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Travel Guide
Visiting Djibouti
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Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: Wider regional developments The British Embassy is closely monitoring events in the Middle East and Gulf region. There is currently no change to the situation in Djibouti. British nationals should: sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts monitor local and international media for the latest information follow the instructions of the Djibouti authorities stay alert and aware.
Updated 2026-03-04
Discover
Top Attractions in Djibouti
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Lake Assal
The lowest point in Africa at 155 metres below sea level, Lake Assal is a dazzling salt lake ringed by white crystalline shores. Its intensely blue water and stark setting make it Djibouti's signature sight.
Lake Abbe
A surreal landscape of limestone chimneys venting steam, Lake Abbe sits on the Ethiopian border. Flamingos gather at the water and the otherworldly scenery has stood in for alien planets on film.
Day Forest National Park
High in the Goda Mountains, this rare patch of green protects junipers, wild olives, and endemic birds. The cool altitude offers a striking contrast to the surrounding desert.
Gulf of Tadjoura
The Gulf of Tadjoura is one of the most reliable places in the world to snorkel alongside whale sharks, which gather in its plankton-rich waters between November and February each year. The gulf's calm, clear conditions and shallow feeding zones around Ras Eiro and Arta Beach make encounters accessible to swimmers of all abilities. Beyond whale sharks, the waters support manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and colourful reef fish year-round.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Djibouti. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Djibouti.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 21 35 09 62 or 21 35 27 12 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Djibouti see where to get vaccines and wheth
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police17
Ambulance19
Fire18
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Djibouti
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Djibouti page at Yoogo.
Djibouti uses the Djiboutian franc (DJF), which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate. US dollars are widely accepted. Cash is essential for most transactions. ATMs are available in Djibouti City but limited. Cards are accepted at upscale hotels.
Djibouti City is relatively stable and safe by regional standards. Petty crime occurs in the city, and travellers should keep valuables secure. The country borders Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, and some border areas are sensitive. Terrorism from al-Shabaab has affected the wider region. Check your government's travel advisory before visiting.
Djibouti City is small and navigable by taxi. The Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway connects the capital with Ethiopia. For visiting natural attractions such as Lake Assal and Lake Abbé, hire a 4WD vehicle or join an organised tour, as roads are poor and the terrain demanding.
October to April is the most comfortable period to visit, when temperatures are below 35°C. The hottest months from May to September can see daytime temperatures exceed 45°C, making outdoor activities difficult and potentially dangerous. The whale shark season along the coast runs from November to January, drawing divers and snorkellers.
French and Arabic are both official languages. Somali (Issa) and Afar are the two main national languages spoken in daily life. French is used in government and higher education. English is spoken in some hotels and businesses catering to international travellers and military personnel.
A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, particularly outside the capital. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera vaccinations are advised. Djibouti's heat means hydration is critical; drink only bottled water.
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a modest tip is a kind gesture. Guides and drivers for natural attraction tours expect and appreciate gratuities.
Djibouti Telecom is the only mobile provider. Coverage is reasonable in Djibouti City but very limited in the countryside. Internet access is available at larger hotels. Prepaid SIM cards are available in the capital but data packages are expensive by international standards.
Djibouti is a predominantly Muslim country. Dress modestly, particularly outside tourist hotels, covering shoulders and knees. Respect Ramadan by not eating or drinking in public during fasting hours. Friday is the main day of rest. Qat (khat), a mild stimulant leaf chewed throughout the afternoon, is central to Djibouti's social life and widely visible in the city.