Djibouti: Health officials maintain COVID-19 restrictions as of Jan. 8 /update 10

Authorities maintain coronavirus disease-related restrictions across Djibouti as of Jan. 8. International flights operating.

Event

As of Jan. 8, authorities in Djibouti continue to maintain limited international travel and domestic business restrictions relating to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Land borders have reopened, including the crossings at Loyada, Galile, Galafi, and Balho, as well as international rail services at Djibouti City's Nagad Train Station. International rail services between Djibouti and Addis Ababa remain restricted to freight shipments only. Ambouli International Airport (JIB) remains operational for air transport, including commercial passenger travel; the ports of Tadjourah and Obock are open for maritime travel.

All passengers traveling to Djibouti must produce a certificate issued in their country of departure proving that they have tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before departure and not more than 120 hours before their arrival in Djibouti. All passengers entering Djibouti will also be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and must wait at the port of entry until the results become available (approximately four hours). Those who test positive will enter government isolation centers at their own expense; those who test negative will be free to proceed to their accommodations. children below the age of 11 are exempted from the COVID-19 test.

Domestically, most businesses are operating; however, social-distancing measures and other requirements aimed at preventing the further spread of COVID-19 are in force. Protective facemasks are mandatory in public places. Public gatherings of more than 10 people remain prohibited. Public transport has resumed operation, albeit with limitations in place on the number of passengers allowed on buses, trains, and other public transport vehicles. Retail shops, grocery stores, and places of worship have reopened. Hotels, restaurants, and leisure and amusement sites are operating, as are conference venues, event halls, and cinemas. Schools have resumed in-person classes.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.