In a 26 July 2026 bulletin, the German Foreign Office updated its Djibouti guidance, noting that a new bilateral air-services agreement has entered into force and that travellers must now obtain an electronic visa approval prior to boarding. Paper-on-arrival visas are no longer issued except for holders of diplomatic passports. The advisory also points to capacity constraints at Djibouti-Ambouli Airport, where construction works are reducing parking bays. Lufthansa and Ethiopian Airlines have warned of possible slot delays for connecting passengers headed to Frankfurt via Addis Ababa. Companies supporting German naval operations at the EU’s ATALANTA base in Djibouti are advised to ensure that civilian contractors carry NATO-recognized IDs and that their security clearances are registered with airport authorities at least 72 hours in advance. The Foreign Office further reminds travellers that permits are required for photography near military facilities and that drones are prohibited without explicit authorisation. Violations can lead to equipment confiscation and fines. Mobility professionals should update pre-departure checklists to include e-visa application screenshots and printed approval letters to avoid denied boarding.
Source: Auswärtiges Amt
