Things you should know when travelling to Djibouti

Djibouti is a country located in the Horn of Africa. The country is bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Djibouti has a population of about 942,333 people. The capital of Djibouti is Djibouti City. If you are planning to travel to Djibouti, there are a few things you should know before you go. First, Djibouti is a Muslim country, so be sure to dress modestly. Second, Djibouti is a cash-only country, so be sure to bring enough cash with you. Third, Djibouti is a safe country, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and not

Are you planning on a trip to Djibouti? Don't have an idea about where to start and how to start? This article will help you with things you should know before travelling to Djibouti.  

When should you visit Djibouti? 

Since Djibouti offers hot temperatures for most of the year, it is best if you visit this place during the winter months, December - February, to avoid unbearable heat and sunshine. If you want to try out the country's famous swim with whale sharks here, consider visiting from October to February.  

Djibouti places to visit 

Djibouti City 

When in the country, visiting Djibouti City is a must. Founded in 1888, the city is thriving towards becoming an urban centre. Being the 2nd richest city in the horn of Africa, with its restaurants and bars in this place, you will find traditional Somali and Afar culture.  

Lake Assal  

At 508 feet/155 meters below sea level, which is the lowest point in Africa, the lake is situated in the west of the capital. This place is a magnificent piece of natural beauty. Lake Assal has turquoise water, and with the salt collected along the shore, you can see the camel harvesting the salt, which has been done for hundreds of years.  

Goda Mountains  

To have a glimpse of the country's traditional culture visiting Goda Mountains and witnessing Afar villages will offer you that. Located in the northwest, this place offers aid to landscapes of the rest of the country. As a tourist in the place, you can also visit Day Forest National Park is an excellent choice for birding and wildlife enthusiasts. 

Ghoubet Al-Kharab 

One of the most intriguing places in the country, Ghoubet Al-Kharab, or ‘devil’ island’, is considered the most dangerous place in Djibouti. What makes this place fascinating is the saying behind it which explains that anyone who tries to swim in this place after sunset or at night drowns due to the water being too deep. If this is true or not, we still recommend you to spend a day and not try it.   

Essentials you need to carry before  travelling to Djibouti 

Clothing according to weather conditions 

You should be aware that Djibouti offers a hot climate throughout the year.  It would be best if you packed clothes according to the weather conditions at your time of visit. Try packing lightweight apparel suitable for summer conditions. Pack a raincoat and coats to cover yourself if you're visiting at times of heavy showers. 

Djibouti Visa 

The most important document you must carry for any foreign visit is your visa. Similarly, if you are visiting from a country that requires a visa to enter Djibouti premises, you must have an authorised Djibouti visa with you. Also, make sure to carry your passport, having a minimum validity of 6 months.   

In this case, if you are looking to apply for a visa, get the same by visiting Djiboutivisaonline.com, completing the essential steps like selecting your citizenship country with your country of residence, selecting the visa type and completing the visa application process by providing the required documents and payment.  

Covid vaccinated documents  

Another important document you need to carry with you is documents showing that you are fully vaccinated to enter Djibouti.  If you are on any prescribed medications, make sure to carry a sufficient amount of the same, which covers your travel stay.  

Travel Insurance 

This is another document which you must carry with you not just for Djibouti but for any foreign country visit. Having travel insurance will work as a safeguard for you in any crisis while abroad. Also, since the medical facilities in Djibouti are limited, this will work as travel health insurance. Make sure that you also carry adequate funds for the cost of any medical treatment or emergency.  

ALSO READ: DJIBOUTI VISA FOR US NATIONALS

Currency  

Talking about funds, make sure that you carry the currency which is used in Djibouti. Which is the Djiboutian franc. Currency can be exchanged in money exchange centres in Djibouti or in your country if available.  

Djiboutian franc is the currency used in the country, make sure to carry enough money as credit and debit cards are not widely accepted here. Djibouti Local Laws and Customs one should know before travelling 

• Djibouti is prominently a Muslim country. Following the culture which they have, they are quite reserved. Being a traveller, you must ensure that you respect and adhere to their beliefs, laws and customs and try your best not to offend any locals. 
•  As a visitor to Djibouti, it is advised to dress and behave in a conservative manner. There aren't any restrictions on drinking alcohol as it is permitted, but any drunken behaviour in public places or anywhere may result in a two-year prison term. There are also heavy penalties in Djibouti for possessing illegal drugs and using or trafficking illegal drugs.  
• Even though homosexual behaviour is not prohibited, a public display of affection like kissing or hand holding by same-sex couples could lead to prosecution by the relevant authorities under the "good morals", given the cultural norms in Djibouti society is like.   
• When travelling during Ramadan, be mindful not to transgress any Islamic principles and respect those who are fasting. During the month of Ramadan, while in public, avoid Drinking, eating and smoking.  
• Producing, displaying in public, or selling any item, image, movie, or audio-visual recording that might be in opposition to socially acceptable behaviour is also prohibited. 
• Photography of infrastructures like ports, public buildings, airports, military facilities and bridges is prohibited in the country. Going against it may result in the confiscation of your equipment with detention. You can always seek out help from any locals if unsure about taking photographs near prohibited places.  
• Dual citizenship in Djibouti is prohibited. You are also required to carry an International Driving License for driving around the country.

ALSO READ: WORK VISA VALIDITY IN DJIBOUTI

Conclusion 

Here is a complete guide on the things you should know prior to your visit to Djibouti. Through this article, you are aware of the essential aspects a foreign visitor must know before commencing a Djiboutian voyage. 

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