Visitor & short-stay visas
Djiboutian Visa on Arrival
A limited on-arrival route, issued at the border primarily for diplomatic, official and service passport holders rather than ordinary travellers.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Official name
- Visa on arrival
- Route type
- On-arrival visa (mainly diplomatic/official/service passports)
- Where issued
- Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport and other border points
- Where to apply
- Ambouli International Airport / approved border posts
- Eligibility
- Diplomatic, official and service passport holders
- Ordinary passports: use the e-Visa instead
Who it is for
- Holders of diplomatic, official and service passports officially recognised for on-arrival issuance
- Not a reliable route for ordinary-passport tourists — use the e-Visa instead
Requirements
Although visa on arrival has historically been associated with Ambouli International Airport, the Djiboutian government now restricts it to holders of diplomatic, official and service passports. Ordinary passport holders are expected to obtain an e-Visa before travel rather than rely on arrival.
How to apply
- Eligible diplomatic / official / service passport holders present their passport and supporting travel documents at the immigration desk on arrival
- Ordinary passport holders should instead apply online in advance at evisa.gouv.dj and print the approved e-Visa PDF to present at the border
Frequently asked questions
In practice, no. Djibouti's government limits visa on arrival to diplomatic, official and service passport holders and directs other travellers to obtain an e-Visa in advance. Do not count on being issued a visa at the airport on an ordinary passport.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Djiboutian visas
- SHORT STAYTOURISMBUSINESSe-Visa — Short Stay (Tourism / Business)The government's online short-stay permit for tourism or business visits to Djibouti, applied for and issued electronically before you travel.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITe-Visa — TransitA short online authorisation for travellers passing briefly through Djibouti en route to another destination, arranged electronically before departure.View visa details
- SHORT STAYVISA-FREEVisa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry)Short visa-free entry available to nationals of a limited number of countries, allowing arrival in Djibouti without applying for a visa in advance.View visa details
