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, though the Goda Mountains have a cooler, milder climate. Between May and September, Djibouti is swelteringly hot and temperatures average a whopping 104°F (40°C), 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). Occasional rain showers are refreshing and do not disrupt travel too much, though 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.
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. 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 almost 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:
A visa is required and all travellers must hold return or onward tickets; required entry documentation for their next destination; sufficient funds to cover their stay in Djibouti or a voucher if travelling in an organised tour. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their 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. 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. Travellers shouldn't eat fruit and vegetables unless they have been cooked or peeled, and should 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, so 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 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 the country is otherwise considered comparatively safe. No significant terrorist attacks targeting foreigners have occurred, though there is an underlying threat of terrorism spilling over from neighbouring countries. Petty, opportunistic crimes such as bag snatching and pickpocketing are fairly common in Djibouti City; 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. Visitors should 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.
