The Djibouti eVisa is an official electronic travel authorization issued by the Government of the Republic of Djibouti. Introduced on February 18, 2018, the eVisa system was designed to replace the previous visa-on-arrival process and make entry into Djibouti more accessible, efficient, and secure for international travelers.
Unlike a traditional visa that requires a physical stamp in your passport from an embassy or consulate, the Djibouti eVisa is applied for and issued entirely online. Once approved, it is delivered by email as a PDF document, which the traveler must print and present to immigration officers upon arrival.
How the Djibouti eVisa System Works
The Djibouti eVisa is managed through the official government platform at evisa.gouv.dj. Here is how the process works from start to finish:
- The applicant creates an account on the official portal
- Submits a digital application form with personal, passport, and travel information
- Uploads supporting documents (passport scan, photo, flight and accommodation proof)
- Pays the government eVisa fee online by card
- Immigration officers review the application – typically within 3-5 business days
- The approved eVisa PDF is emailed to the applicant
- The traveler prints the document and presents it at the border alongside their passport
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process, visit our how to apply for the Djibouti eVisa guide.
Djibouti eVisa Types Available in 2026
There are two categories of Djibouti eVisa available to international travelers:
Transit eVisa
The transit eVisa is designed for travelers who are passing through Djibouti on their way to another destination. It allows a stay of 1 to 14 days and costs $12 USD. This is the appropriate option if you have a layover or brief stopover in Djibouti without plans for extended tourism.
Short-Stay eVisa (Tourism / Business / Family Visit)
The short-stay eVisa covers tourism, business activities (meetings, conferences, trade events), and family or social visits. It permits a stay of 15 to 90 days and costs $23 USD. This is the most commonly issued Djibouti eVisa type. Details on all available types are on our Djibouti eVisa types page.
Key Facts About the Djibouti eVisa
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Introduced | February 18, 2018 |
| Official portal | evisa.gouv.dj |
| Entry type | Single entry only |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days |
| Validity | Starts from date of issue |
| Transit eVisa stay | 1-14 days |
| Short-stay eVisa | 15-90 days |
| Transit fee | $12 USD |
| Short-stay fee | $23 USD |
| Purposes covered | Tourism, Business, Transit, Family visit |
Who Needs a Djibouti eVisa?
Most foreign nationals who wish to visit Djibouti need either an eVisa, a visa on arrival, or an embassy visa. The eVisa is the most convenient option for eligible travelers. Citizens of Singapore are currently visa-exempt for Djibouti with an ordinary passport.
Check whether your nationality is eligible for the eVisa by visiting our Djibouti eVisa eligible countries page. US citizens, UK citizens, and EU citizens are all eligible to apply online.
eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival vs. Embassy Visa
The Djibouti eVisa is the preferred option for most travelers because it is faster, more convenient, and cheaper than alternative methods:
- eVisa – applied online before travel, approved digitally, most convenient
- Visa on Arrival – available at Ambouli International Airport for holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports; ordinary passport holders should apply for an eVisa instead
- Embassy Visa – required for nationalities not eligible for the eVisa system; involves an in-person application at a Djibouti diplomatic mission
For a full comparison, see our Djibouti eVisa vs. visa on arrival breakdown.
Where Can You Use the Djibouti eVisa?
Once approved, the eVisa can be used to enter Djibouti through the following entry points:
- Ambouli International Airport (JIB) – Djibouti City’s international airport, the main gateway for air travelers
- Port of Djibouti – for travelers arriving by sea
- Land border crossings – from Ethiopia and Eritrea (verify current border status before travel)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Djibouti eVisa and a regular visa?
A regular visa requires you to visit a Djibouti Embassy in person to apply. The eVisa is applied for entirely online at evisa.gouv.dj – no embassy visit needed. The approved eVisa is issued as a PDF and does not add a stamp to your passport until arrival.
Does the Djibouti eVisa allow multiple entries?
No. The Djibouti eVisa is a single-entry document. Once you leave Djibouti, the eVisa is no longer valid. If you plan to re-enter, you must apply for a new eVisa before your return trip.
Do I need to print the Djibouti eVisa?
Yes. You are required to print the approved eVisa PDF and present it alongside your passport at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival in Djibouti. Digital copies on a phone screen may not be accepted.
How long does it take to get a Djibouti eVisa?
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least 10 business days before your travel to account for any delays due to weekends or public holidays.
