Organize your stay Djibouti
Money Djibouti
The national currency is the Djibouti franc (FDJ). The Djibouti franc is pegged to the dollar (178 FDJ = 1 US$). Exchange rate in September 2024: 100 FDJ = €0.5 and €1 = 197 FDJ.
Budget & Tips Djibouti
Life is expensive in this strong-currency country, where nothing is produced and everything is imported. Prices are closer to those in Paris than in Addis Ababa or Nairobi. It is difficult to give a budget, as travellers often opt for the "all-inclusive" formula. Food and public transport are not too expensive, even if fares are considerably higher than in neighboring countries. Accommodation, on the other hand, is likely to put a dent in your budget, especially if you want to avoid the capital's lower-end hotels. Outside the city, for traditional camps or accommodation, you'll need to pay €50 per person per day for full board. Activities at sea or inland (diving, hiking, excursions, fishing) are not for everyone's pocket either. However, with a minimum of 4 people, if you opt for a trekking-discovery package, for example, it's quite possible to do a ten-day tour for around FDJ 20,000 (around €100) per person per day, all-inclusive (accommodation in traditional camps or bivouacs, trekking, meals and 4x4 transport with driver-guide), which is very reasonable.
Passport and visas Djibouti
A visa is required to enter Djibouti.
Before departure. It can be obtained from Djibouti's diplomatic representations abroad or by using the e-visa procedure: https://www.evisa.gouv.dj.
On arrival in Djibouti. The visa can be obtained on presentation of proof of accommodation, a return or onward flight ticket and a passport valid for more than 6 months.
Visa fee: €20 for tourists and business travelers (1 month); US$12 for transit e-visa (1 to 14 days) and US$23 for short-stay e-visa (15 to 90 days) single entry.
For travellers going from Ethiopia to Djibouti by road: two checkpoints are compulsory, in both directions. The first is carried out by the border police, the second by customs. If you arrive at the border on a Friday (a day of rest in Djibouti) or on a public holiday, you run the risk of not being able to enter Djibouti the same day. It is therefore preferable and strongly recommended to obtain a visa in Addis Ababa or to present yourself at the border on a working day. Beware of entry conditions for your pets. Check with your embassy or consulate before you leave to find out how they can accompany you.
Driver's license Djibouti
As far as formalities are concerned, you need a driving license (of course). A French driver's license is sufficient for the first six months after arrival in Djibouti. When renting a vehicle, it is advisable to specify whether more than one person will be driving it. All drivers must be covered by insurance.
The RN1 linking the capital to the Ethiopian border is by far the busiest road, mainly used by large numbers of trucks. The road is of good quality. The Route de l'Unité, which leads to Tadjourah, is also asphalted, but rather deserted. Arta and Randa are also within easy reach. The country is criss-crossed either by paved roads of varying quality (Tadjourah-Obock, for example), or by tracks, some of them very difficult, requiring an excellent 4x4 and an experienced driver.
Health Djibouti
Malaria. Malaria is rife all year round in Djibouti. It is an infectious, potentially fatal disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus. The parasite is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. Preventive treatment can be prescribed by a doctor. Chemoprophylaxis should be started before departure. In addition, you should also take mosquito repellents. And if you develop a fever during your stay or in the months following your return, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Basic rules. You should also observe the usual rules of food hygiene: wash your hands regularly, before handling food, before eating and after using the toilet; avoid raw food where preparation conditions are questionable; ensure food quality and cooking; peel fruits and vegetables; only consume pasteurized or boiled milk; do not drink tap water. If soap and water are not available for hand washing, use a hydroalcoholic solution.
Mandatory vaccination Djibouti
No vaccinations are required for travel to Djibouti. However, the Institut Pasteur (www.pasteur.fr) recommends that travelers update the vaccinations included in the official vaccination calendar and, depending on the length of their stay, get vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies ("in the event of a prolonged stay in an isolated situation") and typhoid ("in the event of a prolonged stay or in precarious hygiene conditions"). Vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries where it is endemic. Controls have been stepped up since July 2024.
Security Djibouti
Djibouti is an island of stability in a sensitive area. Travel within the country is free and safe, but the border areas with Somalia and Eritrea are strictly inadvisable. Travellers should not venture beyond Khor Angar in the north. Similarly, in the south, travellers are advised not to go beyond Douda beach and Refuge Décan. The area around Loyada should be avoided, as it does not offer the best safety conditions and is of little interest to tourists.
Road risk. The Djibouti-Ethiopian border road (RN1) requires the utmost vigilance. Due to the heavy traffic of semi-trailer trucks and vehicles not always in the best condition, it is a dangerous road. Avoid all night driving throughout the country. In some areas, the presence of a driver-guide is recommended (Lake Abbe, northern part of the country).
Piracy. No acts of piracy have been reported recently. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against sailing south of the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa.
Seven Brothers Archipelago. An exceptional site for scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, it is nevertheless a high-risk area due to its location in the Bab el Mandeb Strait, its proximity to Eritrea to the north and Yemen to the east. It is only possible to go there by signing up for excursions organized by tourist agencies based in Djibouti, which have obtained prior approval from the Djibouti authorities. Any other form of visit is strictly inadvisable.
General advice. Travel at night is not recommended throughout the country; use the most frequented tracks; avoid straying from the tracks, except with the assistance of an experienced guide; off the main roads, and when traveling in the bush, we recommend using two 4x4 vehicles (bring a water supply of 8 liters per day per person, including 3 liters of drinking water); finally, avoid wearing valuable objects and jewelry.
Time difference Djibouti
The time in Djibouti is GMT +3. In other words, it is necessary to add 2 hours to the French time in winter and 1 hour in summer.
Spoken languages Djibouti
Djiboutians generally speak three languages: Arabic (the language of religion), French (the language of education and administration) and their native language (Somali/issa or afar). With the exception of remote areas where you are unlikely to go alone, you will always find someone who speaks French. English is widely spoken in international hotels.
Communication Djibouti
Today, wifi is available in most hotels and some luxury restaurants in Djibouti-Ville. The nationwide rollout of 4G+ was officially launched in June 2018.
Electricity and measurements Djibouti
The current is 220 V and the metric system is used, as in France.
Luggage Djibouti
Here is a short list of essentials to pack in your luggage:
hat or cap
sunglasses (reverberation is very important)
light, loose-fitting clothing
for your personal comfort, a sleeping bag and/or sheet (meat bag) for nights in traditional accommodation, although mattresses, sheets and blankets are provided
mosquito repellent spray (anti-malarial treatment may be required)
bathing suit
mask, snorkel and fins (so you don't miss out on the underwater gardens)
hiking boots and a pair of flip-flops
sunscreen (factor 50+)
knife (Swiss Army or Leatherman style; remember to put it in the hold or it will be confiscated at customs)
flashlight or headlamp
medical kit for first aid
camera
road map if necessary (IGN maps are very good)
passport (of course!) with photocopy.
