Djibouti Travel Advice & Safety

Djibouti

Telecommunications

Communications networks are limited in the city of Djibouti. Outside the capital, mobile coverage is often unavailable or non-existent. Consider getting a local SIM. You will need to present your passport to purchase a local SIM.

Landmines

Djibouti is a ‘mine-safe’ country. This means landmines have been identified and marked, but haven’t been removed.

For your safety, remain on paved roads, especially in:

northern districts of Tadjoura and Obock
southern district of Ali Sabieh

Remote areas

Security is limited in remote areas, including regions bordering Ethiopia and Somalia.

You need permission from the Government of Djibouti to travel above the 12° north latitude line, which passes through Obock.

Avoid travel to remote areas.

Essential services

Djibouti is one of the world’s most arid countries experiencing severe drought. In some areas, the drought may affect:

local services
water availability
basic food availability

Driving permit

To drive in Djibouti, you need both:

a valid Australian driver’s licence
a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Conditions on roads are unsafe, especially in central Djibouti and the Ethiopia-Djibouti border.

Hazards include:

narrow or poorly lit roads
poorly maintained roads and vehicles
poorly managed traffic
inadequate signs at railway crossings
roaming livestock, especially at night

The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. Exercise caution at intersections; drivers often run red lights and do not stop at intersections. Avoid driving outside the city, especially to the north and Abbey Lake.

Police have set up wire coils as roadblocks on some major roads, which can be difficult to see at night.

In an accident, drivers must wait at the scene until police arrive.

Bandit groups are a threat outside the capital.

Before you drive:

check you have adequate insurance
check local traffic laws and practices
check local information on road conditions, including security risks

To reduce your risks while driving:

before embarking on long drives, get enough fuel
only drive outside the capital during daylight hours and in a convoy
be alert to hazards, especially at night
don’t drink and drive

More information

Motorcycles

Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Avoid using taxis; they are often in poor condition and unsafe.

Use a reputable car rental company or hotel transport provider. 

Public transport

Public transport is limited to bus and ferry services between the capital city and the towns of Tadjoura and Obock. Avoid travel by public transport.

Don’t travel at night.

More information:

Sea travel

There’s a high risk of piracy in coastal areas. See Safety

To stay safe when travelling on the water:

use a reputable provider
always wear a life jacket
exercise extreme caution
take appropriate security precautions

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Djibouti’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Source link : https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/djibouti

Author :

Publish date : 2024-04-08 07:00:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Exit mobile version