The Djibouti eVisa is issued in two distinct types, each designed for a specific travel purpose. Understanding which type you need before starting your application at evisa.gouv.dj will save you time and avoid unnecessary rejections.
Djibouti eVisa Type Comparison
| Feature | Transit eVisa | Short-Stay eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Stay duration | 1-14 days | 15-90 days |
| Fee | $12 USD | $23 USD |
| Entries allowed | Single entry | Single entry |
| Purpose | Transit / brief stopover | Tourism, business, family |
| Official portal | evisa.gouv.dj | evisa.gouv.dj |
Transit eVisa – Details
The Djibouti Transit eVisa is designed for travelers who are passing through Djibouti on their way to a third country. It allows a stay of 1 to 14 days and costs $12 USD.
This eVisa type is appropriate if you:
- Have a layover in Djibouti and wish to leave the airport to explore the city
- Are en route to another East African destination and want a brief stopover
- Need to spend a few days in Djibouti between connecting flights or ships
Important: if your layover is entirely within the international transit zone of Ambouli International Airport (airside) and you do not plan to pass through immigration, you may not need any visa. Confirm the rules with your airline before travel.
Short-Stay eVisa – Details
The Djibouti Short-Stay eVisa covers tourism, business, and family or social visits. It allows a stay of 15 to 90 days and costs $23 USD. This is the most commonly issued Djibouti eVisa type and is appropriate for the vast majority of international visitors.
This eVisa is appropriate for:
- Tourism – sightseeing, visiting attractions like Lake Assal, Lac Abbé, and Goda Mountains
- Business – attending meetings, conferences, trade events, or negotiations
- Family/social visits – visiting relatives or friends residing in Djibouti
Which Djibouti eVisa Type Do I Need?
- Planning a short stopover of 1-14 days? → Apply for the Transit eVisa ($12)
- Visiting for tourism, business, or to see family? → Apply for the Short-Stay eVisa ($23)
- Staying longer than 90 days? → The eVisa does not cover extended stays; you may need a different visa category – contact the Djibouti Embassy
eVisa for Business Travel
Business travelers use the Short-Stay eVisa. Activities covered include attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, and trade events. You cannot use the business eVisa to take up employment or conduct commercial activities beyond business meetings. For business trips, it is advisable to carry an invitation letter from your Djibouti-based host company as a supporting document, even if not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my Djibouti Transit eVisa to a Short-Stay eVisa once in the country?
No. eVisa types cannot be upgraded or extended after issuance. If you decide you want to stay longer than your transit eVisa permits, you would need to leave Djibouti and apply for a new short-stay eVisa, or contact Djibouti immigration authorities before your authorized stay expires.
Does the Djibouti eVisa allow me to work in Djibouti?
No. Neither the transit nor the short-stay eVisa authorizes employment in Djibouti. The eVisa covers tourism, business meetings, and transit only. Working in Djibouti requires a separate work permit and employment visa arranged through the relevant Djiboutian authorities.
What is the maximum stay with the Djibouti Short-Stay eVisa?
The short-stay eVisa allows a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of issue (not from entry). See our eVisa validity page for full details on how the validity period is calculated.
