Djibouti

Specific Information

Customs inspection: Local customs inspect imported shipments. The inventory must show a destination address.

Customs discretion: Customs officials make the final decision on the application of duties and taxes. This decision also depends on the client's ability to provide original purchase invoices.

Invoice requirements: Customs do not accept export sales slips, sales receipts, or purchase orders. Only original invoices are accepted for new items.

Separate inventories for new and used goods: If the move contains both used and new personal effects, submit one inventory for used items and a separate inventory for new items.

Visa note: Visas may be obtained after entering the country, but obtaining one prior to entry is strongly recommended. The time on the Djiboutian visa is the permitted stay duration without a residency permit. Overstaying incurs an exit tax of approximately USD 60.00 (generally added to airline ticket cost). All fees must be paid in cash.

Yellow fever vaccination: Evidence of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry.

Security considerations: Persons traveling to Djibouti are encouraged to research and consider travel warnings regarding safety and security.

Duties & Taxes

Duties and taxes on imported goods: Imported goods are liable for taxes and surcharges of 23% (calculated on the value of goods) plus 10% VAT. These taxes may apply to both new and used goods depending on the type of product and whether the goods are used in local business. For example, household products such as diapers, laundry powder, and soap are not considered used household goods and their import can lead to customs holds and extra charges.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Detailed inventory, dated and signed, valued in EUR/USD **Used vehicles:**
• Original car registration **Used vehicles:**
• Certificate of non-pledge (valid for one month) **Used vehicles:**
• Original purchase invoice **Used vehicles:**
• Certificate of registration or deed of sale signed by the original owner (original) **Used vehicles:**
• Certified deed of act of transfer, legalized (original) **Used vehicles:**
• Technical inspection authorization (original, issued by a structure approved by the country of origin of the vehicle) **Used vehicles:**
• Interpol control document (original) **Used vehicles:**
• Legalized copy of export declaration from the country of origin **Used vehicles:**
• Identity document or passport of the owner **Used vehicles:**
• Detailed inventory, dated and signed, valued in EUR/USD **New vehicles with WW plates:**
• Original car registration (attention to the date of validation) **New vehicles with WW plates:**
• Certificate of non-pledge (valid for one month) **New vehicles with WW plates:**
• Identity document or passport of the owner **New vehicles with WW plates:**
• Original invoice with destination address **New vehicles (duty-free, without registration plate):**
• Ex 1 n°3 form **New vehicles (duty-free, without registration plate):**
• Diplomatic passport for protocol exemption **New vehicles (duty-free, without registration plate):**

Specific Information

Vehicles are taxed: All vehicles (new or used) are taxed in Djibouti. The amount of tax charged is provided upon presentation of a copy of the registration card and the Argus value (a standard vehicle valuation reference).

Vehicle age limit (8 years): Used vehicles intended for the transport of persons and goods must be less than 8 years old. This applies to tourist vehicles, taxis, buses of 26-36 seats, buses up to 36 seats, and trucks from 3.5T up to over 5T.

Exemptions from the age limit: The 8-year rule does not apply to: foreign diplomats resident in the Republic of Djibouti; Djiboutian diplomats and Djiboutian international civil servants moving at the end of their mission abroad; and all Djiboutians residing abroad for professional reasons who are returning to Djibouti.

Right-hand-drive vehicles are prohibited. This is strictly enforced.

Engine and chassis numbers: The client must provide their local mover with the engine and chassis numbers of any vehicle imported into Djibouti. The chassis number can be found on the vehicle registration certificate.

Driving: Driving is on the RIGHT-hand side of the road.

Pets

• Rabies vaccination certificate Based on general practice for the region and limited available information:
• Veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin Based on general practice for the region and limited available information:
• Microchip identification (recommended) Based on general practice for the region and limited available information:

Neither the IAM guide nor the FIDI guide provides detailed pet import requirements for Djibouti. The IAM guide states only "Contact the destination agent for information." USDA APHIS does not have a pet-specific export page for Djibouti.

Contact the destination agent for current, verified pet import requirements before shipping any animal to Djibouti.

CDC high-risk rabies country: Djibouti IS on the U.S. CDC's list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. This is relevant for pets traveling from Djibouti to the United States, as CDC dog import requirements for high-risk countries are significantly more stringent. Source: CDC High-Risk Countries List — verified 200.

Limited official information: Djibouti's pet import regulations are not well-documented in publicly available English-language sources. The destination agent is the essential point of contact for current requirements.