Published: April 24, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Djibouti Travel Advisory and Djibouti Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Djibouti:
Lot 350B, Haramous, Djibouti.
Tel: +253-21-45-30-00; After-Hours Emergency: +253-77-87-72-29.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Djibouti does not have an active OSAC Country Chapter.
Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
Djibouti Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Djibouti due to terrorism.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Djibouti as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Djibouti.
The Police emergency line is 999. The Gendarmerie emergency line is 116. The SMUR (Special Mobile Emergency Unit) Ambulance emergency contact number in Djibouti is 119. The operators speak French as well as local languages.
Most reported incidents are crimes of opportunity (e.g., pickpocketing, petty theft) for immediate gain. Panhandlers and street children target foreigners for petty theft by creating distractions.
The large number of illegal immigrants/refugees and unemployed Djiboutians loitering downtown and in other areas expatriates frequent may allow criminals to roam undetected. People in congested areas (e.g., port, market areas, city center) are at greatest risk for street crime.
Some criminals have shown a willingness to break into vehicles to gain access to high-value items such as cellular telephones and other electronic devices. Vehicle theft amongst Djiboutians has risen; maintain situational awareness when traveling or leaving your vehicle. Do not give money to people who wash your cars without permission, or who watch your car while you park. U.S. nationals are generally the only people who give money, and this leads to further targeting. Do not give money to peddlers and street children, as this can easily lead to being swarmed by additional individuals, who can become aggressive.
There have been burglaries attempted against expatriate residences in proximity to U.S. embassy housing in recent years. Perpetrators generally lack the sophistication to overcome robust residential security measures (e.g., substantial doors, grille work, static guards). Crimes have occurred where residents left windows and doors unlocked, and where no guard was present.
The natural drug khat is a legal, socially acceptable drug sold widely throughout Djibouti. Khat may cause many side effects such as mood changes, increased alertness, excessive talkativeness, hyperactivity, excitement, aggressiveness, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, manic behavior, paranoia, and psychoses during the first 30-40 minutes after it is consumed. Djibouti’s high unemployment rate, cost of living, and individual desire to obtain drugs such as khat and marijuana may exacerbate criminal activity.
The U.S. Embassy has received reports of several scams in the past, but we do not believe they are still prevalent. However, the descriptions of the tactics have been included for reference:
- One scam involves locals approaching U.S. nationals and falsely claiming to work for the U.S. military or as local employees of the U.S. Embassy. They claim to have car problems and ask either for a ride somewhere or to borrow money. Such individuals are most likely not associated with the U.S. military or the U.S. Embassy, but use the purported association to exploit unsuspecting targets.
- Another scam involves someone who waits behind your vehicle as you back out of a parking space and purposely runs into or drives their bicycle/motorcycle into the back of your vehicle. The impact and noise frighten most people. Upon seeing someone lying on the ground and writhing in pain, most assume that this person was in their blind spot and that they have hit and hurt them. Most of these scammers target foreigners and will ask for money for medical bills, etc. This is a scam; get the local police involved immediately and explain to them that you believe it to be a scam.
There are reports that some U.S. nationals transiting through Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport have encountered baggage handlers attempting to force unsolicited baggage services and, in some cases, extorting fees for such services. Travelers are strongly encouraged to carry and handle their own personal baggage. If you choose to use the assistance of airport porters, ensure you have local DJ francs to pay for the service, which is approximately 500 francs. Any attempts by airport personnel to force services or extort travelers should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Exercise caution in congested areas (e.g., the central market, the city center, downtown neighborhoods known locally as quartiers), especially after dark. Avoid isolated areas, particularly along the urban coastline. The sole specific area of concern due to crime is in and around the National Stadium area.
U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from traveling within 10 miles of the border with Eritrea in the Tadjoura and Obock regions, and the areas near the border with Somalia.
It is possible to move freely within the country, but the land and sea border areas should be avoided.
In the north, due to the border dispute between Eritrea and Djibouti, it remains strictly advised against approaching the border area by land, sea or air. This is a militarized border and closed to civilians.
In the southeast of the country, the demarcation of the border between Djibouti and Somaliland is unclear. After the "Refuge Décan" (an animal sanctuary), the area traversed by the road coming from Djibouti towards the border town of Loyada should be avoided due to the proximity to Somalia unless for essential travel.
The Seven Brothers archipelago known for its scuba diving is a place at risk due to the proximity of Eritrea to the North and Yemen to the East.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Djibouti.
The threat of kidnapping exists offshore, related to piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Djibouti as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Djibouti, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Civil unrest or armed conflict in the neighboring countries of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, and Somalia affect the security situation in Djibouti. Many refugees and asylum seekers from across the region, including Somali refugees and asylum seekers from Ethiopia, have settled in the Ali Addeh Camp near Ali Sabieh, and refugees from Yemen continue to settle in the Markazi refugee camp near Obock.
Djibouti's proximity to multiple conflict-torn states, and the government's limited capacity to monitor border controls, raises concern over illegal immigration and the possibility of cross-border terrorism. Of note, the Government of Djibouti designated the FRUD-Arme (Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy), a low-level domestic insurgency, as a Terrorist Organization in 2022 in response to a FRUD-Arme attack on military barracks in the country's north.
Travelers in Djibouti should evaluate their personal security situation in light of specific threats related to terrorism. The U.S. government continues to receive information about potential terrorist threats aimed at Western (including U.S.) and Djiboutian interests.
Terrorist acts can include suicide operations, bombings (to include car bombings), kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in/near Djiboutian ports. Attacks may target official government facilities, embassies, and military installations, and soft targets. While Djiboutian officials continue to pursue those responsible for previous terrorist attacks, many of those involved remain at large and operate in the region. Review personal crisis response plans, remain vigilant, and exercise caution in areas Westerners frequent.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Djibouti as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Djibouti. However, civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Political power is shared by Djibouti’s two largest ethnic groups, the Somali-Issas and Afars.
Djibouti is a republic with a strong elected president and a weak legislature. Djibouti has a multiparty political system in which parties must be registered and recognized by the ruling authorities. President Ismail Omar Guelleh has served as president since 1999. In 2021 he was re-elected for a fifth term. International observers from the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and Arab League characterized the election as “peaceful,” “calm,” and “sufficiently free and transparent,” but noted the presence of restrictive voter registration laws, voter intimidation, inadequate ballot security, and lack of opposition observers. Most opposition groups did not characterize the elections as free and fair. The next presidential elections are planned for 2026.
Legislative elections were held in 2023 in which the presidential majority coalition won 58 out of the 65 National Assembly seats. While well-run and peaceful, the elections saw low voter turnout and did not include credible opposition participation, demonstrating the overall weak democratic landscape in Djibouti.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests and clashes with Djiboutian security are rare. Previous demonstrations have focused on economic disparity and the lack of employment opportunities at one of the many ports in Djibouti. Demonstrations have been mostly peaceful, although participants have blocked roads with rocks and burning tires and engaged in indiscriminate rock throwing. The last demonstration started near the airport and spread up to Haramous in October 2023, however, the U.S. Embassy was not the target of the demonstration. Avoid political gatherings and large crowds.
The Djiboutian National Police and the Gendarmerie have effective riot-control squads and take proactive steps to stage personnel in areas of potential unrest.
Approximately 60% of Djiboutians are ethnic Somali. The remainder are mostly of Afar descent, except for a small minority of Yemeni origin. Relations between Somali and Afar ethnic groups remain a sensitive issue. Since the signing of the 2001 final peace accord, many former rebels have been integrated into the National Police and Defense Forces, but ethnic-based rebel groups remain and have carried out attacks against government entities, mostly in remote locations just north of Tadjoura and Obock.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There is no significant anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment in Djibouti.
Law Enforcement
The Police emergency line is 999. The Gendarmerie emergency line is 116. The SMUR (Special Mobile Emergency Unit) Ambulance emergency contact number in Djibouti is 119. The operators speak French as well as local languages.
The National Police is responsible for security within Djibouti city and has primary control over immigration and customs procedures for all land border-crossing points. The National Police reports to the interior minister. The National Gendarmerie is responsible for all security outside of Djibouti city and is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure within the city, such as the international airport. The National Gendarmerie falls mainly under MoD but not exclusively. It also falls under the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Transportation. Both the National Police and National Gendarmerie are found in and outside of Djibouti city and have some duplication of responsibilities.
The National Service of Documentation and Security operates as a law enforcement and intelligence agency. It reports directly to the Presidency. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over security forces. However, members of the security forces have committed some abuses.
Police Response
Police response is slow to non-existent. Legal response or recourse for victims of crime is extremely limited. A significant percentage of Djiboutian males, to include security and law enforcement officers, are under the influence of khat daily.
Police do respond to vehicle accidents and occasionally issue traffic citations. In the case of an accident, do not leave the scene unless you feel threatened by a hostile crowd. In the case of a crime, depending on the situation, either report the incident via your phone or report the incident at the nearest police station.
The Police typically establish checkpoints at night to enforce certain vehicle regulations, such as checking documentation for drivers and vehicles. The Police speak French and local languages.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Djibouti, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Djibouti.
The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, but the government does not implement the law effectively, and officials engage in corrupt practices with impunity. According to the World Bank’s most recent Worldwide Governance Indicators, government corruption is a serious problem.
Public officials are subject to financial disclosure laws, but they usually do not abide by the law.
Cybersecurity
The internet is slow and sometimes unreliable. The government has the ability to shut down the internet in an effort to limit social media access during periods of concern.
Import/Export Restrictions
Strict regulations exist on the temporary import and export of firearms. Hunting without a permit is illegal.
Restrictions on the use and importation of satellite phones is unclear; however, reports suggest that satellite phones are used frequently by foreigners in country.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
