Djibouti

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Djibouti, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Djibouti

Capital

Djibouti City

Main Cities

Obock, Tadjoura, Ali Sabieh, Arta, Dikhil

Local Languages

Arabic, French

Currency

Djiboutian Franc

Climate

Tropical Climate

General Visa Requirements:

All foreign crew members are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival via the official Djibouti e-visa system. Visa on arrival is generally not available for most nationalities. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

Required Documents:

Crew passports (minimum 6 months validity)
Letter from production company or employer confirming purpose of travel
Travel itinerary and accommodation details (recommended)

Visa Application Process:

E-visa portal: https://www.evisa.gouv.dj

Processing Time:

E-visas are typically processed within 2 to 5 working days. Applications should be submitted in advance to avoid delays.

Cost:

Short stay visa (up to 90 days): approximately USD 90 to 120

Accreditation Requirements:

International film crews must obtain media or press accreditation prior to filming. This is mandatory and typically processed through the Ministry of Communication or relevant media authorities.

Required Documents:

Project synopsis
Crew passports
Letter from production company or employer
Crew CVs or resumes
Equipment list (recommended)

Processing Time:

Approximately 2 to 3 weeks minimum.

Cost:

Estimated USD 300 to 500, depending on the scope of the production.

Issuing Organization:

Ministry of Communication, Culture & Post
National Tourism Office (for commercial or tourism-related filming)

Required Documents:

All productions must secure filming permits in advance. Applications are reviewed by multiple authorities, particularly for projects involving public spaces or sensitive locations.

Project synopsis
Crew passports
Letter from production company or employer
Shooting schedule and locations
Equipment list

Processing Time:

Approximately 2 to 4 weeks minimum.

Cost:

Costs are determined case-by-case depending on scope, locations, and production requirements.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Filming on private property requires permission from the property owner and, in some cases, additional approval from local authorities.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on the location and production scale.

Urban and commercial locations may require municipal approvals in addition to owner consent.

Drone Regulations:

Drone use in Djibouti is strictly regulated. All drone activity must be approved prior to filming, and compliance is closely enforced.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Prior approval is required before bringing drones into the country.

Unauthorized drone use may result in confiscation or fines
Flights near ports, military zones, and other sensitive areas are strictly prohibited
Local drone availability is limited, so importing equipment is usually necessary