Are you planning to visit the Republic of Djibouti as an Armenian? Whether you are enticed by the unusual scenery of Lake Assal or you are attracted by the busy streets of the capital, or you just need a short stop or transit, the first important thing to be aware of is the visa requirements. To the citizens of Armenia, the easiest entry mode is the Djibouti eVisa for Armenia Travelers , an effective electronic visa program that facilitates the process of entering the country in a very fast and convenient manner in terms of time.
This ultimate guide is what you should know about the Djibouti eVisa and prepare the most important questions and definitely get on top of the application process.
What is the Djibouti eVisa and is it Required for Armenian Passport Holders?
The Djibouti eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter and stay in the country for specific, short-term purposes.
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Yes, Armenian passport holders must obtain a visa to enter the Republic of Djibouti.
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The eVisa is typically intended for tourism, business, or short-term transit.
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It is designed to replace the traditional visa issued at the port of entry (Visa on Arrival), making the process faster and more convenient for travelers before they depart.
What are the Available Djibouti eVisa Options?
Armenian travelers can choose the electronic visa option that best suits their travel plans. The current eVisa system offers a single-entry authorization.
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14-Day eVisa: This option is ideal for travelers on a brief layover, a quick holiday, or a short business meeting. It grants a single entry and a maximum stay of 14 days.
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90-Day eVisa: This option is better suited for a longer, more immersive trip, allowing for an extended visit of up to 90 days with a single entry.
Which documents are required for Armenian Citizens eVisa?
To ensure your application is processed quickly and without delay, you must gather and prepare digital copies of all the necessary documents before you start the online process.
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Valid Armenian Passport Scan: A clear, high-quality copy of the biographical data page of your passport. Crucially, your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from your date of arrival in Djibouti.
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Recent Digital Passport-Style Photo: A recent, clear photograph of your face.
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Accommodation Proof: This can be a confirmed hotel booking for your stay or a formal letter of invitation from a host in Djibouti, including their contact details and address.
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Travel Itinerary: A copy of your round-trip or onward flight tickets, showing proof of your planned exit from Djibouti.
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A Valid Email Address: This is where all communication and the final approved eVisa document will be sent.
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A Credit or Debit Card: Required for the online payment of the visa fees.
What are the Djibouti eVisa Photo Requirements?
The digital photograph is a key part of your application. While the exact specifications may vary slightly depending on the official application portal, understanding the Djibouti Passport Visa Photo Requirements and adhering to these standard guidelines will help prevent rejections and ensure a smooth approval process.
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Format: The photograph must be a recent picture, typically taken within the last six months.
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Background: A plain white or off-white background is generally required.
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Pose: You should face the camera directly with a neutral expression. Headwear is generally only permitted for religious reasons, provided it does not obscure your face.
How Can Armenian Travelers Apply for the Djibouti eVisa Online?
The application process is designed to be completed entirely online, making it accessible from Armenia or anywhere else. This streamlined system allows travelers to Apply for Djibouti eVisa quickly and conveniently without visiting any office in person.
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Create an Account: You will typically need to register and confirm your email address.
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Fill Out the Form: Complete the online application form with your personal details, passport data, and travel information (purpose, dates, address in Djibouti).
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Upload Documents: Upload the digital copies of your passport scan, photo, flight tickets, and accommodation proof.
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Pay the Fee: Submit the required payment using your credit or debit card.
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Receive the eVisa: Once approved, the electronic visa will be sent to your registered email address as a PDF document. You must print this out and carry it with your passport.
How Long Does it Take to Get the Djibouti eVisa Approval?
The time it takes to process your eVisa is a major factor in planning your travel. Understanding the Processing Time for Djibouti eVisa is essential, as it can fluctuate based on demand and the processing option you choose.
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Processing Speed |
Typical Waiting Time |
Recommendation |
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Standard Processing |
4 to 7 Business Days |
Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your trip. |
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Rush Processing |
3 to 5 Business Days |
Suitable if you have a confirmed trip itinerary and limited time. |
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Super Rush Processing |
2 to 4 Business Days |
Best for urgent travel, though it often involves a higher fee. |
Note: It is highly recommended to apply for your eVisa well in advance to accommodate any unforeseen delays in the application review.
What are the Key Djibouti eVisa Fees for Armenian Passport Holders?
The total cost of your eVisa includes the core government fee. These prices are subject to change, but generally correlate with the duration of stay.
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14-Day Single Entry eVisa: Fees are typically lower.
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90-Day Single Entry eVisa: Fees are slightly higher due to the extended stay duration.
Pro-Tip: Always check the fee structure directly on the application portal at the time of your submission, as costs can be updated without prior notice.
Where Can I Check the Status of My eVisa Application?
After submitting your application and payment, you will receive a confirmation. The online application portal usually provides a feature where you can track the status of your application by entering a reference number or your personal details. Checking this status regularly will keep you informed of any updates or requests for additional information.
What Should I Do When I Arrive in Djibouti with My eVisa?
Upon arrival at the Ambouli International Airport, you must be prepared to present the following to the immigration officers:
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Your Valid Armenian Passport: Must meet the minimum six-month validity requirement.
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A Printed Copy of Your Approved eVisa: The PDF document sent to your email.
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Your Return or Onward Ticket: To prove your planned exit from the country.
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Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking or host’s invitation letter.
Important: The final decision on entry rests with the Djiboutian immigration authorities, even with a pre-approved eVisa.
Can I Extend My Djibouti eVisa While I Am in the Country?
The eVisa is issued for a specific period (14 or 90 days) and is generally intended for short, non-renewable stays. If you find you need to stay longer than initially planned, you would typically need to apply for a visa extension or a different type of permit through the local police or immigration services in Djibouti. This process is not guaranteed and requires submitting a formal request and providing a valid reason for the extension.
When Would I Need a Djibouti Long-Term Visa Instead of an eVisa?
The eVisa strictly covers short-term tourism, transit, or certain business activities. If your travel purpose falls outside of these categories, you will need to apply for a traditional long-term visa or residence permit before traveling.
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Employment or Work: If you are traveling to take up a job or seek employment.
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Study or Education: For enrollment in a Djiboutian educational institution.
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Long-Term Business Investment: Establishing or managing a significant business operation.
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Family Reunification: Joining a family member who is a legal resident or citizen of Djibouti.
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Research or Academia: Conducting extended professional or academic research.
Action Step: For any non-eVisa purpose, you should contact the nearest Djiboutian diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) for the correct application procedure.
What Common Visa Mistakes Should Armenian Travelers Avoid?
Even with a streamlined online process, minor errors can lead to application delays or even denial.
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Incomplete/Incorrect Application: Double-check every field, especially passport numbers and issue/expiry dates.
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Submitting Poor Quality Documents: Ensure all uploaded scans (passport, photo, tickets) are clear, legible, and meet the specified file size/format requirements.
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Ignoring the Passport Validity Rule: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon your date of arrival.
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Confusing eVisa Validity with Stay Duration: The eVisa may be valid (can be used to enter) for a certain period, but your permitted stay is limited to 14 or 90 days from arrival.
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Applying Too Late: The processing times (even ‘Super Rush’) are estimates, and delays happen. Always apply with a safety buffer.
Conclusion:
The eVisa product provided to Armenian visitors of Djibouti is an innovative and convenient method through which they can receive the permission to travel within short periods. With the knowledge of the document checklist, the two options of stay (14 or 90 days) and the process of application online, you can be sure that you are ready to go. Always make sure to ensure that all the entry requirements are checked long before travelling, more particularly the six month passport rule that is critical.