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Yemen Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa Required

US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Yemen; visa types include tourist, business, work, and student visas; apply through the Yemen embassy or consulate; visa on arrival and e visa options are limited and subject to port constraints.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry and have at least two blank visa pages.
  • Specific forms: Yemen visa application form if required by the embassy; DS-160 and other U.S. forms are not used for Yemen visa.
  • Financial proof: bank statements for the last 3 months showing available funds of at least 1,500 USD.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: proof of hotel booking or host invitation in Yemen and a return or onward ticket.
  • Photo spec: two recent color passport photos, 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), white background; ensure head is clearly visible and background is plain.
  • Biometrics: biometrics are not typically collected at entry; if the embassy requires biometrics, you will be notified and must visit a visa center or embassy for collection.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory but strongly recommended for travel in Yemen.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa: Official name Tourist Visa; Validity up to 3 months from issue; Maximum stay 30 days per visit; Entry: Single; Approx fee 50 USD; Local currency approx 12,500 YER.
  • Business visa: Official name Business Visa; Validity up to 3 months; Maximum stay 30 days; Entry: Single; Approx fee 100 USD; Local currency approx 25,000 YER.
  • Work visa: Official name Work Visa; Validity up to 6 months; Maximum stay 30 days per visit (contract dependent); Entry: Single; Approx fee 200 USD; Local currency approx 50,000 YER.
  • Student visa: Official name Student Visa; Validity up to 12 months; Maximum stay per entry 90 days; Entry: Single; Approx fee 150 USD; Local currency approx 37,500 YER.
  • Transit visa: Official name Transit Visa; Validity up to 3 days; Maximum stay 3 days; Entry: Single; Approx fee 20 USD; Local currency approx 5,000 YER.

How to apply online

  • Not available for US citizens at this time. The official Yemen embassy portal is https://www.yemenembassy.org/. If a visa portal becomes available, follow these steps: 1) Determine visa type and prepare required documents 2) Fill the official visa application form online (if available) or print and sign the paper form 3) Submit documents to the Yemeni embassy or consulate by mail or in person 4) Pay the visa fee and any service charges 5) Wait for processing (typical 5–15 working days) 6) Receive the visa by mail or at the embassy. Always verify current requirements on the Yemen embassy site before starting.

Visa on arrival

  • Ports of entry where visa on arrival is sometimes available include Sanaa International Airport and Aden International Airport. Steps: 1) Arrive with a valid passport and, if required, a visa application form 2) Present passport and any supporting documents (hotel or host address, return/onward ticket, passport photos) 3) Pay the visa on arrival fee in USD (or local currency as allowed) 4) The visa stamp is placed in your passport and you proceed to immigration 5) Queue tips: arrive early, have exact change, carry photocopies of passport data page and visa application 6) Note: Port status and eligibility can change; security restrictions or closures may apply; always verify current entry rules on the Yemen embassy site.

How to apply

  • Sticker visa application (through the Yemeni embassy or consulate): 1) Gather documents: passport copies (bio page), two passport photos, completed visa application form, sponsor/invitation letter or host letter from Yemen, hotel address or Yemeni sponsor address, return flight ticket, evidence of funds (bank statement) 2) Submit to the Yemeni embassy or a designated visa service (if applicable) with the original passport and copies 3) Pay the visa fee by bank draft, money order, or as instructed by the consulate 4) Processing times: standard 7–15 days; express services may be offered by some posts with higher fees 5) Interview: a consular interview may be required in some cases 6) Collect the passport with the visa once approved

Entry conditions

  • Visa free entry is not available for US citizens for Yemen. To stay legally you must have a valid Yemeni visa prior to or on arrival where allowed. On entry you should hold your approved visa, passport valid for the duration of your stay, and any supporting documents required by your visa type. Work is generally prohibited without a valid Yemeni work sponsorship and appropriate work permit. Extensions are possible in some cases via Yemeni immigration authorities but are not guaranteed and depend on security conditions; check with the Yemeni authorities well before your visa expires.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (USD) by visa type: Tourist 50; Business 100; Work 200; Student 150; Transit 20.
  • Local currency equivalent (YER) approximations: Tourist ~12500; Business ~25000; Work ~50000; Student ~37500; Transit ~5000.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for Yemen; fees are paid to the Yemeni embassy or consulate directly.
  • Total cost estimate: depends on visa type; typically from about 50 USD to 200 USD plus any express fees if offered.
  • Standard processing time: approximately 5–15 working days for sticker visas; visa on arrival has no pre-processing time.
  • Express/priority option: May be available at some posts for an additional fee; check with the local Yemeni embassy or consulate.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Apply well in advance: start the process at least 6–8 weeks before travel; 2–3 months is safer given potential delays.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: incomplete documents or missing sponsor/invitation letter; insufficient funds or evidence of funds; discrepancies in passport details or travel history; lack of hotel/host address; security concerns or suspicions about travel purpose.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Yemen visa processing is handled by the Yemeni embassy or consulate; third party visa centers may not be available in your country; follow the official embassy site for accepted channels.
  • Travel advisories: U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Yemen is typically Level 4 Do Not Travel; check the latest advisory before planning any trip.
  • Extension options inside Yemen: extensions may be possible through Yemeni immigration authorities in some cases; however security conditions and border controls are volatile; plan for possible early departure if extension is not granted.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.