permitted stay expires.
Can I extend my Djibouti eVisa while in the country?
Extension is technically possible at the Djibouti City immigration office, but fees are undocumented. Apply for the correct duration from the start.
What payment methods are accepted for the Djibouti eVisa?
Online: credit/debit card or bank transfer. Any fees at Ambouli Airport port of entry require cash in US dollars.
What if my Djibouti eVisa application is rejected?
If your eVisa is rejected, the fee is non-refundable. You may re-apply with corrections or apply for a visa at a Djibouti embassy.
Sources consulted for this comparison: Djibouti eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.dj), accessed 9 September 2026; GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Djibouti, accessed 9 September 2026; commercial visa service providers including VisaHQ UK, PickVisa, Netafri, and FastTrackVisa (2025-2026 data).
Editor’s note: Processing times should be treated as ranges, not guarantees. Djibouti’s weekend (Friday-Saturday) often adds 2+ days to processing. Apply early to avoid delays.
