Djiboutian visa resources
e-Visa vs. Embassy Visa: Which One You Need
A Djibouti-specific guide to the country's split system — the e-Visa's three permitted purposes versus everything that must go through an embassy.
Important
Djibouti's official e-government portal is explicit that the e-Visa is valid only for tourism, commerce (business) and transit. If your trip fits one of those and your nationality is not visa-exempt, the online e-Visa at evisa.gouv.dj is the route.
Anything else — taking up employment, enrolling in studies, joining family, or staying beyond 90 days — falls outside the e-Visa and must be arranged as a long-stay visa through a Djiboutian embassy or consulate. Once in Djibouti for more than three months you also need a residence card, and working additionally requires a work authorisation from ANEFIP. Getting this distinction right before you book travel avoids being turned back at the border.
Use the e-Visa if
- Your trip is tourism, business/commerce or transit
- Your stay is within the short-stay/transit limits
- Your nationality is not visa-exempt
Use an embassy long-stay visa if
- You will work, study or join family in Djibouti
- You will stay longer than 90 days
- You will need a residence card and/or work authorisation after arrival
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.