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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Djibouti
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Djibouti. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Djibouti: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, polio , cholera, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - 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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - 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 to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
The NaTHNaC recommends antimalarials for Djibouti, as malaria is endemic there. Apply insect 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 ring 44 808 164 6644 or start booking online now.
Visas are required for travel to Djibouti. All visa applications by UK citizens are processed through the French embassy in London. Passports must have at least six months validity at time of entry to Eritrea. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Djibouti Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Djibouti? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Djibouti and GOV.UK
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.
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 asylum seekers enter from neighbouring countries seeking help 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.
Lake Abbe is a salt lake in Djibouti that looks like it’s from another planet. This site has limestone formations that makes nearly 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 is accommodation available for travellers in Lake Abbe including hotels, campsites and Afar Huts. The site is well known for its sunrises and sunsets.
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.
If you are in Djibouti and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Addis Ababa
Comoros Street
Addis Ababa
858
Ethiopia
Telephone: +251 11 6170100
Emergency Phone: +251 (0)11 617 0100
Fax: +251 11 617 55 58
Email: Britishembassy.addisababa@fco.gov.uk
If you have any questions about travelling to Djibouti or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us up at 44 808 164 6644 or book online now and protect yourself today.