Djibouti
Last update 23 October 2025Travel advice
Risk index
Level 3: Avoid non-essiential travel (Do not travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
Select passport type
Republic of Djibouti
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in Djibouti. Bulgarian citizens residing in Djibouti on a short or long-term basis may address consular matters to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Federal democratic republic of Ethiopia.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Federal democratic republic of Ethiopia
Address: Bole KK, Kebele 04/06/07, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; P.O.Box 987
Telephone/fax: +251 91 125 2514
Out-of-hours hotline: +251 91 125 2514
Working hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Opening hours: 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:30
Е-mail: Embassy.AddisAbaba@mfa.bg
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/ethiopia
There is no Embassy of Djibouti that is accredited to Bulgaria. The closest to Bulgaria is the consular representative office of Djibouti in Athens.
Consulate General of Djibouti in Athens
Address: 253, Ave Syngrou, 171 22 Athens, Greece
Telephone: +30 210 92 36 500; +30 210 92 10 144
E-mail: gr.consulatedjibouti@gmail.com
General information
Security level:
You should avoid all travel to areas along the borders with Eritrea and Somalia due to tensions between the countries and the presence of anti-personnel mines.
Due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and the unstable security situation in the wider region, we advise you to be extremely cautious in Djibouti, avoid large gatherings of people, and monitor local media.
Although Djibouti is a relatively safe country, theft and robbery are not uncommon. Attacks by bandits outside the capital are possible. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your valuables, especially jewelry, cameras, and passports, hidden.
Pirate attacks are possible in the Gulf of Aden.
Healthcare:
Before you go, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers all medical costs abroad, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains, and legal expenses. Check that the policy covers all the activities you plan to do. The insurance company should have a 24-hour helpline.
HIV/AIDS is widespread in Djibouti. Take appropriate precautions if you are engaging in activities that carry a risk of infection.
Hospital services generally do not meet European standards, especially outside the capital. Particular attention should be paid to food hygiene, including the consumption of fresh fruit and salads. Water should be drunk bottled or, as a last resort, boiled.
An international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers who have transited through an airport in a country with such a risk.
Malaria is present throughout Djibouti. If you suspect you have symptoms of the disease, go to a medical facility immediately for testing and/or treatment.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccinations, as well as health risks, please contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country.
Specifics of the local legislation:
There are a number of military bases located in Djibouti. The country's legislation strictly prohibits the photographing of military objects, police officers and military personnel, industrial facilities, government buildings and infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams, airports, etc.). Photographing prohibited sites may result in confiscation of the camera and repressive measures.
The use of unlicensed telecommunications equipment, including StarLink satellite internet, is not permitted by law and may result in criminal prosecution.
Importing drones requires prior authorization from the authorities.
The import and use of plastic bags is prohibited in Djibouti. Visitors may be asked to surrender them upon entering the country.
Djibouti law strictly prohibits the use and trafficking of drugs. The penalties are severe. Qat (Catha edulis) is a legal narcotic plant in Djibouti, but its export from the country is not permitted.
Homosexuality is not explicitly prohibited by law. However, public displays of affection by same-sex couples carry the risk of persecution by the authorities for violating "public decency."
Customs requirements:
There are strict rules regarding the goods you can import and export from Djibouti. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to taxation, including cash.
https://douanes.dj/
Road traffic:
In Djibouti, traffic drives on the right. If you plan to drive in Djibouti, be aware that driver discipline is generally low, and speeding and dangerous driving are common. Stick to paved roads whenever possible. Driving outside city centers after sunset should be avoided—vehicles often do not have lights, and there may be pedestrians and livestock on the roads.
A local or international and Bulgarian driver's license is required to drive in Djibouti. Drinking and driving is prohibited.
Always lock the doors of your vehicle and keep the windows up.
Practical advice:
Police telephone number: 17
Fire department telephone number: 18
Emergency medical assistance telephone number: 18
Always carry a copy of your passport's personal page and any visas affixed to it. Keep your passport in a safe place.
Do not carry large amounts of cash and do not display expensive jewelry and watches. Avoid showing large amounts of cash in public places and do not use ATMs after sunset, especially if you are alone. Check to see if anyone is following you.
When traveling on city roads, keep the doors of your vehicle locked and your bags and phones hidden.
Do not carry your bank card, travel tickets, and money together—leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
Be careful with your personal belongings and keep them safe in public places such as internet cafes and train stations.
Local currency:
The local currency is the Djiboutian franc (DJF).
Information about the banking system and exchange rates can be found on the website of the Central Bank of Djibouti: https://banque-centrale.dj/.
Bank cards are accepted in large hotels and supermarkets, but Visa is much more widely accepted than Mastercard. There are ATMs in Djibouti City, and again Visa is more widely accepted. Bring enough hard currency.
Travel papers and visas
A visa is required to visit Djibouti.
Applications can be submitted through the Djibouti Immigration Service portal: https://www.evisa.gouv.dj.
Citizens should ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their entry into Djibouti, even if they do not intend to stay that long. Their passport should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps and visas. Citizens may be asked to show a return flight ticket.
Consular service
Certification and legalization
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to be accepted by Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the authorities of Djibouti must bear the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti. They must then be certified by the Consulate General of Djibouti in Athens. The third and final step is to have the documents certified by the Embassy of Bulgaria in Athens.
Once completed, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by a translation agency in Bulgaria and certified by the "Certification and Legalization" department of the "Consular Relations" directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Preparation of personal documents
In case of damage, loss, or theft of a passport, the Bulgarian Embassy in Addis Ababa can assist Bulgarian citizens in obtaining an EU Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the embassy of another EU member state in Djibouti.