Djibouti Travel Safety

Road safety

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, remain in the car and wait until the police arrive on the scene. Do not travel after dark. Operational gas stations are located far from one another (mostly in the cities of Djibouti, Ali Sabieh, Dikhil, Obock and Tadjourah). Ensure you have sufficient fuel provisions in reserve before undertaking long drives.

Border areas

The borders between Djibouti and Somalia and between Djibouti and Ethiopia are not always clearly marked, and there could be unexploded landmines.

Public transportation

Intercity public travel is limited to bus and ferry services between Djibouti and the cities of Obock and Tadjourah. Buses are poorly maintained and driven erratically.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Djibouti, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of caution during travel.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing bag snatching and theft from vehicles occurs. Be vigilant in public places and avoid walking alone after dark. Because of their isolation, avoid visiting the beaches of Dorale and Khor Ambado late in the afternoon. Do not show signs of affluence. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Terrorist targets could include government buildings, places of worship, schools, airports and other transportation hubs, as well as public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and sites frequented by foreigners. Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places.

Culture

Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively - for women: knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops, for men: should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. It is forbidden to produce, display publicly or sell any object, image, film or audio-visual recording considered contrary to accepted standards of behaviour.

LGBT

Homosexual behaviour is not illegal, but public displays of affection such as kissing or handholding by same-sex couples could lead to prosecution by the authorities under laws prohibiting attacks on "good morals" given the cultural norms in Djiboutian society.

Illegal or restricted activities

Consumption of alcohol is authorized, but public displays of drunkenness could result in a two-year prison term. The use of drugs is prohibited. Hunting is prohibited by law. Photography of military installations is prohibited. Your equipment will be confiscated and you could be arrested. Whilst drinking alcohol is permitted, drunken behaviour could result in a two-year prison term.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended.