Overview
Djibouti is a country in Africa according to a2zgov. Djibouti was originally home to nomadic tribes, the main representatives of which, the Afar and the Issa, have close ties to Ethiopia and Somalia. In 1862, the French occupiers signed a treaty ceding lands on the northern coast to the Afar leaders. During the following decades, the relationship with France grew ever closer. French Somaliland, as Djibouti was then called, became French Overseas Territory in 1945 and French Afar and Issa Territory in 1967. Djibouti gained independence from France in 1977. Since Djibouti controls access to the Red Sea, it is of great strategic importance.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Djibouti-based airline Daallo Airlines (D3) does not fly to European airports. Ethiopian Airlines (ET) flies in code share with Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M. and with Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna via Addis Ababa to Djibouti; Feeder flights from Zurich to Frankfurt/M. and Vienna with Swiss (LX). Furthermore, Turkish Airlines (TK) flies via Istanbul and Air France (AF) via Paris from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich to Djibouti and Qatar Airways (QR) offers flights from Frankfurt/M. and Vienna with a stopover in Doha.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Djibouti: 10 hrs 30 mins; Vienna – Djibouti: 9 hrs 5 mins; Zurich – Djibouti: 9 hours 50 minutes (each with intermediate stops).
Departure fee
Airport fees for departures to – neighboring countries: approx. €25 (DJF 5,000); – other African countries as well as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates: approx. €61 (DJF 12,000); – all other countries: approx. €75 (DJF 15,000).
Arrival by car
There are road connections to the neighboring countries of Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. However, travelers should be aware of the existing security risks when traveling to the border regions between Djibouti and Eritrea, Somalia and sometimes Ethiopia. Tolls: There are no toll roads in Djibouti. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient; However, it is recommended that you also carry your international driver’s license with you.
Note on arrival by car
Driving at night should always be avoided and always driven in a convoy on roads with little traffic. In the event of an accident, you should definitely notify the police (Tel. No. 17) and have an accident report made.
Arrival by train
The Djibouti-Ethiopian Railway operates between Addis Ababa and Djibouti every 2 days. Departs Addis Ababa on odd days and Djibouti on even days (journey time: 12 hrs 40 mins).
Arrival by ship
Djibouti City has one of the most important ports in East Africa. Ferry connections can be inquired at the port. However, travelers should consider the difficult security situation.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Private charter flights can be booked with providers such as SimpleCharters or Princejets.
Traveling by car/bus
Djibouti’s road network has a total length of approximately 3,100 km. Only the routes from Djibouti city to Dorale, Tadjoura and Galafi via Dikhil are equipped with hard surface. Driving at night should always be avoided and always driven in a convoy on roads with little traffic. In the event of an accident, the police (Tel. No. 17) should be notified and an accident report made.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
About 400 km of the entire road network has a solid surface; the remaining roads are unpaved tracks that are only passable with four-wheel drive vehicles.
Road classification
Djibouti’s road network includes national roads, marked with the letters RN and a number, and regional roads.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at the airport and in Djibouti City.
Taxi
Taxis are available in larger towns. Bush taxis drive inland.
Coach
Buses connect Djibouti city with all cities and many villages in the country. The buses do not run according to the timetable, but only when they are full.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – extra-urban: 80 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the rental company must always be contacted first.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient; however, it is advisable to also carry the international driver’s license with you.
Traveling in the city
Minibuses operate in Djibouti City, stopping as needed. Taxis are available in Djibouti city and airport, Ali-Sabieh, Dikhil, Dorale and Arta.
Locally on the way by train
Djibouti’s only railway line is a section of the Djibouti-Addis Ababa line (Ethiopia). Trains run from Djibouti City to the Ethiopian border at Elka Guelile on even days and vice versa on odd days.
Traveling by ship
From mid-September to mid-June, there are several weekly ferry connections between Djibouti City and Tadjoura and Obock, on the north-east coast of the Gulf of Tadjoura (journey time: 3 hours).