Djibouti entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Chinese passport holders need an e-visa to enter Djibouti. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few days.
Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Djibouti e-VisaWithout an approved e-Visa, you will be denied boarding or entry. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Djibouti. Apply at the official e-Visa portal (https://evisa.gouv.dj/) at least several days before your departure. The e-Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityDjibouti enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly; an expiring passport will cause problems. Valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Djibouti. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa/stamp page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or marked. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration often requires evidence of onward travel to confirm you won't overstay. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Djibouti before your e-Visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids delays or refusal. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, cash, credit card) to cover your stay in Djibouti. The exact amount is not fixed but should match your planned duration. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsShows you have a place to stay, which is a common entry requirement. Hotel booking or host address | Carry your hotel reservation confirmation or the address and contact of your host in Djibouti. This may be requested at immigration. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if your travel itinerary includes a stopover in a yellow-fever-endemic country. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it is not required for direct travel from China. | Optional |
| Arrival declarationYou can proceed directly to immigration after landing. Not required | Djibouti does not require an arrival declaration form for Chinese passport holders. No separate online or paper declaration is needed. | Not required |
Apply early — no exceptions
The e-visa is mandatory and there's no visa-on-arrival. If you show up without it, you'll be refused entry and sent back. Apply at least a week in advance and double-check your passport validity (6 months) before you book anything.
E-visa website is the only official channel
Use https://evisa.gouv.dj/ directly. Third-party visa services may charge extra fees and aren't necessary — the official site is straightforward.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.dj/, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Check your email for the approved e-visa. Print a copy — having a physical paper is more reliable than relying on your phone at immigration.
3
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, e-visa, and any other documents if asked. The officer will stamp you in. The process is usually quick, but queues can form during peak arrivals.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
Once stamped, collect your bags and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you're out in minutes.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$120
Requires invitation letter from a Djiboutian company
Transit e-Visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry within 3 months
Cost$40
Must show onward ticket and hotel booking if leaving airport
work visa
Djibouti Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~50,000 DJF ($280 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Djiboutian company. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Djibouti Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~30,000 DJF ($170 USD)
For students enrolled at a recognized institution in Djibouti. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Djibouti Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~100,000 DJF ($560 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Djibouti business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist e-visa fee | $90 |
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Longer validity option | $180 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport; not all nationalities eligible | $90 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the National Police immigration office in Djibouti City | $50 |
| Airport departure taxNo separate cash payment required | Included in ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Transit visa required
Chinese passport holders transiting through Djibouti must obtain a transit e-visa before arrival, even if staying airside. Apply online at the official e-visa portal.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no checked luggage may still need a transit visa; no exception for airside transit
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; use mosquito repellent and 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
Boulevard de la République, Djibouti City
Mon–Thu 07:30–15:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
For visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Practical information for CN 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
Typically 2-5 business days, but it can take longer during busy periods. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa you apply for (single entry, transit, etc.). The official website will show the exact amount in USD or Djiboutian francs when you apply. Budget around $50-100 for a standard single-entry tourist visa.
No. As of 2026, Chinese passport holders must have an approved e-visa before arrival. There is no visa-on-arrival facility.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply, or check with the immigration office in Djibouti City for other options.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Djibouti immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from China, you don't need it. But if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America within the last few days, carry the certificate.
Immigration can check your e-visa electronically using your passport number, but it's safer to have a printed copy. If you have no record at all, you'll be sent back on the next flight.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.