Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Planned Rally on March 26

Please be advised that a large political rally is planned for Saturday, March 26, 2016 on Venice Road in Djibouti City at approximately 1500 to 1830.  The rally is the first of what likely will be a series of rallies before the Djiboutian Presidential elections on April 8. The rallies will likely 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.