The short, 61-kilometer border between Djibouti and Somalia is a frontier that connects Djibouti with the semi-autonomous region of Somaliland, not the federal government based in Mogadishu. This is an important distinction for your travel, as it is a passage into a region that functions as a de facto independent state.
The one and only official crossing point is at Loya Ado (also spelled Lawyacado). This coastal crossing is the designated point for all traffic moving between the two territories. It serves as a key trade route for Somaliland, providing access to the modern port facilities in Djibouti.
The crossing at Loya Ado is a remote outpost. The procedures can be time-consuming, and you must have all your visa paperwork for both Djibouti and Somaliland in perfect order before you arrive. Visas are not typically issued at this border. The journey to and from the crossing is through an arid, sparsely populated coastal plain.
Security is a key consideration. While Somaliland is generally more stable than the rest of Somalia, the broader regional security situation requires careful monitoring. You should consult the most current travel advisories before planning a journey to this remote and politically complex corner of the Horn of Africa.