djibouti

Djibouti Travel Safety

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Travel Safety in Djibouti

General travel safety in Djibouti on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.

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Djibouti

Updates

Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024

Status

LEVEL 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional exceptions)

There are more or higher risks than what you would typically find at locations with level 1. You should do your research and take extra precautions. The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. The destination may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force. In some cases, there may be a risk that the security environment could change with little warning. This level may also reflect a passing event, such as political unrest or a short-term increase in a location's domestic terrorism level.

Update 13 October 2024 • Source: travel.gc.ca

Safety and Security Tips

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.

Update 1 November 2020

Emergency Calls

  • Police17
  • Fire18
  • Ambulance19

Embassy of us

American Embassy in Djibouti Ville

Address

Lot 350-B Haramouss

CityDjibouti Ville
Telephone(+253) 21-45-30-00
Fax(+253) 21-45-31-29
Website
E-mail-
Consular and diplomatic assistance for citizens of United States • Update 3 November 2020

Local Law and Culture

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.

Update 1 November 2020

Vaccinations and Medications

A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.

Stay Healthy and Safe

Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Djibouti.

Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.

It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

Prevention
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Djibouti

Brak danych

Areas with malaria

All

Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.

The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Some travelers

Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.

Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.

The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Keep away from animals

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.

Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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