Travel Report for Djibouti

Country Profile for
Djibouti

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: August 29, 2006 16:08 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:51 EST

Djibouti

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 6 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

See our Current Issues for information on Avian Influenza.

Although the general political climate is stable since the violent protests that took place in the capital, following controversial presidential elections in early April 2005, further demonstrations and unrest can occur.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Street crime occurs. You should exercise caution when travelling to remote areas of the country, including the borders with

. The presence of Djiboutian security forces is limited in these areas.

Do not show signs of affluence and ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure. You should always carry identification, preferably a certified true copy of your passport's identification page. Avoid walking alone after dark.

As terrorist attacks in

Kenya

demonstrate, the possibility for further attacks on civilian targets puts Canadians at increased risk in east Africa, including

Djibouti

. You should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. Exercise appropriate caution, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping areas. Canadians should monitor local developments, avoid demonstrations, as well as register and remain in regular contact with the Consulate of Canada in

Djibouti

(see below).

Overland travel should be undertaken only during daylight hours in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with sufficient water. Canadians should contact the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Consulate of Canada in Djibouti (see below), or local authorities for the latest security information prior to overland travel.

Modern tourist facilities and communications networks are limited in the city of Djibouti and scarce in many outlying areas. Outside the capital, cell phone coverage is often unavailable, making it difficult to call to authorities for help in case of emergency.

Because of their isolation, avoid visiting the beaches of Dorale and Khor Ambado late in the afternoon.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution in the capital. Do not travel after dark. Streets are narrow and 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, the driver should wait until the police arrive on the scene.

Since the operating gas stations are located at a considerable distance from one another (mostly in the cities of

Djibouti

, Ali Sabieh, Dikhil, Tadjoura and Obock), travelers should ensure they have sufficient fuel provisions in reserve before undertaking long routes.

While

Djibouti

has been declared a “mine-safe” country, you should stay on paved roads, particularly in the northern districts of Tadjoureh and Obock as well as the Ali Sabieh district in the south, where mines have been found in the past.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Intercity public travel is limited to bus and ferry services between

Djibouti

and the towns of Tadjoureh and Obock. Buses are poorly maintained and driven erratically.
You should avoid travel by road or rail to

Djibouti

. There have been acts of sabotage and derailment on the Djibouti-Ethiopia railway.

Piracy can occur in Djiboutian coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. Whenever possible, transit in trafficked sea-lanes. When sailing in and around the Horn of Africa, in the southern part of the Red Sea near the coasts of

Yemen

and in the Gulf of Aden, vessels should convoy in groups and maintain good communications at all times. The Yemeni Coast Guard 24-hour Operations Centre can be contacted in case of emergency at 967-1562-402. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The climate is very dry and hot from May to October. Several years of low rainfall caused severe drought conditions in most areas of

Djibouti

. This can affect travel and availability of basic supplies.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Islamic practices and beliefs are part of the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. It is forbidden to produce, display publicly or sell any object, image, film or audio-visual recording considered contrary to accepted standards of behaviour. The prohibition on the use of drugs must be respected. Consumption of alcohol is authorised, but public displays of drunkenness could result in a two-year prison term.

Homosexuality is illegal.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.

Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of firearms. Canadians should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in Washington (see below) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Hunting is forbidden by law.

Photography of military installations is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women wearing the veil.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Djibouti - DJIBOUTI, Consulate of Canada
Address: Place Lagarde, Djibouti, Djibouti
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1188, Djibouti, Djibouti
Tel.: 25 (3) 35-38-59 or 35-59-50
Fax: 25 (3) 35-00-14
E-mail: georgalis@intnet.dj

The Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has consular responsibility for Djibouti. The address is as follows:

Ethiopia - ADDIS ABABA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Old Airport Area, Nifas Silk Lafto K.K. Kebele 4, House # 122, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1130, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel.: 251 (0) 11-371-3022
Fax: 251 (0) 11-371-3033
E-mail: addis@international.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and follow the instructions. You may also wish to call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Djiboutian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 15, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Djibouti. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required (A tourist visa is issued to students)

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for those arriving from infected areas.

A US$20 airport tax is charged upon departure.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Djiboutian franc (DJF). Credit cards are accepted only by airline companies and some major hotels. Traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars can be cashed at banks. There are only a few ATMs. They are frequently broken and should not be depended upon as the sole means for obtaining currency. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Djibouti (capital: Djibouti) is located in northeast Africa, bordered by Eritrea, the Red Sea, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Tourist facilities and services are limited. The official languages are Arabic and French.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited in the capital and practically nonexistent in many outlying areas. Medicines are often unavailable and can be extremely expensive.

The water is heavily chlorinated and could cause abdominal discomfort. Visitors should drink bottled water for the duration of their stay. The water outside main cities and towns could be potentially contaminated.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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