CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Djibouti

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 8 has been updated (Ramadan).

BACK TO TOP

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Djibouti

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country, as there has been an increase in the crime rate due to high levels of poverty. Ensure personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the Djibouti-Eritrea border.

The political climate is unstable due to tensions between the two countries. Violent clashes between the Djiboutian military and Eritrean troops occurred in June 2008, due to disputed land along the border. Further violence is possible. On January 14, 2009, the U.N. gave Eritrea a five-week ultimatum to withdraw its troops from the border area. Travellers should avoid the border area, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

Street crime is on the rise. Travellers should be vigilant in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping areas. Do not show signs of affluence.

Demonstrations

Political demonstrations occur frequently. Canadians are advised to avoid all demonstrations as they can turn violent without notice. They should also follow the advice of local authorities.

General Safety Information

You should always carry identification, preferably a certified true copy of your passport's identification page. Avoid walking alone after dark. Because of their isolation, avoid visiting the beaches of Dorale and Khor Ambado late in the afternoon.

Modern tourist facilities and communications networks are limited in the city of Djibouti and scarce in many outlying areas. Outside the capital, cell phone coverage is often unavailable.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Djiboutian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti, based in Washington, DC (USA), for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Djibouti. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required (A tourist visa is issued to students)

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for those arriving from infected areas.

---

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Djibouti - DJIBOUTI, Consulate of Canada
Address: Place Lagarde, Djibouti
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1188, Djibouti,
Tel.: 25 (3) 35-38-59 or 35-59-50
Fax: 25 (3) 35-00-14
E-Mail: georgalis@intnet.dj

The Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has consular responsibility for Djibouti. The address is as follows:

Ethiopia - ADDIS ABABA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Old Airport Area, Nefas Silk Lafto Sub City, Kebele 04, House No.122, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1130, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
Tel.: 251 (0) 11 371 3022
Fax: 251 (0) 11 371 3125
E-Mail: addis-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.ethiopia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and follow the instructions. You may also wish to call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Avian Influenza (H5N1)

There have been confirmed human cases of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Djibouti. Travellers should avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live-food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. For more information, visit the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Malaria

Malaria is common in most areas of the country. Other mosquito-borne diseases are also prevalent in Djibouti. Travellers are encouraged to take personal protective measures against insect bites, including using an insect repellent.

Cholera

Cholera is common in Djibouti. Only drink boiled or bottled water. The water outside main cities and towns could be potentially contaminated.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are limited in the capital and practically nonexistent in many outlying areas. Medicines are often unavailable and can be extremely expensive. Medical evacuation is necessary for serious illness cases or accidents.

Water

The water is heavily chlorinated and could cause abdominal discomfort. Visitors should drink bottled water for the duration of their stay. The water outside main cities and towns could be potentially contaminated.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Homosexuality is illegal.

Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of firearms. Canadians should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in Washington (see Section 4) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Hunting is forbidden by law.

Photography of military installations is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women wearing the veil.

Islamic practices and beliefs are part of the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. It is forbidden to produce, display publicly or sell any object, image, film or audio-visual recording considered contrary to accepted standards of behaviour. The prohibition on the use of drugs must be respected. Consumption of alcohol is authorised, but public displays of drunkenness could result in a two-year prison term.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11, 2010.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution in the capital. Do not travel after dark. Streets are narrow, poorly maintained and lack adequate lighting. Local driving habits, pedestrians, roaming livestock, and excessive speeds pose additional risks. Major roads are paved but often lack guardrails. Police may set up roadblocks of wire coils, which may be difficult to see at night. Railway crossings are not well indicated. In the event of an accident, the driver should wait until the police arrive on the scene. Canadians should contact the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Consulate of Canada in Djibouti (see Section 5), or local authorities for the latest security information prior to overland travel.

Since the operating gas stations are located at a considerable distance from one another (mostly in the cities of Djibouti, Ali Sabieh, Dikhil, Tadjoura and Obock), travellers should ensure they have sufficient fuel provisions in reserve before undertaking long routes.

While Djibouti has been declared a “mine-safe” country, you should stay on paved roads, particularly in the northern districts of Tadjoureh and Obock as well as the Ali Sabieh district in the south, where mines have been found in the past.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Intercity public travel is limited to bus and ferry services between Djibouti and the towns of Tadjoureh and Obock. Buses are poorly maintained and driven erratically. You should avoid travel by road or rail to Djibouti. There have been acts of sabotage and derailment on the Djibouti-Ethiopia railway.

Piracy can occur in Djiboutian coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. Whenever possible, transit in trafficked sea-lanes. When sailing in and around the Horn of Africa, in the southern part of the Red Sea near the coasts of Yemen and in the Gulf of Aden, vessels should convoy in groups and maintain good communications at all times. The Yemeni Coast Guard 24-hour Operations Centre can be contacted in case of emergency at 967-1562-402. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce.

---

The currency is the Djiboutian franc (DJF). Credit cards are accepted only by airline companies and some major hotels. Traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars can be cashed at banks. There are only a few Automated Banking Machines (ABMs). They are frequently broken and should not be depended upon as the sole means for obtaining currency.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The climate is very dry and hot from May to October. Due to below-average rainfall over the last four years, many regions of eastern Africa are currently afflicted by severe drought, including Djibouti. Travellers should expect difficulties travelling overland. Local services and the availability of water and basic food may be affected. An increase in water-borne diseases has also been reported in these areas. Travellers should take preventive measures and exercise extreme caution.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP