Travel Vaccines and Advice for Djibouti
Located on the horn of Africa, Djibouti is one of busiest shipping sites in the world. Due its prime location and access to various regions, it holds the only permanent United States military base in Africa.
Although it is small in size, there are many different kinds of landscapes throughout the country including volcanoes, desert, salt lakes, limestone, hot springs, and islands.
The official language of the country is French (mostly spoken by the upper class) and Arabic.
The majority of Djibouti holds two different ethnic groups: the Issa and the Afar and about 93% of the country practice Islam. The rest of the country practices Christianity.
The capital city of Djibouti, Djibouti City, holds 70% of the entire country’s population. Djibouti’s other major cities include Ali Sabieh, Tadjourah, and Dikhil.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Djibouti?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Djibouti?
What is the Climate Like in Djibouti?
How Safe is Djibouti?
Limestones of Djibouti
What Should I Take To Djibouti?
Canadian Embassy in Djibouti
Do I Need Vaccines for Djibouti?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Djibouti. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Djibouti: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Djibouti |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Djibouti |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
the PHAC recommends antimalarials for Djibouti, as malaria is endemic there. Apply bug spray and sleep under mosquito nets.
Medical facilities in cities are limited and there are few in more rural areas. Bring medicine with you to Djibouti as there is a low supply of prescriptions the country.
Medicare and basic healthcare do not cover costs overseas. Be sure to get an international plan before travelling.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Djibouti?
A visa is required for all business and tourism purposes. Canadians must be able to present a passport which is valid for at least 6 months past the expected date of departure to enter Djibouti.
Djibouti Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Djibouti? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Djibouti and Canadian Travel and Tourism
If you have arrived from a yellow fever endemic country, you must have a yellow card showing proof of vaccination.
If you are a journalist, must have a letter of accreditation from the Ministry of Communication and Culture.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Djibouti?
Djibouti is mostly a tropical desert climate with a semi-desert in the southern region.
It is hot in Djibouti year-round, though it is a little cooler during the winter season. Temperatures throughout the year can range from 30 to 40 degrees.
Rain is a rare occurrence and can happen throughout the year. When it does rain it is usually short and a large amount.
How Safe is Djibouti?
Due to regional terrorist activity, terrorism is a risk in Djibouti. Terrorists can easily access and come into the country and will target tourist sites and westerners. Many refugees seek asylum from neighboring countries in Djibouti.
Some border conflicts occur at the border of Djibouti and Eritrea. Border areas between Djibouti, Somalia, and Ethiopia may contain landmines.
Theft, including identity theft are common in Djibouti. Dress conservatively and know where your credit card is at all time.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Limestones of Djibouti
Lake Abbe is a salt lake in Djibouti that looks like it’s from another planet. This site has limestone formations that makes almost what looks like a forest. This whole area is also surrounded by hot springs.
Lake Abbe is near the Djibouti and Ethiopian border. Due to their strong alliance, it is a safer place for tourists to visit in the country.
There are accommodations available for travellers in Lake Abbe including hotels, campsites and Afar Huts. The site is well known for its sunrises and sunsets.
What Should I Take To Djibouti?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Djibouti:
- Dress Conservatively – For women especially, it is best to avoid shorts and skirts.
- Light Fabrics – Due to the dry desert heat, it is best to pack lightweight clothing.
- Head Covering – Hat and scarves to protect yourself from the sun and sand.
Canadian Embassy in Djibouti
If you find yourself in need of help while travelling in Djibouti, there is a Canadian consulate in Djibouti City.
Canadian Embassy in Djibouti
Place Lagarde, Djibouti
Tel.: 253-21-35-59-50
If you have any questions about travelling to Djibouti or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now! and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Djibouti
“The nurse was extremely helpful and patient and explained everything for Djibouti clearly. This clinic is new in my area and I will always come here before travelling”
“Passport Health made our visit seamless and enjoyable. No matter how much research you do for your upcoming trip, it is always great to have someone with a wealth of knowledge walk you through potential health risks when travelling. A big shout out to the staff for making our experience preparing for Djibouti a great one!”
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