Language
Arabic, French
Although French and Arabic are the official languages, Somali and Afar are widely spoken. English may be spoken at tourist facilities, but is not widely spoken by locals or taxi drivers.
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Africa · Eastern AfricaOutline guideCountry in the Horn of Africa
Photo: Skilla1st, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Djibouti is in the Horn Peninsula on the Gulf of Aden. The country can be divided into three regions; the coastal plain and volcanic plateaus in the central and southern parts of the country and the mountain ranges in the north. Much of the country is wasteland with virtually no arable land.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Djibouti.
Arabic, French
Although French and Arabic are the official languages, Somali and Afar are widely spoken. English may be spoken at tourist facilities, but is not widely spoken by locals or taxi drivers.
Tap water is not safe to drink unless it has been boiled or otherwise sterilized.
Health insurance is advisable. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for any medical treatment.
Casual wear is widely acceptable, but Djibouti is a Muslim country, and certain codes of behaviour should be observed. Shorts are generally not appropriate outside of hotels, beaches or sport activities.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Public transport and paid services in Djibouti.
By car
You should avoid driving after dark outside the city of Djibouti. Vehicles do not always have working headlights and there may be livestock on the roads.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Djibouti.
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Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Djibouti City · International · JIB
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Djibouti
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 27° | 28° | 30° | 32° | 35° | 39° | 39° | 38° | 37° | 33° | 30° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 21° | 22° | 23° | 25° | 27° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 26° | 24° | 22° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 6 | 6 | 20 | 51 | 27 | 7 | 17 | 27 | 31 | 21 | 10 | 14 |
| Humidity | 73% | 74% | 73% | 73% | 62% | 44% | 43% | 47% | 53% | 65% | 71% | 73% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$50
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$145
Per person, per day
Luxury
$375
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $80 | $220 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $30 | $70 |
| Local transport | $5 | $15 | $30 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $55 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Djibouti due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Terrorists target public areas including: Tourist locations Transportation centers (airports) Government buildings Markets and shopping malls Hotels, clubs, and restaurants Places of worship and schools Parks and public areas Major sporting and cultural events Hospitals Read the Travel Guidance for more information on travel to Djibouti. Reconsider travel to areas bordering Eritrea due to border tensions.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
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. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Djibouti.
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