Djibouti

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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