Djibouti is an alluring country with the fascinating geology and the strategic Red Sea coastline in the Horn of Africa that has an easy process of granting travel authorization to Djibouti eVisa for Bulgarian Citizens. This e-visa system will remove the physical visit to a real embassy by Bulgarians and the process of entry will be simplified in the case of temporary purposes (tourist, transit and business purposes).
Djibouti eVisa is a one-entry travel permit, which is flexible regarding the period of stay: 14 days of transit or up to 90 days of tourism and business. All the application is done online and only a few documents are required like a valid passport scan, a digital photograph, and evidence of travel bookings in the form of confirmed flights and accommodation. It is a detailed guide that uses the real questions of the travelers in order to equip the citizens of Bulgaria with all the requirements necessary to make a successful application.
Do Bulgarian Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to Djibouti?
Yes, the Bulgarian nationals who have a passport must have a visa before traveling to the Republic of Djibouti to conduct activities such as a tourist, transit, or enterprise. Bulgaria is not included in the list of visa-exempt countries of Djibouti and therefore, authorization of travel is required to enter the country.
The most accessible and the most popular process of meeting this need is through applying to the Djibouti eVisa online to the citizens of Bulgaria. This e-system will be used to simplify the application process such that it will be quicker and more convenient than the normal consular applications. It is worth pointing out that the accepted eVisa should be printed and handed to the officials at the immigration upon arrival in Djibouti.
What exactly is the Djibouti eVisa?
The Djibouti eVisa Application is an official electronic travel document issued by the Djibouti. It serves as authorization for foreign nationals, including Bulgarian citizens, to enter and travel within the country for a specific, limited period.
It is an electronic replacement for the traditional paper visa and is linked to the applicant's passport upon approval. The primary benefits of the eVisa system are:
Convenience: The entire application process is completed online from anywhere in the world.
Efficiency: It typically involves a shorter processing time compared to embassy applications.
Accessibility: It eliminates the need to visit a physical embassy or consulate, which is particularly useful since Bulgaria does not have a Djiboutia embassy.
Which Djibouti eVisa Types Are Available for Bulgarian Travelers?
The Djibouti eVisa is primarily issued for short-term stays and caters to three main categories of travelers from Bulgaria. Choosing the correct visa type based on your travel purpose is a critical first step in the application.
1. Transit eVisa:
A Transit eVisa is necessary only if you plan to leave the international transit area of the Djibouti Ambouli International Airport (JIB). If your layover is short and you remain within the designated airport transit zone to wait for your connecting flight, you typically do not need this visa. However, if you wish to exit the airport to explore the city for a brief period, the 14-day Transit eVisa is the appropriate choice.
2. Tourism eVisa:
The Tourism eVisa is intended for all leisure and recreational travelers. It grants Bulgarian citizens a stay of up to 90 days in Djibouti. This is the ideal visa for exploring Djibouti City, visiting Lake Assal, or enjoying the stunning Red Sea coast.
3. Business eVisa:
The Business eVisa is designed for Bulgarian citizens traveling to Djibouti for professional activities that do not involve taking up employment. This includes attending:
Business meetings and negotiations.
Conferences, trade shows, and seminars.
Exploring investment opportunities.
Similar to the Tourist eVisa, the stay duration is up to 90 days.
4. Family/Social Visit:
If your primary purpose is to visit family or friends residing in Djibouti, you should typically apply for the Tourism eVisa. However, your application will need to include an invitation letter from your host in Djibouti, along with their contact and accommodation details, to substantiate the social visit intent.
What are the Djibouti eVisa Document Requirements for Bulgarian Citizens?
To successfully submit an online application, Bulgarian citizens must prepare and upload digital copies of several mandatory documents. Ensuring these documents meet the specified criteria is essential for a smooth approval process.
1. Copy of Passport Bio Page
A clear, high-resolution color scan or photo of the main biographical data page of your Bulgarian passport.
The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Djibouti.
It should have at least one blank page for entry/exit stamps.
2. Recent Applicant Photograph
A recent digital photograph (within the last six months) that meets standard passport-style photo requirements.
It should be a clear, front-facing view of your face with a white or light-colored background.
3. Flight Ticket or Reservation Proof
A copy of your confirmed return flight ticket or onward flight ticket if you are transiting.
This document serves as proof of your intent to exit Djibouti before your authorized stay expires.
4. Accommodation Proof (Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter)
For Tourism: A confirmed hotel booking or other official accommodation reservation covering your stay.
For Family/Social Visit or Business: An invitation letter from your host organization or individual in Djibouti, clearly stating your name, purpose of visit, and providing their contact details and proof of their accommodation.
How to Apply for the Djibouti eVisa as a Bulgarian Citizen?
The application process is straightforward and conducted entirely online through the official Djibouti eVisa portal or a reputable third-party visa service.
Select Visa Type: Choose the correct visa type (Transit, Tourism, or Business) based on your travel purpose and desired length of stay.
Fill the Online Form: Complete the application form with accurate personal, passport, and travel details. The information must exactly match your passport.
Upload Documents: Upload the digital copies of the required documents (passport bio page, photo, flight tickets, and accommodation/invitation proof).
Pay the Fee: Pay the required government visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
Submit and Await Approval: Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation. The approved eVisa will be sent to your email address as a PDF document. Print this document and carry it with you for presentation upon arrival.
What is the Djibouti eVisa Processing Time?
Processing times for Djibouti eVisa can vary depending on the service level chosen and the final discretion of the Djiboutian immigration authorities. It is highly recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date.
Note: The above times are estimates. Processing can occasionally take longer due to public holidays, high volume, or if additional documentation is requested by the authorities.
What is the Validity and Stay Period of the Djibouti eVisa?
Understanding the difference between the visa validity and the allowed period of stay is crucial for all travelers.
Visa Validity: This is the period during which you are authorized to enter Djibouti, typically 90 days from the date of visa issuance. You must enter the country within this timeframe.
Allowed Stay Duration: This is the maximum number of days you are permitted to remain in Djibouti after your date of entry.
As specified by the eVisa type:
Transit: Maximum allowed stay of 14 days.
Tourism, Family/Social Visit, and Business: Maximum allowed stay of 90 days.
All eVisa categories are issued for Single Entry, meaning you can enter Djibouti only once. If you leave the country, you must apply for a new eVisa to re-enter.
Are There Djibouti Long-Term Visa Options?
For a Bulgarian citizen planning an extended stay in Djibouti, the entry process involves a multi-step approach that typically includes obtaining a Djibouti Long-term Visa Entry Visa first, followed by applying for a Residence Permit and, if applicable, a Work Permit after arriving in the country.
1. Long-Stay Entry Visa
Purpose: This visa allows the foreign national to enter Djibouti legally for the purpose of establishing a long-term stay. It is the necessary document to begin the subsequent residency and work permit applications.
Validity: The Long-Stay Visa is often issued with a validity of up to 12 months and may allow for multiple entries, especially in the context of employment or free zone status.
Application Method: Bulgarian citizens must apply for this visa at a Djiboutia embassy or consulate, such as the one in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as there is no Djiboutia diplomatic mission in Bulgaria. The application typically requires a letter of invitation/sponsorship relevant to the purpose of the long-term stay.
2. The Residence Permit (Carte de Sejour)
Definition: This document functions as an identity card for foreign nationals residing in Djibouti and is necessary for any legal stay extending beyond the initial entry visa period.
Requirement: A valid Long-Stay Visa is generally required before applying for the Residence Permit.
Duration: Residence cards are typically valid annually and must be renewed regularly.
Application: For individuals employed by companies (especially in Free Zones), the employer usually initiates the residence card application on the employee's behalf after arrival in Djibouti.
3. Work Permit
Requirement: Any foreign national intending to engage in paid employment in Djibouti must obtain a Work Permit (in addition to the Long-Stay Visa and Residence Permit).
Sponsorship: Work permits are typically employer-sponsored. The employer must demonstrate to the Ministry of Labour or the relevant Free Zone authority (like the DPFZA) that no qualified Djiboutian national is available for the role.
Documents: Required documents often include a copy of the employment contract, a written request from the company detailing the position, a copy of the company license, and a copy of the approved Long-Stay Visa.
4. Long-Term Stay for Study or Family
Study: For Bulgarian citizens pursuing education, a Student Visa must be obtained through the embassy/consulate. The application requires an official invitation/acceptance letter from the educational institution in Djibouti and confirmation of accommodation.
Family/Dependent: Individuals wishing to join a family member (spouse, dependent children) who holds a valid work and residence permit in Djibouti must apply for a dependent visa. The sponsoring family member needs to provide proof of their legal residency, adequate housing, and financial means to support the dependent.
Where to Apply for a Djibouti Long-Term Visa?
Since the eVisa platform only issues short-term entry authorizations, Bulgarian citizens must pursue their long-term stay applications through the traditional diplomatic channel.
Embassy Application: All applications for Long-Stay Visas, Student Visas, and other complex consular matters must be directed to a Djiboutian diplomatic mission. The embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is the nearest representative office that serves Bulgarian citizens for consular functions.
Application Submission: The initial visa application (e.g., Long-Stay Entry Visa) is submitted to the embassy. Upon approval and entry into Djibouti, the subsequent applications for the Residence Permit and Work Permit are handled by the relevant local immigration authorities or the Free Zone authorities (if applicable), often with the help of the employer or sponsor.
In summary, a Long-Stay Visa is the essential gateway for Bulgarian citizens to live and work in Djibouti beyond 90 days, but it is only the first step in a process that involves securing local Residence and Work Permits after arrival.
Conclusion:
The Djibouti eVisa is a modern, efficient and user-friendly way of acquiring entry to this interesting land to the Bulgarian passport holders. The trip to Djibouti can be stress free by knowing the various visa types, ensuring that the required documents are prepared i.e. passport bio page, applicant photo, flight tickets, and invitation letter/accommodation letter and allow ample time to process the visa. This system is appropriate even to any short-term traveler visiting the Danakil Desert, all coastal activities, or even conducting business.
