Djibouti and Somalia share a language, a time zone and close family ties, and the flight between Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport (JIB) and Mogadishu (MGQ) takes only about 2 to 2½ hours. This guide covers how to fly, what papers you need and what to expect when you land.
Direct flights
- Air Djibouti (flight numbers DJ 220 / DJ 221) flies between Djibouti and Mogadishu.
- EgyptAir (MS 873 / MS 874) flies Cairo – Djibouti – Mogadishu, so you can also board in Djibouti for the last leg.
- Somali airlines such as Daallo Airlines have also served Djibouti at times.
These flights do not run every day and timetables change often. Check the days and times with the airline before you plan, and follow your flight on our live arrivals board.
Connecting flights
If there is no direct flight on your day, the easiest connection is Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa. Ethiopian flies Djibouti – Addis Ababa several times a day and Addis Ababa – Mogadishu daily. Book both legs on one ticket so your bag is checked through. See our Addis Ababa route page.
eTAS and visas
- Flying into Somalia: travellers with a foreign passport, including Djiboutian passport holders, need a Somalia eTAS before they fly. Apply online at the official site, etas.gov.so. Use our eTAS checker and read the visa and eTAS guide.
- Going the other way: most travellers, including Somali passport holders, need a visa for Djibouti. Djibouti issues e-visas at evisa.gouv.dj. Apply before you fly.
Money
Djibouti uses the Djibouti franc (DJF), which is pegged to the US dollar. In Somalia, US dollars and mobile money (EVC Plus, Sahal and others) are used for almost everything, and Djibouti francs are hard to change. Bring clean US dollar notes printed after 2013. See currency and mobile money.
Phone and internet
Djibouti Telecom roaming in Somalia can be expensive. A local SIM from Hormuud or Somtel is cheap and available at the airport and in town. See SIM cards and internet.
Customs
Khat is legal in both Djibouti and Somalia, but it is illegal in France, the UK, the US and many other countries. If you are travelling on to Europe or North America, do not carry any. Alcohol is not allowed into Somalia. See our customs guide.
Good to know
- Djibouti and Somalia are both on East Africa Time (UTC+3), so there is no time difference.
- Somali is widely spoken in Djibouti, along with French and Arabic. You will have no language problems on this route.
- Arrive at Djibouti airport at least 2–3 hours before an international flight.
- When you land in Mogadishu, read arriving at Mogadishu airport.
Useful tools
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct flights from Djibouti to Mogadishu?
Yes. Air Djibouti flies the route, and EgyptAir flies Cairo – Djibouti – Mogadishu. Flights are not daily, so check the schedule with the airline.
How long is the flight from Djibouti to Mogadishu?
About 2 to 2½ hours non-stop. Via Addis Ababa it takes longer, depending on the connection.
Do Djiboutian citizens need an eTAS for Somalia?
Yes. Travellers with a foreign passport, including Djiboutians, need a Somalia eTAS before flying. Apply at etas.gov.so.
Is there a time difference between Djibouti and Mogadishu?
No. Both use East Africa Time (UTC+3).
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