Lake Assal

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.