Elections will be held on April 8 starting at 6 a.m. Crowds are expected to congregate around polling stations and remain even after the polling stations close at 6 p.m. Please take caution in and around town or limit your movements. Due to an increased consumption of khat in Djibouti, U.S. citizens present in Djibouti are reminded to be especially vigilant when driving. Drivers under the influence of khat may/will be impaired causing them to drive aggressively or erratically. Khat is also known to impair a person’s ability to perform normal tasks. Pedestrians under the influence of khat may cross the street without looking both ways or just wander in front or behind a car.
Watch your 360, meaning look back when reversing or yield when approaching an intersection especially if you have a green light. Slow down if a pedestrian approaches an intersection or in your lane of traffic. When walking or jogging, take additional caution near intersections and approaching vehicles. The best safety precaution you can do for you and your family is to restrict your movements during this election period.
April 6, 2016 is the last day of the campaign rallies. Please remember that rallies especially on April 6 will attract large crowds, produce road closures and travel delays throughout the country. During this period of election-related activities, please avoid large public gatherings, areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Please remember the importance of maintaining a low profile and be cognizant of your surroundings.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Djibouti enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti on Twitter and Facebook, and the U.S. Department of State on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Djibouti is located at Lotissement Haramous Lot # 350B. You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy via email at ConsularDjibouti@State.gov or by phone at, tel. +(253) 21-45-30-00. For after-hours emergencies, please call +(253) 77-87-72-29.
