Welcome to Djibouti

For a tiny country, Djibouti has a lot to offer. Check out its otherworldly landscapes, from salt lakes to extinct volcanoes to fairy-like chimneys puffing steam into the air.

Swim with whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Go hiking or kite surfing. Get to know and love charming Djibouti City. Explore the markets and food stalls of Ali Sabieh. Birdwatch on the Goba’ad Plain. Djibouti is sure to surprise you.

Unique Facts

• Lac Assal in Djibouti is even saltier than the Dead Sea, making it the saltiest lake in the world (except for Antarctica’s lakes). The lake is the lowest point on the African continent.
• Djibouti lies on the plain known as the Afar Triple Junction. This is where the African, Somalian and Arabian plates are tearing away from each other.
• Djibouti is the third-smallest country in continental Africa, after Swaziland and Gambia.
• The surreal landscape of Lac Abbe is in Djibouti – a plateau with hundreds of limestone chimneys as tall as 160 feet high, emitting plumes of steam.
• One of the richest areas for coral and fish species is the Gulf of Tadjoura in eastern Djibouti.

Language

Djibouti’s official languages are French and English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Djibouti is from November through March.

Airports

Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Djibouti: Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and E. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Djiboutian Franc

Getting Around

Main roads in Djibouti City are well maintained, but others are unpaved or in poor repair and subject to unexpected flooding. Outside of Djibouti City, roads are narrow and poorly lit.

Public transportation is not recommended. Use hotel and airport shuttle services.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Djibouti
Lotissement Haramous, Lot # 350-B
P.O. Box 185
Djibouti City, Republic of Djibouti
Telephone: +(253) 21-45-30-00 (Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(253) 77-87-72-29
Fax: +(253) 21-45-33-40
DjiboutiACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Office National du Tourisme de Djibouti
www.visitdjibouti.dj

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 119
Police: 17

Safety and Security

The most commonly reported crimes are petty crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and identity theft. Use standard safety precautions and do not leave personal belongings unattended. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.