Security Message for U.S. Citizens

Alert Message

The U.S. Embassy in Djibouti recommends that you take additional security measures during the last ten (10) days of Ramadan from June 26 – July 7 due to increases in pedestrian and vehicular congestion, police checkpoints, security force presence, and risk of street crime.

As Eid al-Fitr approaches, streets will be more congested throughout the day and night. On the last two days of Eid (likely July 6,7), the downtown area in the vicinity of Menelik Square (specifically Rue d’Ethiopie and the area in proximity to Nougaprix), Venice Beach Road (the port road), and Siesta Beach Road will be extremely congested during the evenings. Some streets may be closed to vehicular traffic. Exercise extreme caution while driving and remember to always drive defensively.

Additionally, during the Independence Day celebrations on June 27-28, the downtown area of Menelik Square will have additional police checkpoints and vehicles may not be allowed to park in the downtown area.

For your safety:

  •  Maintain a low profile and avoid large crowds-even if they appear peaceful.
  •  Always carry your fully charged cell phone.
  • Use the buddy system or at minimum let someone know where you’re going and when you’re expected to return.

For further information:

See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings including theTravel Warning for Djibouti, Travel Alerts, and the Country Specific Information for Djibouti.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Contact the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti, located at Lotissement Haramous Lot # 350B, Djibouti City, Djibouti, at +(253) 21-45-30-00, Sunday through Thursday, 7:30a.m. to 4:00 p.m. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(253) 77-87-72-29.

Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202- 501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.