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

Permit Issuance:

Djibouti Civil Aviation Authority

Timing:

Minimum 2 to 3 weeks.

Cost:

Approximately USD 300 to 600.

Carnet Status:

Djibouti accepts ATA Carnets and their use is strongly recommended for temporary import of equipment.

Required Documents:

With ATA Carnet: smoother and faster temporary import process

Without ATA Carnet: temporary import permit required, typically arranged through a local fixer

Equipment list including:

Serial numbers
Purchase or replacement value

Issuing Organization:

Djibouti Customs Authority

Timing:

Typically 1 to 3 days, although delays may occur without an ATA Carnet.

Cost:

Costs vary depending on import arrangements. Recommended contingency budget: Approximately USD 500 to 1,500

General Overview:

Djibouti is generally stable but operates under strict security controls due to its strategic location and military presence.

Security Requirements:

Security personnel may be required depending on filming location
Additional planning is required for remote or desert locations

Cost

Security personnel: approximately USD 100 to 200 per day

Operational Considerations

High temperatures and harsh desert conditions
Restricted zones due to military presence
Strict adherence to permits and clearances is essential

Health & Medical

Yellow Fever vaccination required only if arriving from a risk country
Extreme heat conditions require careful crew management and hydration planning
Medical facilities are limited; evacuation insurance is recommended

Rebates/Incentives:

Djibouti does not currently offer formal film rebates or tax incentives for foreign productions.

Meet our Local Team

Djibouti

Mohamed

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Services We Provide in Djibouti

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

Introduction

Hoodlum offers premier film fixer services in Djibouti, providing complete support to international production teams. Welcome to Hoodlum’s guide to Djibouti, an extraordinary and underexplored destination for filmmakers. Located at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti offers dramatic landscapes, including volcanic mountains, salt lakes, and pristine beaches, along with a vibrant culture that brings authenticity and depth to any project. Whether you’re filming a documentary, feature film, or TV series, Djibouti’s stunning scenery and unique atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for captivating storytelling.

At Hoodlum, we specialize in turning your creative vision into reality by providing expert production support, navigating local regulations, and connecting you with invaluable local resources. Ready to explore the possibilities? Contact us today and let us help bring your project to life in Djibouti!

Country Overview

Djibouti, located in the Horn of Africa, offers a diverse and dramatic landscape, making it an ideal filming location for your next project.

Bordering Countries:

The Republic of Djibouti is a sovereign state bordered by:

Somalia to the south
Ethiopia to the southwest
Eritrea to the north
The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the east

Main Cities:

Located on the stunning coral reefs of the Gulf of Tadjourah, Djibouti City, the capital of Djibouti, is a must-visit destination. The country is also home to other vibrant towns:

Obock, a historic port city
Tadjoura, a charming coastal town
Ali Sabieh, a bustling commercial centre
Arta, a picturesque town surrounded by natural beauty
Dikhil, a thriving urban hub

Local Languages:

Arabic, French

Local Currency:

Djiboutian Franc

Climate:

Djibouti’s climate is characterized by two distinct seasons:

Cool Season (October-April): Enjoy mild temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C, with high humidity
Hot and Dry Season (May-June and September-October): Be prepared for high temperatures between 30°C and 40°C, with intense khamsin winds that can be hot, dry, and sandy.

Djibouti Visa Requirements and Application Guide

General requirements
Easy online application process for all travellers https://www.ivisa.com/djibouti/tourist-e-visa

Required documents

Valid passport (at least six months’ validity)
Passport-sized photo
Airline confirmation
Hotel booking or invitation letter

Processing Time and Fees
72 hours
Approximately $100

International Crew Accreditation

Accreditation requirements
International crew accreditation is mandatory. The Ministry of Communication oversees the accreditation process

Application requirements
Shoot description and synopsis

Processing time
The accreditation process takes a maximum of one week

General Film Permit

Permit issuance
The Ministry of Communication is responsible for issuing general film permits, ensuring that all film productions comply with the country’s regulations.

Application requirements
To apply for a general film permit, you’ll need to provide the following:
Full shoot synopsis and project details;

Issuing Organization
Ministry of Communication

Timings
1 week+

Drone Permit

Drone regulations
Djibouti has established specific regulations for drone operations, with restrictions in various areas. It is essential to be aware of these regulations to ensure a smooth and legal drone operation.

Drone importation
Drones are allowed to be brought into the country, but it is crucial to comply with the relevant regulations and obtain the necessary permits.

Permit issuance
The Ministry of Communications

Local Drone application requirements
Shoot locations and shoot schedule

Drone importation application requirements
Shoot location; Shoot schedule; Synopsis

Timings
Process takes a minimum of one week, depending on the project’s complexity.

Cost
$700 for the permit
$1350 for a drone pilot with their own drone

Equipment Customs Clearance

Carnet Status
Djibouti is not a Carnet country.

Clearance process
Hoodlum Djibouti will handle the equipment customs clearance process.

Required documents

Equipment list with values
Shoot schedule
Synopsis

Issuing organization
The Police Immigration department issues the clearance.

Timings
Please submit your documents at least one week before arrival to avoid any delays.

Safety and Security

Djibouti boasts a strong military presence, ensuring a high level of security and safety. However, petty crime can occur, and visitors should exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables, such as cameras and passports, secure and out of sight.

Security requirements
To ensure the protection of your belongings, it is recommended to hire a security guard. This will provide an added layer of safety for your equipment and personal items