Yemen entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. You must apply at a Yemeni embassy or consulate before traveling. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply before travel | Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen. Apply at the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal or at a Yemeni embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Yemen. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Sana'a and Aden airports ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready — they rarely accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Yemen. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed address and contact number helps. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Yemen is a cash economy — bring enough USD or EUR in cash for your trip, as ATMs are unreliable. | Recommended |
Security situation
Yemen is an active conflict zone. The Swiss government advises against all travel. If you still decide to go, register with the Swiss embassy in Riyadh (which covers Yemen) and have a solid evacuation plan.
Visa application logistics
The Yemeni embassy in Bern handles visa applications for Swiss residents. You may need to submit your passport in person or by mail — check their website for current procedures. Processing can be slow, so start at least 6 weeks before your intended departure.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Yemeni embassy
Contact the Yemeni embassy in Bern or the nearest consulate. Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photos, and any supporting documents (e.g., invitation letter, hotel booking). Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book flights and accommodation
Once you have your visa, book a return flight and your first night's stay. Keep confirmations accessible on your phone.
3
Arrive at Sanaa International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, boarding pass, and return ticket. You may also be asked for your hotel address. The process is straightforward but expect delays — staffing can be unpredictable.
4
Get a local SIM or eSIM
After clearing customs, you can buy a local SIM at airport kiosks. Alternatively, install an Airalo eSIM before you fly — it activates on landing and avoids the queue.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Standard visa for tourism; must be obtained before travel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD
Requires invitation letter from Yemeni company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies; check with Yemeni embassy for exact amount. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Visa application processing feeNon-refundable processing fee. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa application30%
Security concerns25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Transit visa required
Switzerland holders transiting through Yemen must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with the airline for specific requirements.
Transit hubsSana'a International Airport · Aden International Airport
Health & vaccines for Yemen
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in all regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Yemen, including cities. Prophylaxis such as atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline is 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 Street, Sana'a
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aden
Aden Immigration Office
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa issues in southern Yemen.
Practical information for CH 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 = 238.34 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
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Swiss citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but expect 2–4 weeks. Apply well in advance, especially if you need a letter of invitation.
Typically: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Some embassies may also require a letter of invitation from a Yemeni sponsor.
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Yemen due to ongoing conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. Check the latest travel advisory before planning any trip.
Yemen requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. The visa is issued for a fixed period — overstaying can result in fines or detention. Plan your trip within the visa validity.
The local currency is the Yemeni rial (YER). Cash is king — credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring US dollars or euros in cash and exchange them locally. ATMs are unreliable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.