Social ConventionsCasual wear is widely acceptable, but visitors are reminded that Djibouti is a Muslim country and certain codes of behavior should be observed.
International Travel:Getting There by AirDjibouti-based
Daallo Airlines (D3) (website:
www.daallo.com) operates flights to Paris and services to Ethiopia, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Somalia.
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsDjibouti (JIB) is 5km (3 miles) south of the city.
To/from the airport: Taxis are available.
Facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, left luggage, tourist information, car hire (
Maril), bureau de change and a craft shop.
Getting There by RailThe
Djibouti–Ethiopian Railway operates regular trains between Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa with one train daily connecting with Djibouti; in theory, tourists and businesspeople can use this service (for which they should book first-class tickets only), but it is not recommended as trains are old, fairly unreliable and the volatile security situation in Ethiopia is causing considerable risks to all travelers.
Getting There by RoadThere are roads from Djibouti to Assab (Eritrea) and going west into Ethiopia via Dikhil. Travelers using them should be aware that road conditions are generally poor (the roads are more often dirt tracks than asphalted) and personal security might be at risk when traveling – particularly to Ethiopia (see
Getting Around for information on documentation required).
Visitors are also advised to check transit regulations as political conditions in Ethiopia and Eritrea are changeable. Currently, there are no problems with traveling to Eritrea and no formal border posts. Travel to neighboring Somalia (which has bus links with Djibouti) is
not recommended due to the highly unstable political situation.
OverviewAs for France (see
France section). Currency must be declared on arrival. Firearms must be declared on entry and exit.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirPrivate charters may be available.
Getting Around by WaterFerry services sail daily from
L'Escale (Djibouti) to
Tadjoura and
Obock (on the northeast coast of the Gulf of Tadjoura). The journey takes 3 hours.
Getting Around by RailThe only service is provided by daily train to the border with Ethiopia (see
Travel – International section).
Getting Around by RoadFour-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for the interior. There is a new highway from Djibouti to Tadjoura. Traffic drives on the right.
Bus: Buses operate from Djibouti to most towns and villages throughout the country. Buses leave when they are full.
Car hire: Available in Djibouti and at the airport. It is advisable to carry water and petrol on any expedition off main routes.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended, although not legally required. A temporary license to drive is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid British or Northern Ireland driving license. Insurance is not required.
Getting Around Towns and CitiesA minibus service operates in Djibouti, stopping on demand. A flat-fare system is used.
Taxi: These are available in Djibouti and from the airport to the town; also in Ali-Sabieh, Dikhil, Dorale and Arta. Fares increase by 50 per cent after dark.
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