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Djibouti

What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Djibouti, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.

Travel advice levels

Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.

United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Advises against all travel to parts of the country

No numbered levels

Updated 27 July 2026

Latest change, in the source's words: New information about military activity in the Red Sea area ('Regional risks’ page).

Full advice on GOV.UK

United StatesU.S. Department of State

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Level 2 of 4

Updated 6 March 2025

The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.

Full advice on travel.state.gov

CanadaGlobal Affairs Canada

Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)

Level 2 of 4

Updated 24 September 2026

Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Full advice on travel.gc.ca

Emergency numbers

From the section “Emergency services in Djibouti” of the UK government's travel advice for Djibouti, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.

Ambulance: 21 35 09 62 or 21 35 27 12

Fire: 18

Police: 17

Local laws and customs

From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Djibouti, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.

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.

Travelling with medicines

From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Djibouti, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.

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.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Djibouti, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.

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.

What to pack

Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.

Chargers and plugs

Plug typesCE
Voltage220/380 V
Frequency50 Hz

Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.

Clothes for the weather

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Rainfall Average temperature

January

Average
24 °C (75 °F)
Lows
19 °C (66 °F)
Highs
29 °C (84 °F)
Rain
10 mm (0.4 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Usually dry.

February

Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
20 °C (69 °F)
Highs
30 °C (86 °F)
Rain
8 mm (0.3 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Usually dry.

March

Average
27 °C (80 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
31 °C (88 °F)
Rain
23 mm (0.9 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Usually dry.

April

Average
28 °C (83 °F)
Lows
24 °C (74 °F)
Highs
33 °C (92 °F)
Rain
26 mm (1.0 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
  • Usually dry.

May

Average
30 °C (86 °F)
Lows
25 °C (77 °F)
Highs
35 °C (95 °F)
Rain
19 mm (0.8 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
  • Usually dry.

June

Average
32 °C (90 °F)
Lows
27 °C (80 °F)
Highs
37 °C (99 °F)
Rain
5 mm (0.2 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
  • Usually dry.

July

Average
33 °C (92 °F)
Lows
28 °C (82 °F)
Highs
39 °C (102 °F)
Rain
33 mm (1.3 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

August

Average
33 °C (91 °F)
Lows
27 °C (81 °F)
Highs
38 °C (100 °F)
Rain
48 mm (1.9 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
  • Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.

September

Average
31 °C (87 °F)
Lows
26 °C (79 °F)
Highs
36 °C (96 °F)
Rain
23 mm (0.9 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
  • Usually dry.

October

Average
28 °C (82 °F)
Lows
23 °C (73 °F)
Highs
33 °C (92 °F)
Rain
12 mm (0.5 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
  • Usually dry.

November

Average
26 °C (79 °F)
Lows
21 °C (69 °F)
Highs
31 °C (88 °F)
Rain
11 mm (0.4 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Usually dry.

December

Average
24 °C (76 °F)
Lows
19 °C (67 °F)
Highs
30 °C (85 °F)
Rain
10 mm (0.4 in)
  • Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
  • Usually dry.

National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).

What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.

Packing checklist

A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.

Documents
Health
Tech
Clothes and belongings

Entry requirements and visas

Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Djibouti.

About this page

This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.