Djibouti is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, known for its strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping lanes, its diverse culture, and its beautiful landscapes. For those who wish to visit Djibouti to see family or friends or to engage in social activities, a family/social visit visa is required.

A family/social visit visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to visit Djibouti for a short period of time for the purpose of visiting family or friends or engaging in social activities. This type of visa is typically issued to individuals who have relatives or friends living in Djibouti and wish to visit them for a short period of time. It is also issued to individuals who wish to attend social events or ceremonies in Djibouti.

To obtain a family/social visit visa, applicants must provide certain documents and meet certain requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the country of origin of the applicant and the length of their stay in Djibouti. Generally, applicants must provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, proof of accommodation, proof of financial support, and a letter of invitation from the person or organization they will be visiting in Djibouti.

It is important to note that the visa application process may take several weeks, and applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date. Additionally, applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination and obtain certain vaccinations before entering Djibouti.

Once issued, a family/social visit visa allows the holder to enter Djibouti for a specific period of time, typically ranging from a few days to a few months. During their stay in Djibouti, visitors are expected to abide by the laws and regulations of the country and are not allowed to engage in any activities that are deemed illegal or immoral.

In summary, a family/social visit visa is required for foreign nationals who wish to visit Djibouti for the purpose of visiting family or friends or engaging in social activities. The visa application process can be lengthy, and applicants must provide certain documents and meet certain requirements to be eligible for the visa.

Who is eligible for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

A Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa is intended for individuals who want to visit their family members or friends in Djibouti. The following individuals are typically eligible to apply for this type of visa:

• Immediate family members (spouse, parents, children) of Djibouti citizens or residents.
• Extended family members (siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) of Djibouti citizens or residents.
• Friends of Djibouti citizens or residents who are invited for a social visit.

It's important to note that applicants may need to provide proof of their relationship with their Djibouti host, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or letter of invitation. Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Djibouti and that they intend to return to their home country after their visit.

How to apply for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit eVisa?

To apply for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit eVisa, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the official Djibouti eVisa website and select "Family/Social Visit" as the visa type.

• Fill out the online application form with your personal and travel information, including details about your Djibouti host, such as their full name and address.

• Upload the required supporting documents, which may include a copy of your passport, a letter of invitation from your Djibouti host, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Djibouti.

• Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.

• Submit your application and wait for it to be processed. You may be contacted by the Djiboutian immigration authorities if additional information or documentation is required.

• Once your visa application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to download your eVisa. Print out a copy of your eVisa and carry it with you when you travel to Djibouti.

It's important to apply for your Djibouti Family/Social Visit eVisa well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing. You should also make sure that you have all of the required documents and information ready before you begin the application process.

Through Embassy

To apply for a Djibouti family/social visit visa, you will need to follow these steps:

• Determine if you need a visa: Check if your country of citizenship is on the list of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter Djibouti for a family/social visit. If so, you will need to obtain a visa before traveling.

• Gather the required documents: You will need to provide the following documents to apply for a Djibouti family/social visit visa:
• A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
• A completed visa application form
• A letter of invitation from your host in Djibouti
• Proof of accommodation in Djibouti (hotel booking or letter of invitation indicating accommodation arrangements)
• Proof of financial support during your stay in Djibouti (bank statements or sponsorship letter)
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• A copy of your flight itinerary
  
  
• Submit your application: Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your visa application to the Djibouti embassy or consulate in your country. Some embassies and consulates may allow online visa applications.

• Pay the visa fee: You will need to pay the visa fee when you submit your application. The visa fee varies depending on the embassy/consulate and the length of your stay in Djibouti.
  
  
• Wait for processing: The processing time for a Djibouti family/social visit visa can take up to several weeks, so make sure to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. You may be required to attend an interview or provide additional documentation during the processing period.

• Receive your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa either by mail or in person at the embassy/consulate where you submitted your application.

What is the processing time for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

The processing time for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit eVisa is typically 1-3 business days. It's important to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing. You should also make sure that you have all of the required documents and information ready before you begin the application process, as any missing or incomplete information can delay the processing of your visa application.

If you need your visa urgently, you may be able to request expedited processing for an additional fee. However, this option is typically only available in certain circumstances, such as for medical emergencies or urgent business travel.

What is the duration of a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

The duration of a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa can vary depending on the specific visa type and the discretion of the Djibouti immigration authorities. However, typically a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa is issued for a period of 30 days to 90 days. It's important to note that the visa validity period is not the same as the duration of stay allowed in Djibouti. The visa validity period indicates the time frame during which you can use the visa to enter Djibouti, while the duration of stay refers to the actual amount of time you are permitted to remain in Djibouti. 

Can a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa be extended?

Yes, a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa can be extended for a maximum period of 90 days. However, you must apply for the visa extension at least 7 days before the expiry of your current visa.

To extend your Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa, you will need to submit an application for an extension at the Djiboutian immigration authorities. You will need to provide a valid reason for the extension, such as the need to spend more time with your family or attend a social event.

If your application for a visa extension is approved, you will need to pay the appropriate fee and your visa will be extended for the requested period. It's important to note that visa extensions are not guaranteed, and the Djiboutian immigration authorities may deny your application if they determine that your reasons for the extension are not valid.

If you overstay your visa, you may be subject to fines, detention, or deportation, so it's important to apply for a visa extension or leave Djibouti before your visa expires.

What are the requirements for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

The requirements for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa may vary depending on the specific visa type and the purpose of your visit. However, here are some general requirements for obtaining a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa:

Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and a blank visa page.

Visa application form: A completed visa application form, which can be obtained from the Djibouti embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Invitation letter: An invitation letter from your family or friends in Djibouti indicating the purpose of your visit, your relationship with the host, and your length of stay in Djibouti.

Proof of accommodation: A confirmed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Djibouti indicating your place of stay during your visit.

Proof of financial support: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Djibouti, such as bank statements or a letter of support from your sponsor.

Travel itinerary: A copy of your round-trip ticket or travel itinerary.

Vaccination certificate: A valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever may be required if you are arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country.

Visa fee: Payment of the visa application fee.

It's important to note that the Djibouti embassy or consulate may require additional documents or information depending on your specific circumstances. 

What are the restrictions on a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa?

There are several restrictions that apply to a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa. These restrictions may include:

Duration of stay: The maximum duration of stay allowed for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa is 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa extension.

Employment: Holders of a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa are not allowed to work in Djibouti.

Change of purpose: You are not allowed to change the purpose of your visit once you arrive in Djibouti. For example, if you arrive on a Family/Social Visit Visa, you cannot engage in business activities.

Criminal record: If you have a criminal record, you may not be eligible for a Djibouti Family/Social Visit Visa.

Immigration violations: If you have previously violated Djiboutian immigration laws, your visa application may be denied.

National security: The Djiboutian authorities reserve the right to deny a visa to anyone they deem a threat to national security.

It's important to adhere to these restrictions and any other conditions specified on your visa, as violating these restrictions could result in fines, detention, or deportation.