Djibouti has an arid climate and is hot year-round with lots of sunshine and not much rain. Most of the country is desert, ranging from the semi-arid to the arid, although the Goda Mountains have a cooler, milder climate than the rest of the country. Between May and September, Djibouti is swelteringly hot, with temperatures averaging a whopping 104°F (40°C), and sometimes reaching highs of 113°F (45°C). Humidity levels are also high during this period, adding considerably to the discomfort.
The cooler season, which is also the rainy season, runs from mid-October to mid-April, when temperatures average a far more comfortable 77°F (25°C). Rain showers are occasional and not too disruptive to travel - in fact they are refreshing - but some fog and cloud cover should be anticipated during the rainy season. Djibouti gets plenty of sunshine year-round, however, with an average of eight to ten hours of sun every day.
The best time of year to visit Djibouti is in the cooler, rainy season between November and April, as the dry season is uncomfortably hot. The month to avoid is July, which is not only swelteringly hot but also plagued by hot desert winds.
Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
Location: 2 miles (3km) from Djibouti City centre.
Time: GMT +3
Car Rental:
Car rental services are available at the airport.
Facilities:
The airport terminal is small and has a handful of check-in desks and two departure gates, as well as a business lounge for passengers. Djibouti-Ambouli Airport is used by both civilians and the military.
Money:
The Djiboutian franc (DJF) is the official currency of Djibouti. The franc is divided into 100 centimes. There are several banks in Djibouti City and a few authorised bureaux de change, but credit cards are seldom accepted and there are only a handful of ATMs in the city, which are frequently out of order and can't be relied on. Outside of the capital banking facilities are pretty much nonexistent.
Language:
Arabic and French are the official languages of Djibouti, but the majority of locals speak either Somali or Afar.
Electricity:
Electrical outlets in Djibouti usually supply electricity at 220 volts, and 50Hz. European two-pin plugs with round pins are standard.
Entry Requirements:
US nationals: US citizens require a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival at the airport if the passenger's visa is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date, but it is advisable to arrange a visa prior to travel when possible.
UK nationals: UK citizens require a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival at the airport if the passenger's visa is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date, but it is advisable to arrange a visa prior to travel when possible.
CA nationals: Canadian citizens require a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival at the airport if the passenger's visa is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date, but it is advisable to arrange a visa prior to travel when possible.
AU nationals: Australian citizens require a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival at the airport if the passenger's visa is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date, but it is advisable to arrange a visa prior to travel when possible.
ZA nationals: South African citizens require a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival at the airport if the passenger's visa is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date, but it is advisable to arrange a visa prior to travel when possible.
IR nationals: Irish citizens require a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival at the airport if the passenger's visa is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date, but it is advisable to arrange a visa prior to travel when possible.
NZ nationals: New Zealand citizens require a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival at the airport if the passenger's visa is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date, but it is advisable to arrange a visa prior to travel when possible.
Passport/Visa Note:Visa:
Nationals of any country can obtain a visa on arrival in Djibouti, for a fee. Visas obtained on arrival are usually valid for up to one month, but immigration officials may grant a longer or shorter stay. It is advisable to arrange a visa in advance as relying on getting one on arrival is risky. All travellers must hold: (i) return or onward tickets; (ii) required entry documentation for their next destination; (iii) sufficient funds to cover their stay in Djibouti or a voucher if travelling in an organised tour. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Travel Health:
Malaria is a problem in Djibouti and some form of prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers in all areas. A yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Djibouti for all travellers arriving from yellow fever areas. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. Those planning to spend a lot of time outdoors who may be at risk of animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination as well. Visitors should be up to date on vaccinations for polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and tetanus-diphtheria.
Travellers should not drink tap water in Djibouti unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected, and should avoid ice in beverages. Don't eat fruit and vegetables unless they have been cooked or peeled, and eat all cooked meals while still hot.
Medical facilities are extremely limited in Djibouti, even in the capital city, and visitors should ensure that they have comprehensive travel insurance. As the availability of medicine is limited, visitors should take along any medication they may need in its original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medicine is and why it is needed.
Tipping:
Tips are not always expected in Djibouti, but they are appreciated. Restaurants tend to add a 10 percent service charge to bills, making tipping unnecessary, but waiters, hotel service staff, and taxi drivers will appreciate small amounts for good service.
Safety Information:
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to the border area between Eritrea and Djibouti, but otherwise the country is considered comparatively safe. There is an underlying threat of terrorism spilling over from neighbouring countries and some threats have been made by terrorist groups in the region, but no significant terrorist attacks targeting foreigners have occurred. Petty, opportunistic crimes like bag-snatching and pickpocketing are fairly common in Djibouti City and tourists should exercise caution in crowded areas and should not carry valuables. Violent crimes against foreigners are rare. Street protests in the capital are also rare but can become violent when they do occur and should be avoided by visitors. Seaborne travel along the coast of Djibouti is very dangerous as piracy is common.
Local Customs:
Customs and culture in Djibouti are reserved and formal: women should maintain modest dress at all times, with their shoulders and legs covered, especially when visiting mosques. Always address seniors with respect.
Duty Free:
Visitors to Djibouti must declare all currency and firearms on arrival and departure. One litre of alcoholic beverages can be imported into Djibouti without incurring customs duty. Weapons, drugs, and pornography are strictly prohibited.
