Capital city, Djibouti
Is Djibouti City safe?
Low street crime for the region and heavy security presence.
Is Djibouti City safe?
Low street crime for the region and heavy security presence. Heat, regional tensions near the borders and pickpockets in markets are the main concerns.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-03-05.
- Road deaths in Djibouti: 23.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Fire 18.
Safety in Djibouti City at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Pickpocketing around Place Mahamoud Harbi and the central market, bag theft at beaches, and occasional muggings in poorly lit streets. |
| At night | Central streets are quiet after dark; take a taxi from restaurants and avoid empty areas near the port. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable, in a conservative Muslim society. Dress modestly, expect stares and use taxis at night. |
| Other risks | Extreme heat and dehydration; Strong sun and sea currents; Long desert drives with few services |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated fares without meters
- Fixers charging high fees for Lake Assal or Lake Abbe trips
Take care
- Central market and bus station: pickpockets
- Border regions with Eritrea and Somalia: tensions, avoid
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing ports, military bases and government buildings is prohibited
- Alcohol is sold only in hotels and licensed venues; public drunkenness is punished
- Khat use is widespread; do not carry other drugs
Quick answers
Is Djibouti City safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable, in a conservative Muslim society. Dress modestly, expect stares and use taxis at night.
Is Djibouti City safe at night?
Central streets are quiet after dark; take a taxi from restaurants and avoid empty areas near the port.
What is the crime rate in Djibouti City?
Pickpocketing around Place Mahamoud Harbi and the central market, bag theft at beaches, and occasional muggings in poorly lit streets.
What number do I call in an emergency in Djibouti City?
Police 17 · Fire 18.
More about Djibouti City
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Djibouti e-visa
- Djibouti Telecom
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.