Orientation briefing in Djibouti

Present-day Djibouti was the site of the medieval Ifat and Adal Sultanates. In the late 19th century, the Afar sultans signed treaties with the French that allowed the latter to establish the colony of French Somaliland in 1862. The French signed additional treaties with the ethnic Somali in 1885.

Tension between the ethnic Afar and Somali populations increased over time, as the ethnic Somalis perceived that the French unfairly favored the Afar and gave them disproportionate influence in local governance. In 1958, the French held a referendum that provided residents of French Somaliland the option to either continue their association with France or to join neighboring Somalia as it established its independence. Ethnic Somali protested the vote, because French colonial leaders did not recognize many Somali as residents, which gave the Afar outsized influence in the decision to uphold ties with France. After a second referendum in 1967, the French changed the territory’s name to the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, in part to underscore their relationship with the ethnic Afar and downplay the significance of the ethnic Somalis. A final referendum in 1977 established Djibouti as an independent nation and granted ethnic Somalis Djiboutian nationality, formally resetting the balance of power between the majority ethnic Somalis and minority ethnic Afar residents. Upon independence, the country was named after its capital city of Djibouti. Hassan Gouled APTIDON, an ethnic Somali leader, installed an authoritarian one-party state and served as president until 1999. Unrest between the Afar minority and Somali majority culminated in a civil war during the 1990s that ended in 2001 with a peace accord between Afar rebels and the Somali Issa-dominated government. In 1999, Djibouti's first multiparty presidential election resulted in the election of Ismail Omar GUELLEH as president; he was reelected to a second term in 2005 and extended his tenure in office via a constitutional amendment, which allowed him to serve his third and fourth terms, and to begin a fifth term in 2021.

Djibouti occupies a strategic geographic location at the intersection of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Its ports handle 95% of Ethiopia’s trade. Djibouti’s ports also service transshipments between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The government has longstanding ties to France, which maintains a military presence in the country, as do the US, Japan, Italy, Germany, Spain, and China.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Djibouti-Eritrea border

FCDO advises against all travel to the Djibouti-Eritrea border.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This guide also has safety advice for regions of Djibouti.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Djibouti

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Djibouti.

Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded areas and places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:

• transport hubs
• hotels, restaurants and bars
• shopping areas
• religious events
• sporting events
• military bases

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

The terrorist group Al Shabaab may see Djibouti and international interests within Djibouti as legitimate targets. This is because Djibouti participates in the African Union peacekeeping mission, ATMIS, and joins in international support of the Somali government. Al Shabaab has issued public threats against Djibouti. 

Crime

Protecting your belongings

There is a risk of petty crime. Take precautions such as:

• not walking alone late at night
• keeping valuables, particularly cameras and passports, out of sight

Laws and cultural differences

Ramadan  

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. You should show respect to those who are fasting and take care not to offend local values.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• be aware that government offices and public institutions may change their working hours during Ramadan
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
• be patient and show tolerance

Money

Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted. If credit cards are accepted, you often need a Visa card. ATMs are normally available in Djibouti City, but they may not accept Mastercard. Make sure that you carry enough cash.

Alcohol laws

Drinking alcohol is allowed, but you can get a 2-year prison sentence for drunken behaviour.

Using cameras

Photographing infrastructure, such as ports, public buildings, airports, military facilities, and bridges, is prohibited. Your equipment could be confiscated, and you could be arrested. When taking photos near prohibited places, take care and seek local advice if you are unsure.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual behaviour is not illegal but is not common in Djiboutian public life. Same-sex couples showing affection in public could attract the attention of the authorities under laws around “good morals”.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Djibouti, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Djibouti for up to 12 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or obtain a local Djiboutian driving licence through the Ministry of Interior.

Driving standards

Driving standards are generally poor. Many drivers use the legal narcotic khat, which contributes to speeding and unsafe driving. Roads are often narrow and poorly lit and maintained.

Stay on paved roads and avoid travelling outside city centres after dark. Vehicles often have no lights and livestock may be on the roads. Many large trucks use the main Djibouti-Ethiopia road.

On some major roads police use wire coils as roadblocks, which are not clearly visible at night.

Air travel

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Djibouti that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Sea travel

There is a significant risk of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Pirates continue to attack fishing dhows around the Horn of Africa. International naval counter-piracy forces advise all sailing yachts to avoid the designated high-risk area where there is risk of hijacking. See piracy and armed robbery at sea.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

Intense rainfall is rare but can cause flash floods, particularly around Djibouti City. Flash floods can cause:

• major disruption to travel and infrastructure, including schools and public places
• damage to buildings and roads
• water-borne and respiratory disease outbreaks

Stay away from flood areas and follow official advice.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are a risk in Djibouti. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

This section has safety advice for regions of Djibouti. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Military activity in the Red Sea area        

There is a risk of military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that the situation could change at short notice. You should:  

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts

• monitor local and international media for the latest information

Djibouti-Eritrea border

FCDO advises against all travel to the Djibouti-Eritrea border.

In 2008 there were military clashes between Djibouti and Eritrea after Eritrean forces entered the disputed Djibouti border region. The situation remains fragile and further conflict is possible.

Djibouti-Somaliland border

Take great care if you travel to the Djibouti-Somaliland border. The Djiboutian military have set up roadblocks and checkpoints. Follow the advice given by the authorities and seek military approval for journeys in this area.

Landmines near borders

There are unmarked landmines near the Djibouti-Eritrea border. In other border areas most landmines have been marked or cleared. Djibouti’s borders with Ethiopia and Somalia are not always clearly identified.

Roads north of Tadjoura

Take great care travelling on roads north of Tadjoura and Obock where there are military roadblocks.

Respect advice given by those operating the roadblocks. If required, get formal military approval for your journey.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 21 35 09 62 or 21 35 27 12 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Djibouti
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Djibouti, including:

• dengue
• Zika virus
• schistosoma

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Djibouti

Medical facilities in Djibouti are limited. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Djibouti where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.