Intelligent Protection International Limited - Providing over a decade of security and protection for our global clients!
Djibouti Travel Advice
Security travel advice for Djibouti
How safe is Djibouti?
Threat level: Low-Medium
There is a high threat from attacks launched by terrorist organisations such as Al Shabaab in Djibouti with attacks being as recent as 2016. Travel to the border with Eritrea and Somalia is highly advised against, the risk of terrorism and armed conflicts increases significantly in these areas. Foreign nationals, especially those from western countries are thought to be high priority targets to terrorists and are at an increased risk of being kidnapped.
The general travel advice for Djibouti is that extreme caution and a high level of vigilance should be exercised at all times. Many regions are advised against travelling to and it is highly recommended to only travel with a Close Protection team. If you are in Djibouti for business purposes, it is your employer’s duty of care to ensure the correct security measure are in place to keep you safe.
Recent Security Risk Events
La Chaumierel, a popular restaurant in Djibouti City, was attacked by suicide bombers on 24 May 2014. This resulted in some deaths and many more casualties, including a number of foreign nationals. Exercise a high level of vigilance in public places and popular tourist locations.
Djibouti has been affected by the recent migrant crisis as the country is a main route for those fleeing the conflict in Yemen. With this there has been a significant increase in crime. Avoid travel to areas such as Mouhoule where there are high populations of migrants.
Groups of armed bandits operate in rural areas of the country. It is advised not to travel outside the main cities anyway, but you should never drive anywhere after dark as the risk of attacks increases significantly. If you are travelling outside of the main cities you should also consider travelling in convoys.
Security Risks
The country suffers from high crime rates most frequently inside the main cities. Thieves and pick pockets operate in Djibouti City. Foreign nationals are prime targets due to their perceived wealth. You should avoid carrying large sums of cash on your person and having expensive jewellery on display. Many reports of theft occur at night time, and as such you should avoid travelling alone at night in the main cities.
Djibouti has a predominantly Muslim population. You should dress in an appropriate manner and be aware that bikinis and revealing clothing are banned. Homosexual behaviour is illegal and the penalties for acts of homosexual behaviour are severe. Drinking alcohol is permitted, but drunken behaviour could result in a prison sentence for up to two years so drink alcohol cautiously. During Ramadan you should show respect to those who are fasting and take care not to offend Islamic values.
Djibouti's International Relations
Djibouti maintains close diplomatic relationships with Somalia, Ethiopia, France and the United States. It is also an active member of the African Union, United Nations and Arab League affairs. Foreign aid from the United States plays a main role in Djibouti's economy.
Travelling around Djibouti
You can drive in Djibouti with most national driving licences from the EU, US and UK. Roads are poor and are often difficult to navigate even with four wheel drive vehicles. Land mines are common in the northern districts of Obock and Tadjoura and the southern district of Ali Sabeih.
Commercial Travel Risk Services
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.
Emergency Service in Djibouti
Police emergency: 17
Fire emergency: 18
Medical emergency: 351351
Djibouti Overview
Religion: Christianity and Islam
Currency: Djiboutian franc (DJF)
Time now is Djibouti City:
Consular information for Djibouti
U.S. Embassy Djibouti
Lot Number 350-B,
Haramous,
Djibouti
Telephone: +253 21 45 30 00
Email: ConsularDjibouti@state.gov
The British Honorary Consul
Rue de Djibouti,
P. O. Box 169,
Djibouti Ville,
Djibouti
Telephone: +253 21 35 50 07
Email: alain.martinet-honcon@fconet.fco.gov.uk
Visa requirements for Djibouti
A passport valid for six months beyond the date of departure is required by all nationals. Most will also have to purchase a visa in advance to travel. EU nationals can obtain a one-month visa upon arrival and these cost around £90.
Cultural advice for visiting Islamic countries
If you have never visited an Islamic country before, you maybe have some unanswered questions the culture, what you can wear and general dos and don'ts. Intelligent Protection International Limited is highly experienced at working in Islamic countries and has done so for the past decade. We have written a guide that will help you understand what is culturally acceptable and hope you find it useful. See our page: Guide to Islamic culture for travellers.
Healthcare and Immunisations
It is advised that visitors to Djibouti are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is recommended for most travellers to also get a Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations. You should check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
If you are coming from a country where there is a risk of Yellow Fever, or transiting for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will have to provide a certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination. There is some risk of the disease in the country; check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
Most medical facilities in Djibouti are very poor quality. In most major medical emergencies you will have to be evacuated to another country. Ensure you have adequate travel health insurance that will cover medical evacuation.
Malaria is present in Djibouti during the wet season and it is advised that you take preventative measure including anti malarial medication to avoid contracting the illness.
