Country Profile - Djibouti

Mobile telephone: AMPS network offers coverage of the capital and 40km (25 miles) around it. Handsets can be hired at the main post office. A GSM 900 service is available through Djibouti Telecom SA (website: www.intnet.dj).

Fax: There are no public facilities.

Internet: Services are accessible in the main post office and some hotels. There is at least one Internet cafe in Djibouti. ISPs include the Société des Télécommunications Internationales de Djibouti (website: www.intnet.dj).

Telegram: Telegrams can be sent from the main post office from 0700-2000. Telegram services are also available at the Telegraph office.

Post: Letters and parcels to western Europe can take about 1 week by airmail or up to 3 weeks by surface mail

Press: Djibouti has no daily papers. A weekly newspaper, La Nation de Djibouti, is published in French. There is at least one Arabic newspaper. Other weekly newspapers published in French include Le Progrès, Le Renouveau, La Republique and Le Temps. Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Passport/Visa:

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for 6 months beyond date of departure required by all.

VISAS: Required by all except: transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Types of visa and cost: Entry (visa de séjour); Tourist (visa de tourisme); Business (visa d’affaires); Transit (visa de transit). All visas cost the equivalent of €35.00.

Validity: From 1 day to 3 months. An extension may be granted in Djibouti on request to the Headquarters of the Police Nationale.

Application to: The Embassy in Paris (see Contact Addresses section). 10-day transit visas can be issued at the point of entry to visitors holding confirmed return air tickets. A fee will be charged. This facility is only available to nationals from countries where Djibouti has no diplomatic representation. Contact the Embassy in Paris for further information.

Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Two application forms completed in French. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) The equivalent of €35.00 plus €5 to cover postage within France or €6 to cover postage from abroad; the amount should be sent in the form of a postal or money order, not a cheque. (e) A valid residence permit, if residing in a country which is not the citizen’s native home. (f) Return or onward ticket. (g) For business visits, a letter from the employer or a letter of invitation from the company in Djibouti.

Working days required: Normally 24 hours (for personal applications). 4 to 5 days (for postal applications).

Money

Currency: Djibouti Franc (Djf) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Djf10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of Djf500, 100, 50, 20 and 10.

Currency exchange: Currency can be exchanged at major banks and hotels, or at authorised bureaux de change in the capital. The bureaux de change are open all day, while the banks have limited opening hours.

Credit & debit cards: These are only accepted by airlines and some of the larger hotels.

Travellers cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Euros. Euro and Sterling cheques are not accepted unless marked as ‘External Account’ or ‘Pour Compte Etranger’. The majority of banks are in the place du 27 juin area.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Djibouti Franc against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import or export of either foreign or local currency.

Banking hours: Sat-Thurs 0715-1145.

Duty Free

Duty-Free: As for France (see France section). Firearms must be declared on entry and exit.

Public Holidays

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 2 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 22 El-am-Hejir (Islamic New Year). May 1 Labour Day. May 2 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). Jun 27 Independence Day. Nov 14-16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Jan 21 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 10 El-am-Hejir (Islamic New Year). Apr 21 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 1 Labour Day. Jun 27 Independence Day. Nov 3-5 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day.

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region. For more information see the appendix World of Islam section.

Health

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Djibouti. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding if these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. For more information consult the Health appendix.

3: Immunisation against typhoid is usually advised.

4: Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the whole country. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.

Food & drink: Mains water is normally heavily chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Diarrhoeal disease, giardiasis, dysentery and typhoid fever are widespread throughout the country. Hepatitis A, B and E occur and precautions should be taken. Visitors should also consider immunisation against diphtheria. Meningococcal meningitis risk exists, depending on area and time of year. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: Health insurance is advisable. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for any form of medical treatment.

Travel – International

AIR: Air France (AF) (website: www.airfrance.com) operates three flights a week from Paris to Djibouti, stopping en route in Jeddah. Djibouti-based Daallo Airlines (D3) operates flights to Paris and services to Ethiopia, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. Other airlines offering services to Djibouti include Air Kenya, Air Tanzania, Djibouti Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Yemenia Yemen Airways.

Approximate flight times: From Djibouti to London is 10 hours (including stopovers).

International airports: Djibouti (JIB) is 5km (3 miles) south of the city. Taxis are available. Airport facilities include duty-free shops, restaurants, left luggage, tourist information, car hire (Maril), bureau de change and a craft shop.

Departure tax: None.

RAIL: The 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 travellers.

ROAD: There are roads from Djibouti to Assab (Eritrea) and going west into Ethiopia via Dikhil. Travellers 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 travelling – particularly to Ethiopia (see Travel – Internal section for information on documentation required). Visitors are also advised to check transit regulations as political conditions in Ethiopia and Eritrea are changeable. Travel to neighbouring Somalia (which has bus links with Djibouti) is not recommended due to the highly unstable political situation in Somalia.

Travel – Internal

AIR: Private charters may be available.

SEA: Ferry services sail daily to Tadjoura and Obock (on the northeast coast of the Gulf of Tadjoura) from Djibouti (3 hours).

RAIL: The only service is provided by daily train to the border with Ethiopia (see Travel – International section).

ROAD: 4-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. 4-wheel-drive vehicles are also available. 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 licence to drive is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid British or Northern Ireland driving licence. Insurance is not required.

URBAN: A 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.

Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION: Hotels in Djibouti tend to be expensive and the few cheap hotels are somewhat rundown. There is a small number of first-class hotels.

Outside Djibouti, accommodation is limited, although attention is being given to upgrading and adding to the accommodation available in the hinterland. The rest shelter at Ali-Sabieh, a provincial town in the hills, has been enlarged, and a large shaded terrace and simple cooking facilities have also been added. Countrywide, however, much remains to be done. The Government would like to establish a network of rest houses similar to the one at Ali-Sabieh throughout the country. In addition, it hopes to build several beach shelters.

Sport & Activities

Watersports: The beaches at Doralé and Khor-Ambade, which are both about 15km (10 miles) from Djibouti, offer safe swimming. Also just outside the city is the Ambouli palm grove, a pleasant place to stroll during the cooler parts of the day. Another good beach can be found at Ghoubet al Kharab, which is about an hour’s drive from Lake Assal, and where black-lava cliffs border the beach. The Gulf of Tadjoura (especially Obock) contains many species of fish and coral and is ideal for diving, snorkelling and underwater photography; in many places, the coral reefs are easily accessible from the beaches. The best time for these activities is from September to May when the waters of the Red Sea are clear. Waterskiing and windsurfing can also be arranged.

Wildlife: Geology and wildlife enthusiasts may head to the wilderness around Lake Abbé (accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles only), a gathering place for flamingoes and pelicans and the location of strange natural steaming chimneys. It is possible to windsurf on wheels in the desert areas.

Note: Hunting is forbidden throughout the country.

Social Profile

Food & Drink: There are restaurants to suit all tastes, serving French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arab and local specialities. Alcoholic beverages will be limited in Muslim areas (particularly during Ramadan).

Shopping: Lively and colourful local markets are well worth visiting and local crafts and artefacts can be bought. Shopping hours: Daily 0730-1200 and 1600-1900.

Special Events: Friday is a holiday for offices and government institutions. Djibouti observes all Islamic feasts and holidays.

Social Conventions: Casual wear is widely acceptable, but visitors are reminded that Djibouti is a Muslim country and certain codes of behaviour should be observed. Tipping: A 10 per cent service charge is usually added to bills. Tipping is rare and never requested. Not usual for taxi drivers. A tariff is normally set but visitors will be charged at a higher rate.

Business Profile

Economy: Djibouti’s economic output fell by one-third during the 1990s largely due to the chaos which afflicted the Horn of Africa. Little of the mainly desert land will support crops and agriculture, and is therefore concentrated in livestock-rearing; this is mostly conducted by nomadic tribes. There is a small industrial sector devoted to light manufacturing of locally consumed products. Djibouti’s economic potential lies in the development of its service sector; in particular, transport facilities and banking. The deep-water port on the Bab-El-Mandeb Straits, which has developed as a major refuelling and transhipment facility, is vitally important to the country, as it is on the major oil route between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. In addition, the Government hopes to develop Djibouti as a general trading centre between Africa and the Middle East and as an important telecommunications hub for the region. However, at present, the country remains dependent on foreign aid, the bulk of which comes from France and Saudi Arabia. Unemployment, which affects perhaps half the workforce, is a particular problem. The country’s main trading partners are France, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen and Thailand.

Business: Suits should be worn. French and Arabic are the main languages used in business. As there are few, if any, interpreter services of note, a knowledge of either of these languages is essential. Business entertainment will often take place in hotels or restaurants. Office hours: Sat-Thurs 0620-1300.

Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Djibouti, BP 84, Djibouti (tel: 351 070 or 350 826; fax: 350 096; e-mail: cicid@intnet.dj.

Conferences/Conventions: Information can be obtained from the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Djibouti (see address above).

Climate

Climate: Extremely hot and particulary arid between June and August when the dusty Khamsin blows from the desert. Between October and April it is slightly cooler with occasional light rain.