Djibouti

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

The climate is generally extremely hot and dry, particular between June and August, with the cooler season being from November to April.

Climate Chart for Djibouti

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all nationals except those of France. Transit visas are valid for 10 days and are available on arrival to nationals of the European Union, Scandinavian countries and the USA. Visas can be obtained from neighbouring countries and where there is no Djibouti embassy they can be obtained from the French embassy.
When you enter the country you are required to show an onward ticket, if you do not have one you may be forced to purchase one at the airport before entering the country - this requirement is generally not applicable if you arrive overland from Ethiopia.

MONEY

Official Currency:    1 Djiboutian franc=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Some of the hotels and airlines accept major credit cards.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banks:    Saturday to Thursday 0715-1145
Shops: Saturday to Thursday 0730-1200 and 1600-1900

LOCAL TIME

Djibouti is three hours ahead of GMT

Click for Flights from Europe with KLM

Domestic flights
are available between Ali Sabieh, Tadjoura and Obock.


Public Transport:
Buses serve the western and southern regions.

Self Drive / Hire Cars:

The Africa Guide's recommended Map
Djibouti - Sheet Map   (Maps Worldwide)
Institut Geographique National (IGN)
Scale 1: 200,000

Map & Atlases for Sale

Traffic drives on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is recommended. Car hire is available but is expensive. Roads link all the major villages with the capital and a 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary to get around.


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Djibouti, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.