Yemen entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
French passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Yemen. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option — you need to apply at a Yemeni embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Yemen. Start the process at the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Processing times vary — apply at least 4 weeks before your trip. You will need a sponsor in Yemen for most visa types.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Yemen. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within 6 months, you may be denied boarding even if Yemen doesn't formally require that buffer. | 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 version ready on your phone. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have your hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your Yemeni sponsor ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you are traveling solo. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted in Yemen. A bank statement showing sufficient funds can help if asked. There is no fixed minimum amount, but $500–$1,000 for a short trip is reasonable. | Recommended |
Safety warning
Yemen is an active conflict zone. The French government strongly advises against all travel. If you decide to go, register with the French consulate and have a solid evacuation plan.
No e-visa or visa on arrival
There is no online visa system for Yemen. All French citizens must apply through a Yemeni embassy. Do not rely on third-party websites claiming to offer e-visas — they are scams.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Yemeni embassy
Contact the Yemeni embassy or consulate in Paris or the nearest one (e.g., in Geneva or London). Submit your application, passport photos, and any additional documents they request. Processing can take 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once you have the visa, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations saved on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Yemen
At Sanaa International Airport or Aden International Airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. Expect questions about your purpose of visit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no arrival declarations required.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD)
Requires application at Yemen embassy. Extensions possible but limited.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
For frequent travellers; must have valid reason for multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$120 USD (120 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Yemeni company.
work visa
Yemen Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (200 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Yemeni employer. Requires labor ministry approval and contract.
student visa
Yemen Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (100 USD) plus university enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized Yemeni institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, subject to change. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; may vary. | ~$20 USD per day (20 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
France passport holders transiting through Yemen must obtain a transit visa before travel, even if staying airside.
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 lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks due to poor water sanitation; 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 Street, Sana'a
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and visa application.
Aden
Aden Immigration Office
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa services for southern Yemen. Expect delays.
Practical information for FR 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 = 238.5 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 facility for French passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but expect 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure. The Yemeni embassy in Paris is your first point of contact.
Visa fees depend on the type and duration. Tourist visas typically cost around €50–€100, but check with the embassy for the exact amount. Fees are subject to change.
You'll need a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), passport-sized photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, and sometimes a letter of invitation or hotel booking. The embassy may request additional documents.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Yemen due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. Check the latest travel advisory before making any plans. If you do travel, get comprehensive insurance that covers evacuation.
Visa extensions are not available for French citizens. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
Yemen requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from an endemic area. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio vaccines are also recommended. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.