Safety and security

Crime

While Djibouti is relatively safe, petty crime can occur. Take the usual precautions – avoid walking around the city alone late at night, and keep valuables, particularly jewellery, cameras and passports, out of sight.

Driving

If planning to drive in Djibouti, be advised that driving standards are generally poor and speeding and unsafe driving are common. Drivers should stick to paved roads where possible. Driving outside city centres after dark should be avoided – vehicles often do not have lights, and there may be pedestrians and livestock on the roads.

Terrorism

There is a risk of terrorism in Djibouti, which could be indiscriminate and targeted at public areas frequented by foreigners, including hotels and shopping areas. Irish citizens should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and during major gatherings like sporting or religious events.

Reporting Crime

If you are a victim of a crime while in Djibouti, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Addis Ababa if you need help.

Practical advice

• Read our Know Before You Go travel guide for useful security tips when travelling abroad
• Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
• Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
• Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Local laws and customs

Djibouti is a predominantly Muslim country and you are likely to be expected to dress and behave in a conservative manner.

Alcohol and Drugs

Drinking alcohol in Djibouti is permitted, but drunken behaviour could result in a two-year prison term. Convictions for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs carry long prison sentences or heavy fines. Note that the narcotic khat, while legal in Djibouti, is illegal in many other countries, and should not be carried out of the country.

Homosexuality

There are no legal restrictions on homosexuality in Djibouti, though the subject is somewhat taboo among Djiboutians. However, public displays of affection, such as kissing or hand-holding by same-sex couples, carry a risk of prosecution by authorities under laws prohibiting attacks on “good morals”.

Photography

There are a high number of military installations in Djibouti, and travellers should be aware that photographing infrastructure, including military facilities, ports, airports, bridges and public buildings is prohibited. Care should be taken when photographing near prohibited locations.

Money

Djibouti is largely a cash-based economy. The Djiboutian Franc is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and supermarkets, but note that Visa is much more widely accepted than Mastercard. ATMs are available in Djibouti City, again Visa more widely accepted. You should ensure that you carry sufficient hard currency.

Practical advice

• Read our travel advice, inform yourself before travelling, and get advice locally when you arrive.
• Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them.
• Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Health

Get travel and medical insurance

Medical facilities in Djibouti are limited. Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Passports

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Djibouti and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, we can help.

What we can do:

• Issue you a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip, or;
• Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home.

We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you. As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Djibouti there may be additional complications in processing and application for a new passport.

You should contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise you on the fees which apply.

Visas

Irish citizens require a visa to enter Djibouti. You may purchase a tourist visa on arrival, paid in cash. You can also apply for a visa before travelling through a Djiboutian Embassy, or for an eVisa online at evisa (gouv.dj).