Djibouti

A terrorist attack could happen anywhere and at any time. Terrorists may attack Djiboutian or western targets, including travellers.

Terrorist groups, including Al-Shabaab, maintain a strong interest in attacking targets in Djibouti.

Possible terrorist targets include: 

• hotels, clubs, restaurants, and bars
• schools
• places of worship
• embassies
• outdoor recreation events
• markets, shopping areas, tourist areas and historic sites
• public transportation
• foreign military bases, airports, aircraft and military interests

To reduce your risk:

• be alert in locations that are known terrorist targets
• be alert to possible threats, especially in public
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• report any suspicious activity or items to local police

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Civil unrest and armed conflict in Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea could impact your safety in Djibouti.

Do not travel within 10km of the borders with Eritrea and Somalia (Somaliland). Djibouti’s borders are not always clearly identified in remote areas. 

Djibouti is scheduled to hold general elections in April 2026. Travellers should exercise a high degree of caution around political gatherings or rallies. 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid public gatherings, protests and demonstrations
• monitor the media for reports of planned or possible unrest
• follow instructions from local authorities

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Pickpocketing and other petty crimes can happen.

There have been reports of bandit groups outside the capital in areas where the law has broken down.

Crime risks increase at night and in isolated locations such as Dorale and Khor Ambado beaches.

To protect yourself from crime:

• keep vehicle windows closed, and doors locked at all times
• keep valuables out of sight, including when you're in a moving vehicle
• secure your accommodation against intruders at all times
• don't walk alone after dark

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Piracy

There's a significant threat of piracy and armed robbery in Djibouti’s coastal waters and maritime regions of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, including the Sawabi (Sept-frères) Islands. You should limit unnecessary travel to these areas.

Pirates have attacked vessels and held foreigner's hostage for ransom in and around Djibouti's waters.

Attractive targets for pirates include:

• commercial vessels
• pleasure craft
• luxury cruise liners

If you need to travel by boat to Djibouti's coastal waters and surrounds, you should:

• travel in a convoy and maintain good communications
• take appropriate security measures
• follow the latest advice from local authorities

More information

• International Maritime Bureau (IMB)
• Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO)

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

There is a high threat of kidnapping within 10 km of Djibouti's border with Somalia (Somaliland).

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information, including advice on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping: 

• Kidnapping

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Djibouti can experience extreme weather and natural disasters.

It's in an active seismic zone and can experience:

• earthquakes
• volcanic eruptions
• tsunamis

To protect yourself if a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow advice from local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Extreme weather

Djibouti experiences extreme temperatures in summer. The hottest months are from May to October. Daytime temperatures can be more than 50°C.

In extreme heat, stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Strong dust storms happen in June. 

Djibouti is in a long-term drought. In some areas, the drought may affect:

• local services
• water availability
• basic food availability

Parts of Djibouti, including the capital city are prone to floods.

Earthquake and volcanic eruptions

Earthquakes can happen.

Djibouti has one active volcano, Ardoukoba. It last erupted in 1978. Volcanic activity in neighbouring Ethiopia can impact Djibouti.

Ash from a volcanic eruption can fall over a wide area.

Volcanic ash, dust and toxic fumes are a significant health risk, especially for people with respiratory problems.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis can happen.

Register for tsunami alerts from the Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System.

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria occurs through the year. Other diseases spread by insects are a risk, including:

• dengue
• filariasis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Polio

Outbreaks of polio (poliomyelitis) happen in Djibouti.

Check your polio vaccination status with your doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you travel.

If you aren't vaccinated, complete the full course of vaccinations before you leave.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Other infectious diseases

Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• African Tick bite fever (Rickettsial Diseases)
• chikungunya
• cholera
• hepatitis
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• meningococcal disease
• mpox
• rabies
• typhoid
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To avoid illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids in rural areas
• avoid ice cubes in rural areas
• avoid raw and undercooked food
• don't swim in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs and other animals

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea. 

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information: 

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Djibouti for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities in Djibouti is poor. Rural areas may have very basic care or none at all. English-speaking staff may not be available. 

Payment for medical treatment is required upfront. Your treatment may be delayed if you can’t pay. 

Availability of medication in rural areas is limited and can be expensive.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance, including for medical evacuation.

More information: 

• Medical assistance overseas

While the consumption of alcohol is legal, the sale and consumption of alcohol in all but approved locations (such as hotels) is illegal. Public intoxication is illegal and includes a penalty of up to two years imprisonment.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail sentences and heavy fines.

The narcotic khat is legal in Djibouti, but illegal in many other countries.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Illegal activities in Djibouti include:

• hunting
• being drunk in public
• photographing military personnel

It's illegal to photograph military facilities and public infrastructure, such as government buildings, ports, airports and bridges 

If you take photos near prohibited places, you may:

• have your equipment confiscated
• be arrested

If in doubt, ask for advice from local authorities.

LGBTQIA+ information

Same-sex relationships are not illegal in Djibouti but authorities may prosecute same-sex couples displaying affection in public.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Djibouti recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Standards for dress and behaviour are conservative. Be respectful toward religious and social traditions.

The working week is Sunday to Thursday. Many shops, clinics, and other amenities are closed on Fridays. 

Cultural dates

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Djibouti. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Airline schedules can be affected during the month of Ramadan. Check flight schedules with your travel provider. 

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visa conditions

You need a visa to visit Djibouti. Check the official e-visa portal for information.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Embassy of Djibouti in Tokyo for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

If you're arriving from a yellow fever-prone country, you will need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Djibouti.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

The local currency is the Djibouti Franc (DJF).

Travellers cheques can be exchanged at major banks.

Djibouti has a cash-based economy. Credit cards aren't widely accepted. USD can be changed at major hotels and some banks.

There are a limited number of ATMs, but they often don't work.

Ask your bank if your card will work in Djibouti.

Telecommunications

Communications networks are limited in the city of Djibouti. Outside the capital, mobile coverage is often unavailable or non-existent. Consider getting a local SIM. You will need to present your passport to purchase a local SIM.

Landmines

Djibouti is a 'mine-safe' country. This means landmines have been identified and marked, but haven't been removed. However, unmarked landmines may still exist in the border region with Eritrea.

Remote areas

Security is limited in remote areas, including regions bordering Ethiopia and Somalia.

You need permission from the Government of Djibouti to travel above the 12° north latitude line, which passes through Obock.

Avoid travel to remote areas.

Essential services

Djibouti is one of the world's most arid countries experiencing severe drought. In some areas, the drought may affect:

• local services
• water availability
• basic food availability

Driving permit

To drive in Djibouti, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver’s licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Conditions on roads are unsafe, especially in central Djibouti and the Ethiopia-Djibouti border.

Hazards include:

• narrow or poorly lit roads
• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• poorly managed traffic
• inadequate signs at railway crossings
• roaming livestock, especially at night

The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. Exercise caution at intersections; drivers often run red lights and do not stop at intersections. Avoid driving outside the city, especially to the north and Abbey Lake.

Police may set up roadblocks on some major roads, which can be difficult to see at night. Follow the advice of local authorities at checkpoints. 

In an accident, drivers must wait at the scene until police arrive.

Before you drive:

• check you have adequate insurance
• check local traffic laws and practices
• check local information on road conditions, including security risks

To reduce your risks while driving:

• before embarking on long drives, get enough fuel
• only drive outside the capital during daylight hours and in a convoy
• be alert to hazards, especially at night
• don't drink and drive

More information

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Avoid using taxis; they are often in poor condition and unsafe.

Use a reputable car rental company or hotel transport provider. 

Public transport

Public transport is limited to bus and ferry services between the capital city and the towns of Tadjoura and Obock and the Ethio-Djiboutian railway line. Avoid travel by public transport.

App-based ride share transport services in Djibouti remain at an early stage of development, with a limited number of local providers operating and no internationally recognised companies currently present in the market.

Don't travel at night.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

There's a high risk of piracy and other maritime security incidents in coastal areas (see 'Safety').

To stay safe when travelling on the water:

• use a reputable provider
• always wear a life jacket
• exercise extreme caution
• take appropriate security precautions

Air travel

Check Djibouti's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 18.

Medical emergencies

Call an ambulance: 21 35 09 62 or 21 35 27 12.

Police

Call 17 or go to the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Djibouti.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Australian Embassy, Addis Ababa

Turkish compound (off Cape Verde street)
Bole Subcity, Woreda 3
PO Box 3715
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Phone: +251 11 6672651 / 6672652 / 6672693 / 6672694
Email: Consular.AddisAbaba@dfat.gov.au
Website: ethiopia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: @AusEmb.ET
X: @AusEmbET

See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact and embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia