Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Djibouti, but the process is simple – you can apply for an e-Visa online in minutes or obtain a visa on arrival at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. This guide covers every option, cost, and document Filipino citizens need for a hassle-free Djibouti visa.
Do Filipino Citizens Need a Visa for Djibouti?
Yes. All Filipino passport holders must obtain a visa before entering Djibouti. There is no visa-free arrangement between the Philippines and Djibouti. However, Filipino citizens have two convenient options:
- e-Visa – Apply online through the official Djibouti e-Visa portal before travel
- Visa on Arrival – Obtain a visa at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport upon landing
Both options are available to Filipino nationals, making Djibouti one of the more accessible African destinations for Philippine travelers.
Djibouti Visa Options for Filipino Citizens
| Feature | e-Visa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| **Where to apply** | Online (evisa.gouv.dj) | Djibouti airport |
| **When to apply** | Before travel (1-3 days processing) | On arrival |
| **30-day fee** | ~$12 USD | ~$12 USD |
| **90-day fee** | ~$23 USD | ~$23 USD |
| **Processing time** | 1-3 business days | Immediate (queue at airport) |
| **Guaranteed before travel** | Yes | No (subject to officer discretion) |
| **Recommended** | **Yes – recommended** | Backup option |
The e-Visa is the recommended option for Filipino citizens because it guarantees entry approval before you board your flight. Visa on arrival works but carries a small risk of delays or additional questioning at the airport.
Djibouti Visa Fees for Filipino Citizens
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) | Fee (PHP approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa | 30 days (single entry) | $12 | ~₱690 |
| Tourist e-Visa | 90 days (single entry) | $23 | ~₱1,320 |
| Transit Visa | Up to 3 days | $12 | ~₱690 |
| Visa on Arrival | 30 days | $12 | ~₱690 |
| Visa on Arrival | 90 days | $23 | ~₱1,320 |
PHP estimates based on approximate exchange rates. Actual amounts may vary at the time of payment.
Fees are payable by credit or debit card for e-Visa applications. Visa on arrival fees are typically paid in USD cash at the airport.
Documents Required for Filipino Citizens
To apply for a Djibouti visa (e-Visa or visa on arrival), Filipino citizens need:
- Valid Philippine passport – minimum 6 months validity from the date of entry into Djibouti
- Passport-size photograph – recent, white background (digital copy for e-Visa)
- Return/onward flight ticket – proof of travel plans
- Hotel reservation or accommodation proof – booking confirmation in Djibouti
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (including parts of Africa and South America)
- Sufficient funds – evidence you can support yourself during your stay
- Completed application form – online for e-Visa, paper form for visa on arrival
How to Apply for a Djibouti e-Visa from the Philippines
Follow these steps to get your Djibouti e-Visa from the Philippines:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to evisa.gouv.dj – the official Djibouti government e-Visa website.
Step 2: Create an Account
Register with your email address and create a password.
Step 3: Select Visa Type
Choose “Tourist Visa” and select your desired duration (30 days or 90 days).
Step 4: Fill in Personal Details
Enter your full name, date of birth, nationality (Philippines), passport number, and contact information exactly as they appear on your passport.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload a digital passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s biographical page.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard accepted).
Step 7: Submit and Wait
Submit your application. Processing typically takes 1-3 business days. You will receive your approved e-Visa by email.
Step 8: Print Your e-Visa
Print the e-Visa approval letter and carry it with your passport when traveling to Djibouti.
Visa on Arrival at Djibouti Airport for Filipino Passport Holders
Filipino citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB). Here is what to expect:
- Arrive at the airport and proceed to the visa on arrival counter
- Fill out the arrival form provided at the counter
- Present your documents – passport, return ticket, hotel booking, passport photo
- Pay the fee in USD cash – $12 for 30 days or $23 for 90 days
- Receive your visa stamp and proceed through immigration
Tips for Filipino travelers using visa on arrival:
– Carry exact USD cash – change may not be available
– Have printed copies of all documents (hotel booking, return ticket)
– Arrive prepared – queues can be long during peak hours
– Consider the e-Visa instead to avoid uncertainty
Processing Time and Approval
| Application Method | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (standard) | 1-3 business days |
| e-Visa (expedited) | Not officially available |
| Visa on Arrival | Immediate (at airport) |
e-Visa approvals are sent to your registered email address. If you do not receive a response within 5 business days, check your spam folder or contact the e-Visa support team through the portal.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Filipino travelers to Djibouti should be aware of these health requirements:
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: Required if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The Philippines is NOT a yellow fever country, but if you have a layover in an endemic country (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya), you may need the certificate.
- Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio).
- Malaria Prevention: Djibouti has a low risk of malaria. Consult your doctor about antimalarial medication.
- COVID-19: Check the latest entry requirements as they may change.
Djibouti Embassy and Consulate in the Philippines
The Philippines does not have a Djibouti embassy. The nearest Djibouti diplomatic mission for Filipino citizens is:
- Embassy of Djibouti, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) – Handles consular services for Filipino nationals
- Djibouti Permanent Mission to the UN, New York – For specific inquiries
For most Filipino travelers, the e-Visa portal is the fastest and most reliable way to get a visa without visiting an embassy.
FAQs About Djibouti Visa for Filipino Citizens
Can Filipino citizens get a visa on arrival in Djibouti?
Yes. Filipino passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport. The fee is $12 USD for 30 days or $23 USD for 90 days, payable in cash.
How much does a Djibouti visa cost for Filipino citizens?
A Djibouti tourist visa costs $12 USD (~₱690) for 30 days or $23 USD (~₱1,320) for 90 days. This applies to both e-Visa and visa on arrival.
How long does it take to get a Djibouti e-Visa from the Philippines?
Processing typically takes 1-3 business days. You apply online at evisa.gouv.dj and receive the approved visa by email.
Do Filipinos need a yellow fever certificate for Djibouti?
Not if flying directly from the Philippines. However, if you transit through or have visited a yellow fever endemic country (such as Ethiopia or Kenya), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Is there a Djibouti embassy in the Philippines?
No. The Philippines does not have a Djibouti embassy. Filipino citizens should use the e-Visa portal (evisa.gouv.dj) for their visa application, or contact the nearest Djibouti diplomatic mission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What is the validity of a Djibouti e-Visa for Filipino passport holders?
The e-Visa is available for 30 days or 90 days (single entry). The validity starts from the date of entry into Djibouti, not the date of issue.
Can I extend my Djibouti visa while in the country?
Visa extensions may be possible through the Djibouti immigration office. It is advisable to apply for the 90-day visa if you plan a longer stay rather than relying on extensions.
