Step-by-Step Escort for Apply Italian Schengen Visa from Djibouti

For nationals of Djibouti wishing to travel to the Italian Republic, the procedure varies according to the duration of stay, as no Italian consular representation is established within Djibouti itself. Responsibility for visa processing has been delegated to neighboring diplomatic missions, and applicants must carefully observe the designated channels.

Short-Stay Italian Schengen Visa (Type C – up to 90 days)

Applications for short-term travel including tourism, business visits, family stays, or cultural activities not exceeding 90 days are lodged through the French Consulate operating under the Embassy of France. All submissions begin by completing the digital pre-application form available on the France-Visas platform.

Once the online registration is finalized, the system generates a tailored checklist of required documents along with an application receipt. Both must be printed and included with the visa file. Applicants are then required to arrange an appointment via the consular scheduling system in order to submit their documents and provide biometric data in person.

By regulation, files must be lodged no later than 15 calendar days before the planned date of departure. However, given periodic surges in demand, early preparation is strongly recommended to mitigate the risk of delays. Applicants should also ensure that all supporting evidence financial guarantees, travel health insurance covering at least €30,000, and accommodation confirmations is complete and, where necessary, supported by certified translations.

Long-Stay Italian National Visa (Type D – more than 90 days)

For extended residence in Italy whether for higher education, formal employment, family reunification, or other long-term purposes the process is distinct. Such applications are handled exclusively by the Embassy of Italy in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

Applicants must allow ample time for review, as long-stay visas are considerably more complex than short-stay Schengen applications. Files should be lodged at least three months prior to the intended date of travel. In addition to the visa form and core documents, applicants must prepare category-specific evidence such as admission letters from Italian universities, signed work contracts, or official family reunification approvals.

Key Guidance for Djiboutian Applicants

The dual system of representation obliges citizens of Djibouti to distinguish carefully between short-term and long-term intentions from the outset. Short-stay Schengen visas are channeled through the French Consulate via the France-Visas system, while long-stay national visas fall under the jurisdiction of the Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa.

Regardless of the visa type, careful attention to detail remains indispensable. Missing, inconsistent, or improperly translated documents can result in prolonged delays or outright rejection. Applicants are strongly advised to retain copies of their complete file for personal records and for potential follow-up.

Italy remains a destination of strong cultural, educational, and professional interest for citizens of Djibouti. By observing the correct procedural framework and submitting applications within the required timelines, applicants significantly improve their prospects of a favorable decision.

In recent months, there has been a discernible increase in applications from citizens of Djibouti wishing to travel to Italy, a trend that reflects broader mobility patterns observed across Central Asia, Africa, and other regions such as Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Russia. Italy continues to attract applicants from Djibouti for a wide spectrum of purposes tourism, academic study, professional activity, and family reunification highlighting the importance of accurate, country-specific instructions on the Schengen visa procedure. Applicants are strongly advised to approach the process with careful preparation and strict compliance with consular requirements.

Applicant Statistics of Italian Schengen Visa from Djibouti

(NOT ABLE TO FIND SPECIFIC STATISTICS YEAR WISE)

Year	Schengen State	Country	Consulate	No. of Visa Applications	Visas Issued	Visas Denied	Not issued rate for uniform visas
2023	Italy	Djibouti
2022	Italy	Djibouti
2021	Italy	Djibouti

 

Visa Categories for Citizens of Djibouti Applying for Italy

For residents of Djibouti, the procedure for obtaining an Italian visa is governed by the absence of an Italian consular section within the country. Responsibility for processing applications is divided between French and Italian diplomatic institutions, depending on whether the request concerns a short-term visit or a long-term stay.

1. Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

The Italian Schengen visa authorizes a stay of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, granting access not only to Italy but also to all member states of the Schengen Area. Eligible purposes include:

• Tourism and Private Visits – short-term leisure travel, cultural exploration, or visiting relatives and acquaintances lawfully residing in Italy.
• Business Activity – participation in professional meetings, trade fairs, or contractual negotiations of limited duration.
• Academic or Training Engagements – attendance at seminars, conferences, or short courses of fewer than 90 days.
• Transit – passage through Italian territory on the way to a third-country destination.

Djiboutian nationals must lodge their short-stay visa applications via the Consulate of France, acting on behalf of Italy for Schengen matters. Applications are initiated exclusively through the France-Visas online portal, after which appointments and biometric submissions are managed through the designated service provider. Applicants are required to submit their file no later than 15 calendar days prior to departure, though earlier submission is strongly recommended to accommodate seasonal demand or additional verification.

2. National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

For stays exceeding 90 days, the application must be made directly to the Italian authorities. These visas permit residence in Italy and are issued under specific grounds, such as:

• University or Higher Education Enrollment – participation in degree programs or extended study.
• Employment – entry for work under a valid labor contract or professional assignment.
• Family Reunification – joining immediate family members who are citizens or legal residents of Italy.
• Other Extended Purposes – including religious service, voluntary work, or cultural programs of long duration.

All long-term applications from Djibouti are handled exclusively by the Embassy of Italy in Addis Ababa. Applicants must first complete the Italy national visa application online and subsequently book an appointment with the Embassy for submission of their supporting documents. Given the more detailed examination required, long-term visa files should be lodged at least three months prior to the intended travel date.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Italian Schengen Visa from Djibouti

Residents of Djibouti who intend to visit Italy for a short stay must follow a particular application route, as Italy does not operate a consular section in Djibouti. Responsibility for processing has been delegated to the French Consulate, with applications initiated through the France-Visas online portal and managed by its accredited external partner.

Step 1: Identifying the Visa Category and Completing the Application

The process for Italian Schengen Visa from Djibouti begins on the France-Visas platform, where applicants must select the purpose of travel tourism, family or private visits, business, study, or cultural activities.

Step 2: Completing the Application

Applicants must create an account on the French Consulate website and fill in the online application form with information exactly as it appears in the passport in order to apply for Italian Schengen Visa from Djibouti. Discrepancies can lead to delays or refusal. Once the form is finalized, the system provides a personalized checklist of required documentation and a summary receipt. Both must be printed. The receipt must be signed by the applicant or, in the case of minors, by a parent or guardian.

Step 3: Scheduling an Appointment

Applicants must then book an appointment to present their Italian Schengen visa from Djibouti application at the designated center.

• The appointment becomes valid only after payment of the service fee, which must be completed within the specified timeframe.
• A confirmation email and appointment letter will be issued once payment is received. These documents must be printed and shown on the day of submission.
• Short-stay visa applications should be filed at least 15 calendar days before the planned departure date, though earlier submission is advisable to avoid seasonal congestion.

Step 4: Submitting the File in Person

On the scheduled date for applying for Italian Schengen visa from Djibouti:

• Arrive at the center no earlier than 15 minutes before the appointment.
• Present the appointment confirmation letter, the completed France-Visas application form, the signed receipt, and all supporting documents listed in the checklist.
• Applicants must appear personally unless exempt from biometric collection. Children under 12 are not required to provide fingerprints.
• Biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) will be taken during submission.

Once the application is lodged, the service provider forwards the file to the French Consulate, which adjudicates Italian Schengen visa requests on Italy’s behalf. The consular authority may request further documentation or invite the applicant for interview if deemed necessary.

Step 5: Monitoring and Collecting the Passport

The progress of the Italian Schengen visa from Djibouti application can be tracked through the applicant’s online account. Once a decision has been made, notification is issued via email and SMS.

Passports may be retrieved through three channels:

1. Direct collection – by the applicant, upon presentation of the tracking receipt and original identification document.
2. Authorized representative – provided with a signed power of attorney, the original tracking receipt, a copy of the applicant’s ID, and the representative’s original ID.
3. Courier delivery service – available if chosen at the time of application submission.

Upon receiving the passport, applicants must carefully verify the visa label, ensuring that name, validity dates, and number of entries are correctly recorded. Any errors must be reported immediately to the visa center.

Document Checklist for Citizens of Djibouti Applying for an Italian Schengen Visa

Applications submitted via the French Consulate through France-Visas

Residents of Djibouti intending to travel to Italy for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) must apply for a Schengen visa following the procedure established by the French Embassy, which handles Italian visa applications in Djibouti through the France-Visas online platform.

All documents must be presented in original form along with photocopies. Where documents are issued in languages other than Italian, French, or English, certified translations must be attached. Incomplete files or applications not complying with format standards will not be accepted.

1. Visa Application Form

• Complete the Schengen visa application form via the France-Visas portal.
• Print and sign the completed form.
• For minors, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

2. Passport / Travel Document

• Issued within the last 10 years.
• Valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Area.
• Must contain at least two consecutive blank pages.
• A photocopy of all pages of the passport, including blank ones, must accompany the application.
• Previous passports (if available) should also be provided.

3. Identity Photographs

• Two identical, recent color photos (35×45 mm).
• White background, neutral expression, no shadows.
• Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons and must not obscure facial features.

4. Civil Status and Identity Documents

• Copy of Djiboutian national ID card.
• For minors: birth certificate.
• Proof of marital status: marriage certificate, divorce judgment, or death certificate where applicable.

5. Proof of Accommodation in Italy

Applicants must show evidence of where they will stay during the entire period of their visit:

• Confirmed hotel reservation with applicant’s name and address of stay.
• Invitation from a private host in Italy (with copy of host’s ID/residence permit and proof of residence).
• Property ownership or rental agreement if the applicant owns or rents property in Italy.

6. Proof of Travel Arrangements

• Confirmed round-trip flight reservation showing entry to and exit from the Schengen Area.
• If traveling by private car: vehicle registration, valid international insurance (“Green Card”), driver’s license, and rental agreement or notarized authorization from the owner if applicable.

7. Travel Health Insurance

• Minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Must include medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Valid for the entire Schengen Area and covering the full duration of stay.
• The applicant’s name must appear on the policy.

8. Proof of Financial Means

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient resources to cover their stay in Italy:

• Bank statements for the last three months, stamped and signed by the issuing bank.
• Income documents based on occupation:
  • Employees: employer’s letter confirming position, salary, and authorized leave.
  • Self-employed: business registration certificate and latest tax declarations.
  • Students: certificate of enrolment and permission for absence.
  • Pensioners: pension certificate and proof of payments.
• If supported by a sponsor: sponsorship declaration, copy of sponsor’s ID, and proof of sponsor’s financial resources.

9. Professional or Educational Status

• Employees: recent work certificate and salary slips.
• Self-employed: business license/registration and proof of tax compliance.
• Students: certificate of enrolment from educational institution.
• Unemployed: proof of family, property, or social ties in Djibouti.

10. Special Requirements for Minors

• Notarized travel authorization signed by both parents/guardians if a minor travels alone or with one parent.
• If accompanied by a guardian or third party: notarized authorization naming the accompanying adult, plus their ID and itinerary.
• Custody or guardianship documents if applicable.

11. Visa Fees

• Visa fees are fixed in euros but payable in Djiboutian francs (DJF).
• The exact amount in DJF is determined by the consular authority according to the official exchange rate at the time of submission.

Adults (above 12 years) – 90 euros (€), or about 18,800 Djibouti Franc

Children (6 to 12 years) – 45.00 euros (€), or about 9,400 Djibouti Franc

Children (5 years and below) – 0 euros (€), or about 0 Djibouti Franc

Djibouti French Visa Application Centre

For any other questions, France consulate can answer you at (+33) (3) 59 39 70 03 or by audio call via the internet.