Yemen entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Yemen. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs about 50 USD. As of 2025, the process is straightforward at major airports like Sanaa and Aden.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Yemeni airports and land borders. Pay the fee in cash (USD or local currency) — exact amount varies by nationality. Have your passport photo ready. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Yemen. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket at the border. If you cannot show one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Yemen ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (USD or local currency) to cover your stay — around $50–$100 per day is a safe estimate. Immigration rarely asks, but having cash avoids problems if they do. | Recommended |
Security situation in Yemen
Yemen is currently experiencing conflict and civil unrest. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Travel insurance may not cover war zones — verify your policy.
Cash is king in Yemen
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough US dollars in cash for your entire stay. ATMs are unreliable.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Yemen airport
Land at Sanaa International Airport or Aden International Airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at visa counter
Join the queue at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay visa fee
Pay the visa fee (approximately 50 USD) in cash. US dollars are widely accepted, but have exact change if possible.
4
Receive visa sticker
The officer will stamp or affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Go to the passport control queue. Present your passport with the visa. You may be asked a few questions about your stay.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're now in Yemen.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival for UAE passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0)
May be issued on arrival; confirm at port of entry.
work visa
Yemen Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires a local sponsor and employment contract. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Yemen Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrollment at a recognized Yemeni educational institution. Requires acceptance letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)No fee for UAE passport holders at entry. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Yemen
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Yemen airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSana'a International Airport (SAH) · Aden International Airport (ADE)
Health & vaccines for Yemen
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in most areas; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions below 2000m; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sana'a
Passport and Immigration Authority
Al Sabeen District, Sana'a
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aden
Aden Immigration Office
Khormaksar, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa issues for southern region.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalSanaa
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyYemeni rial (YER)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 238.49 YER
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,D,GTypes A (2-pin flat), D (3-pin round), and G (3-pin rectangular) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is typically valid for up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your stay accordingly.
The fee is approximately 50 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Have exact change if possible.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Sanaa International Airport and Aden International Airport. It may also be available at other entry points, but check with your airline.
Yes, you must have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it before issuing the visa.
It is not always mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs can be very high, and insurance covers emergencies.
You will likely be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the 30-day validity expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.