Djibouti Business Visa: How to Apply

The Djibouti business visa is available through the online eVisa system at evisa.gouv.dj and costs $23 USD. You need a valid passport, a passport photo, and an invitation letter from a Djibouti-based company or organization. Processing takes 4-7 business days. The entire application is completed online – no embassy visit required.

What Is the Djibouti Business Visa?

The Djibouti business visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to enter Djibouti for professional purposes. It falls under the short-stay eVisa category and is processed through the same online system used for tourist visas.

The business eVisa covers:
– Business meetings and negotiations
– Conferences and trade events
– Commercial site visits
– Contract signing and deal-making
– Industry exhibitions and fairs
– Consulting and advisory engagements

The key distinction from a tourist visa is the invitation letter requirement. The Djibouti government requires proof that a local entity is expecting you for business purposes.

Important: The business eVisa does not authorize employment. If you plan to work in Djibouti (receive a salary from a Djibouti employer), you need a work visa instead, which requires a separate application through a Djibouti embassy.

Business Visa vs Tourist Visa: Key Differences

The fees, processing times, and application methods are identical. The only practical difference is the documentation you submit. If your trip combines tourism and business, apply for the visa that matches your primary purpose.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Go to the Official Portal

Navigate to evisa.gouv.dj – the only official Djibouti eVisa website. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra service fees.

Step 2: Create an Account

Register with your email address. You will receive a confirmation email. Click the link to activate your account.

Step 3: Select “Business” as Your Visa Type

When prompted to choose your visa category, select Business (not Tourist or Transit). This determines the documents you will need to upload.

Step 4: Fill in Personal Details

Enter your information exactly as it appears on your passport:
– Full name (first, middle, last)
– Date of birth
– Nationality
– Passport number and expiry date
– Contact information (email, phone number)
– Current residential address

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload the following files (see detailed requirements in the next section):
– Passport bio page scan
– Passport-style photograph
– Invitation letter from Djibouti-based company
– Return flight booking confirmation
– Proof of accommodation

Step 6: Pay and Submit

Pay the $23 USD fee using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. After payment, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.

Tip: Print your confirmation email or save the reference number. You will need it to check your application status.

Required Documents

Standard Documents (All Applicants)

Business-Specific Document: The Invitation Letter

This is the document that separates a business visa from a tourist visa. The invitation letter must come from a company, organization, or business contact based in Djibouti.

What the invitation letter must include:
– Host company’s full legal name and address
– Company registration number or tax ID
– Your full name (matching your passport)
– Purpose of your visit (meeting, conference, trade event, etc.)
– Planned dates of your stay
– Where you will be staying in Djibouti
– Name, title, and contact details of the person inviting you
– Company letterhead and official stamp (if available)
– Signature of the authorized representative

Who can issue the invitation letter:
– A Djibouti-registered company you are doing business with
– A conference or trade event organizer in Djibouti
– A Djibouti government agency or institution
– A business partner or client based in Djibouti

What if I do not have an invitation letter? You cannot obtain a business eVisa without one. If you are attending a public conference or trade show, contact the event organizer – they routinely issue invitation letters for international attendees. If you are exploring business opportunities without a specific contact, consider applying for a tourist eVisa instead, as the business visa requires a specific host in Djibouti.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are traveling from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This applies regardless of visa type. Check the WHO country list to see if your departure country requires this certificate.

Photo Requirements

Your passport photo must meet these specifications:

Photos that do not meet these specifications are the most common reason for application delays. Take a new photo if yours is older than 6 months or does not match these requirements.

Fees and Payment

The Djibouti business eVisa costs $23 USD. This is the same fee as the tourist short-stay visa.

Payment methods accepted at evisa.gouv.dj:
– Visa credit/debit cards
– Mastercard credit/debit cards
– American Express

No refund on denial. The $23 fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected. Make sure your documents are complete and accurate before submitting.

Currency note: The fee is charged in US dollars. If your card uses a different currency, your bank will convert it at their exchange rate. A foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%) may apply.

Processing Time

Standard processing takes 4-7 business days from the date of submission. Some applications may be processed faster, but plan for the full 7 days.

Factors that can delay processing:
– Incomplete or unclear document uploads
– Photo not meeting specifications
– Invitation letter missing required information
– High application volumes (holiday periods, major events)

When to apply: Submit your application at least 2 weeks before your travel date. This gives you buffer time if additional documents are requested or if processing takes the full 7 days.

How to check status: Log into your account at evisa.gouv.dj and check the application status using your reference number. You will also receive email notifications when the status changes.

For more details on processing timelines, see our guide on Djibouti visa processing time.

After Approval: What to Do

Once your business eVisa is approved:

1. Download and print your eVisa approval. You will receive it as a PDF attachment via email.
2. Print at least 2 copies – one for your carry-on bag and one as a backup.
3. Carry your passport – the eVisa is linked to your passport number. The passport you applied with must be the one you travel with.
4. Present at immigration – upon arrival at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, present your printed eVisa and passport at the immigration counter.
5. Keep your eVisa – you may need it during your stay for hotel check-in or other formalities.

Validity note: The eVisa validity starts from the date of issue, not the date of entry. If your eVisa is valid for 30 days and was issued on January 1, you must enter Djibouti before January 31 regardless of when your business meetings are scheduled.

Business Visa Extension in Djibouti

If your business stay needs to be longer than your visa allows, you can apply for an extension.

How to extend:
– Visit the Direction Generale de la Police Nationale in Djibouti City before your visa expires
– Bring your passport, printed eVisa, and a letter explaining why you need an extension
– Bring supporting documents (extended meeting schedule, new invitation letter, etc.)
– Pay the extension fee (amount varies – confirm at the immigration office)

Important:
– Extensions are not guaranteed – they are assessed case by case
– Apply before your visa expires – overstaying results in fines, detention, and possible bans on future entry
– The maximum extension period varies, but typically adds 15-30 days

Business Visa vs Work Visa

These are two different visa categories with different purposes and requirements:

When to use a business eVisa: You are visiting Djibouti for meetings, conferences, negotiations, or commercial activities, but you remain employed by a company outside Djibouti.

When to use a work visa: You have accepted a job with a Djibouti-based employer and will receive a salary from them. Your employer must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour before you can apply.

For a full overview of all visa types, see Djibouti visa types.

Frequently Asked Questions