Djibouti entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Djibouti's main airport and land borders. The process is straightforward — just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Djibouti eVisa at evisa.gouv.dj before you fly. The online form takes about 10 minutes — you'll need a passport scan, a digital photo, and a credit card. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, but I've seen approvals in 24 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Canadian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Djibouti does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to cover your stay. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months anyway, so check with your carrier before check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport rarely ask for a return ticket, but budget airlines flying in sometimes check at boarding. Have a printed or digital onward booking ready just in case. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings are not formally required for entry, but having a reservation confirmation helps if the officer asks where you're staying. I've seen travellers without one get pulled aside for extra questions. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | No set minimum is published, but carrying around $200–$300 USD in cash or having a credit card with available balance covers you. Djibouti is a cash-heavy country — ATMs in the capital work but can run out of money. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring US dollars or euros to exchange at the airport, or have Djiboutian francs ready. The airport has an exchange bureau, but rates are better in the city.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport is well-organized. The visa counter is before passport control, and staff speak French and some English. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in 15–20 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants before the main passport control line.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will tell you the fee — pay in cash (DJF, USD, or EUR). They'll process the visa sticker and stamp you in.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. The officer will check your visa and stamp your passport. You're then free to collect your luggage and exit.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost15,000 DJF (~$85 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance at Djiboutian embassy. No extension.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost30,000 DJF (~$170 USD)
Available on arrival or in advance. Allows multiple entries within validity.
work visa
Djibouti Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Djiboutian company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Djibouti Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Djibouti. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (local currency or USD) at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines accumulate daily; pay at immigration before departure. | 5,000 DJF (~$28 USD) per day, max 100,000 DJF (~$565 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Djibouti
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders transiting through Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsDjibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB)
Health & vaccines for Djibouti
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use DEET repellent and sleep under nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Djibouti City
Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI)
Avenue 26 Juin, Djibouti City
Mon–Thu 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and payment in cash.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalDjibouti
LanguageArabic, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyDjiboutian franc (DJF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 177.72 DJF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,ETypes C and E, with two round pins and a hole for the male grounding pin.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically 15,000–20,000 Djiboutian francs (about $85–$115 USD). It must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards. You can pay in US dollars or euros, but you'll get change in local currency.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, including the main ones from Ethiopia and Somaliland. The process is the same — cash payment and valid passport required.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Djibouti City before your visa expires.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need to show a vaccination certificate. For direct travel from Canada, it's not required, but it's wise to check current health advisories before you go.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You must apply at the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Djibouti City before your current visa expires. The process can take a few days and costs extra.
Djibouti City is generally safe, but use common sense. Carry only what you need for the visa fee and a little extra. Use hotel safes for larger amounts. ATMs are available in the city for local currency.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.