Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin Djibouti due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Thu, 06 Mar 2025
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Is Djibouti safe? 🇩🇯
Africa · Updated
As of October 2026, Djibouti scores 60/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. The U.S. State Department rates Djibouti Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Djibouti 🇩🇯
Djibouti · Assessed 18 October 2026
60
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime57/100FairHomicide 5.8 / 100k
Sentiment80/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories75Good
Stability53Caution
Health69Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Djibouti-Eritrea border FCDO advises against all travel to the Djibouti-Eritrea border.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:32:20Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Djibouti: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-10-14T09:54:15.5509932-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Homicide rate
5.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
62
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery is rare in Djibouti City but increases near border regions; visitors should avoid isolated areas after dark.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded markets like Les Caisses and Quartier 1, particularly during daytime.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Caution
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
80/100
Reported feel65Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors feel safe in established tourist zones of Djibouti City due to visible security presence, though some express concern about nighttime safety and border proximity.
Yes, Djibouti City is generally safe for visitors who avoid border areas and take standard precautions against petty crime.
Djibouti has a moderate overall safety profile with low violent crime but notable risks from terrorism near borders and petty theft in crowded urban areas. The international military presence contributes to stability in the capital, while governance weaknesses and regional instability affect peripheral zones. Visitors should exercise increased caution due to terrorism threats and avoid all border regions per official advisories.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026UN News reports Djibouti faces 'overlapping emergencies' due to continued refugee exodus from Yemen, straining local resources and increasing urban vulnerability.— UN News
- May 2026Djibouti authorities arrested a suspected firearms trafficker after a months-long probe, indicating ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crime.— Dawan Africa
- Jun 2026The Tanzania Times reports the Djibouti Regional Economic Corridor project aims to serve 250,000 people by 2033 and reduce road accidents by 30 percent.— The Tanzania Times
Common scams
- Taxi overcharging
- Unofficial tour guides offering whale shark excursions
- Currency exchange scams in markets
Full briefing
Djibouti City remains generally safe for travelers who stay in established areas and avoid border zones, according to current reports. The city benefits from a significant international military presence that contributes to stability, particularly in tourist and commercial districts. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing is a noted concern in crowded markets like Les Caisses and Quartier 1, where visitors should keep valuables secure and avoid walking alone at night. Taxi overcharging and unofficial guides offering whale shark tours are common scams to watch for, especially near transit hubs and popular attractions.
Recent developments underscore the importance of vigilance: UN News highlighted in October 2026 that Djibouti faces 'overlapping emergencies' from the ongoing Yemen refugee exodus, which has increased pressure on urban infrastructure and resources. In May 2026, local authorities arrested a suspected firearms trafficker after a prolonged investigation, reflecting persistent cross-border crime risks. While the Djibouti Regional Economic Corridor project promises long-term improvements in safety and transport, road safety remains a concern, and intercity travel at night is discouraged.
Official advisories consistently warn against travel near the Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia borders due to terrorism, smuggling, and landmine risks, with the UK FCDO advising against all travel to the Djibouti-Eritrea border area. Travelers should use only registered taxis or rideshare apps after dark, monitor local media for updates, and maintain situational awareness in public spaces. Health precautions are also advised, including protection against mosquito-borne diseases and extreme heat, which regularly reaches 36°C in October. By staying in well-frequented areas and following standard safety practices, visitors can enjoy Djibouti’s unique landscapes and cultural sites with confidence.
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06 · Questions
Djibouti safety FAQ
Is Djibouti safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Djibouti Level 2 of 4 — Exercise Increased Caution. On our composite index Djibouti scores 60/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 18 October 2026.)
Where does this Djibouti safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.