Yemen visa

Yemen Visa Policy

Visitors to Yemen are advised to obtain visas for travel to Yemen unless they are nationals of visa-free countries. Yemen signed a visa on arrival policy for several nations in 2010, and the list remains active. However, citizens of Hong Kong do not need visas to visit Yemen, and they can stay in the country for up to 30 days.

Furthermore, visitors of Yemeni origin who have genuine ID cards to show proof of origin don't need visas to enter Yemen even though they may be citizens of other countries. Proof of origin can be done with a birth certificate or any other document from their father, who is Yemeni by birth.

Visa On Arrival

The visa-on-arrival policy is designed for citizens from several countries and is valid for 3 months. This visa allows the holder to stay in Yemen for up to 30 days.

Transit

International travelers can pass through Yemen to a third country without visas if they have a confirmed flight ticket and will only remain in the international transit area for 24 hours. They must also have valid documents for their next destination. Those who plan to exit the airport's transit area must apply for a visa.

Nonordinary Passport

Yemen has a special entry program for holders of special, service, and official passports from a host of countries, including holders of Palestine's VIP passport. These nonordinary passport holders are eligible for a visa on arrival at the entry point.

Banned Countries

Israeli citizens and those holding Israeli visas or any travel documents are banned from entering Yemen.

How To Apply For A Yemen Visa

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, you must apply to the nearest embassy for a visa. To apply for a Yemen Visa, you must submit a completed application form and other required documents to a foreign embassy abroad. The application process is different as embassies operate differently, but you can only make the trip after receiving your visa.

Yemen Travel Information For Visitors

The situation in Yemen remains volatile due to the ongoing war, which has created significant economic upheavals in the country. Avoid traveling to Yemen unless necessary; if you must, imbibe some of the following tips.

Airstrikes: Due to the ongoing war in Yemen, there are incessant military air strikes in cities and towns. These strikes have cooled off in recent times, but they can recommence without warning. Keep your ears open for sirens and stet away from targeted areas. You also want to pay close attention to your environment because of land mines, some of which have not been detonated.

Lack Of Supplies: The ongoing war has led to a disruption of supply chains, so medical care, food, and water are in short supply. You may not get sufficient supply, so you want to make sure you plan for these things before your trip. If your health is unstable, avoid traveling to Yemen because medical facilities are mostly understaffed and lack supplies.

Airlines: Most international airlines no longer fly to Yemen, and the fee that does are often booked several weeks or months in advance. If you must fly, consider booking your flight several weeks or months in advance. In case you decide to leave the country and there are no scheduled exit flights because of the fighting, find a bomb shelter or a safe place to hide until the strikes end. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Personal Safety: Avoid traveling alone at night, and don't visit isolated places. Keep valuable belongings hidden, and don't dress extravagantly, as you may be a target for muggings common in many Yemeni cities. Many embassies no longer operate in the country, so getting assistance from your government may be near impossible. If you must visit and stay in the country, work with only authorized and trusted organizations. Lock your doors every time and keep your windows closed and inaccessible at all times.

Low Profile: Kidnapping and terrorism are rife in Yemen, including in places like Aden, Sana'a, and Taizz. Always keep a low profile and change your routine often so others cannot track your activities. You also want to be wary of offices of government, international journalists, foreign installations, and NGOs.

Public Gatherings: Public gatherings are targets for extremist groups, and clashes and attacks are common during anniversaries, like Unity Day or Friday payer afternoons. Avoid such areas as much as possible.

Forgery: Many documents issued to unsuspecting victims in Yemen are forged, so make sure you check every document given to you.

Custom: Yemen is an Islamic country founded on the teachings of the holy prophet. Always respect the people's religion, customs, and traditions at all times. 

Please do not say or do anything that will offend people's beliefs, as they are very sensitive. If you are not Muslim, avoid religious areas, especially in the holy month of Ramadan, and if you are Muslim, be mindful of your actions in such areas.

Alcohol consumption: Consuming alcohol in public is forbidden and attracts stiff fines.

Pictures: Be mindful of how you use your camera. Please don't take pictures of residents without their permission, and be careful of taking images at religious or military sites.

Antiques: Yemen has a long history with cultural antiques and artifacts to serve as proof. There are thousands of such antiques in the country, and moving a unit without approval is illegal. Illegal removal or sale of antiques is illegal and attracts a custodial sentence. If you must move such crafts, you need permission from the Authority For Antiques.

Purpose:  The immigration laws of Yemen are very strict, and violators are punished severely. Stick to the purpose of your visa end leave the country when your visa expires or before. If you got a visa for tourism, don't pick up a job and remain in the country; let your activities reflect the entry document you have.

Return Ticket: Book your return ticket before your arrival. This is mandatory and will also save you traveling costs. For air travel, look for available airlines and book your ticket several weeks or months in advance.

Application Fee: The application fee is paid when you submit your application for the visa. The fee varies depending on the visa you're applying for.