November 1, 2026 — The US Embassy in Djibouti told its staff to shelter in place on Sunday morning because of what it called potential incoming threats, and recommended that US citizens in the country do the same until further notice. It is at least the fifth shelter order the embassy has issued since early October.
What the embassy said
- The alert: Issued November 1 (posted 6:33 a.m. UTC). It does not name the threat or give an end time. Earlier shelter orders on October 8, 10, 11 and 29 were each followed by a “shelter warning lifted” notice. As of this writing, no lifting notice for the November 1 order had been posted.
- Background: In an October 23 alert, the embassy said the Iranian-backed Houthis were engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and infrastructure, and that the situation could escalate quickly. It warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruption.
- Shelter guidance: Go to the lowest floor with the fewest outside walls and windows, close doors and stay near an interior wall. Keep food, water, medicines and essentials with you. If outdoors, get into a solid building.
- Canada’s advice: Exercise a high degree of caution in Djibouti because of crime, and avoid non-essential travel within 10 km of the Eritrean border (last updated October 14).
- Embassy contacts: +253 21 45 3000 or +253 77 87 72 29; DjiboutiACS@state.gov. From the US or Canada, State Department Consular Affairs: 1-888-407-4747.
What it means for travelers
- If you are in Djibouti, follow the shelter guidance and watch the embassy’s website, X and Facebook pages for the all-clear.
- Check your flight status with your airline or on the Djibouti airport website (jibaero.com) before going to the airport. The embassy has warned of possible cancellations and airspace closures.
- Avoid routings through Djibouti while these alerts continue, since you could be stuck if flights stop.
- Keep a go-bag with your passport, medicines and some cash, and have a backup plan for leaving.
- Djibouti emergency numbers: 999 (emergency services) or 119 (ambulance).
- US citizens can enroll in STEP; Canadians can use Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Sources
- U.S. Embassy in Djibouti — Security Alert – Seek Shelter – U.S. Embassy Djibouti (Nov. 1, 2026)
- U.S. Embassy in Djibouti — Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Djibouti (October 23, 2026)
- U.S. Embassy in Djibouti — Alerts archive
- Government of Canada — Djibouti travel advice
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