Djibouti

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Djibouti. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Djibouti may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences
• Attend training workshops
• Develop professional business contacts
• Negotiate business contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Djibouti?

All foreign nationals require a either a Short-Stay Visa or Long-Stay Visa to enter Djibouti to conduct business activities. Many select nationals can obtain a Short-Stay Visa or Long-Stay Visa upon arrival to Djibouti. If you are not eligible to obtain a visa on arrival, you must obtain a visa prior to travel from a Djibouti Embassy or Consulate.

There are no nationals who are exempt from the visa requirement in Djibouti.

Working in Djibouti

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Djiboutian law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Djibouti, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning and implementation
• Installation and testing of software
• Consulting

In some cases, you may be eligible to conduct short-term technical, after-sales activities without a work permit; however, a legal assessment is recommended prior to travel to Djibouti.

If I am traveling to Djibouti for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you require work authorization depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Djibouti, and the duration of your work. The most common work authorization is the Work Permit (direct hire work permit).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement in Djibouti. However, a work permit exemption may exist based on your profession; however, a legal assessment is recommended prior to working in Djibouti.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.