Djibouti
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- Restrictions on entry limiting the entry of people living with HIV.
- Restrictions on short-term stays which in most cases is defined as under 90 days.
- Restrictions on long-term stays which in most cases is defined as over 90 days.
The types of restriction are:
- Ban on entry.
- Ban on work.
- Ban on study.
- Ban on residence.
Restrictions on entry to Djibouti
We are aware of some official restrictions on entry of people living with HIV to Djibouti.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Djibouti does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.
The website of the Consulate of Djibouti in Geneva has a list of supporting documents that should be included with the visa application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
However, Law No. 40/AN/19/8th L on the conditions of entry and residence of foreigners in the Republic of Djibouti, outlines a list of reasons why someone may be denied entry to Djibouti. Article 4(3) states that this may include ‘persons suffering from serious and transmissible infectious diseases having an impact on public health’.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Djibouti
We are aware of some official restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV in Djibouti.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Djibouti does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
However, Law No. 40/AN/19/8th L on the conditions of entry and residence of foreigners in the Republic of Djibouti, outlines a list of reasons why someone may be denied stay in Djibouti. Article 4(3) states that this may include ‘persons suffering from serious and transmissible infectious diseases having an impact on public health’.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Djibouti
We are aware of some official restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in Djibouti.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Djibouti does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.
However, Law No. 40/AN/19/8th L on the conditions of entry and residence of foreigners in the Republic of Djibouti, outlines a list of reasons why someone may be denied residence in Djibouti. Article 4(3) states that this may include ‘persons suffering from serious and transmissible infectious diseases having an impact on public health’.
Treatment access in Djibouti
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Djibouti. There is no evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
Djibouti health policy allows everyone, including migrants, to access local health facilities but options are limited in terms of specialised or advanced care, and travellers should plan accordingly for potential health needs.
Medical facilities in Djibouti City can offer basic treatment but often recommend evacuation when significant medical treatment is necessary. Foreign nationals are expected to cover all medical expenses upfront, as hospitals generally require full payment before treatment is provided and do not have agreements with international insurance companies. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to arrange comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance before arriving.
Outside the capital, healthcare infrastructure is sparse.
In Djibouti, HIV testing can be carried out free of charge in all community health centres, certain polyclinics and hospitals. Psycho-social supports (APS) have been assigned to all community health centres, hospitals and polyclinics where they can support individuals from the moment they are diagnosed with HIV until regular medical follow-up has been arranged.
Peltier General Hospital, provides antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other HIV-related services. This hospital is a primary hub for HIV treatment in the country and may have specialists and counselling available.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the Djibouti page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
UNAIDS Global AIDS monitoring data
This information about access to HIV services comes from UNAIDS https://lawsandpolicies.unaids.org/, a platform to view data on HIV-related laws and policies. This is information provided by national authorities and civil society and may contradict other sources.
Migrant populations
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Migrants are able to access HIV services | N/A |
Refugees and asylum seekers
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
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This site focuses on information about HIV travel. Please also consult your own Foreign Office/Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or the local consulate of the country you are visiting, to see what restrictions there are specifically for you as a citizen of your country, regardless of your HIV status.
