Djibouti entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Djibouti. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport.
Apply for Djibouti eVisaOfficial portal: Djibouti eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport. Have 15,000 DJF (about $85 USD) in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the immigration counter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Djibouti does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just cover your stay dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers at Djibouti Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or next-destination ticket ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Djibouti. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least 100,000 DJF (about $560 USD) in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Not always checked, but better safe. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). There is no ATM at the visa counter and credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough small bills to cover the fee.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter for visa issuance before passport control.
2
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and your return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR preferred — have small bills). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You'll be allowed entry for up to 30 days.
Download Djibouti Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost10,000 DJF (~$56 USD)
Apply at Djibouti embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost20,000 DJF (~$112 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost50,000 DJF (~$280 USD)
Requires sponsor or proof of purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~100,000 DJF (~$560 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer in Djibouti. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~30,000 DJF (~$168 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Djibouti. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500,000 DJF (~$2,800 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Djibouti. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in local currency or USD at the airport. | 15,000 DJF (~$85 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available through Djibouti embassy or online. | 10,000 DJF (~$56 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a period. | 20,000 DJF (~$112 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | 1,000 DJF (~$5.60 USD) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport do not need a transit 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Djibouti City
Immigration Office at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
Airport terminal, arrival hall
Open 24/7
For visa on arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for MG 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 visa on arrival fee is typically around 90 USD or 80 EUR for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Pay in cash (USD or EUR) at the counter. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Djibouti and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Djibouti requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Madagascar is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, bring your certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at the Djibouti–Ethiopia land border (Loyada) and the Djibouti–Somaliland border. The process is similar — cash only, same fee.
No pre-arrival form is required. You'll fill out a simple arrival card on the plane or at the airport. No online registration needed.
Bring USD or EUR in cash. Small denominations (20s and 10s) are easiest. Avoid large bills — change may not be available.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.