Yemen entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
British passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Yemen. There is no visa-on-arrival option for UK citizens. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Yemen visa at the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal or at a Yemen embassy before travel. Processing times vary and approval is not guaranteed — start at least 4 weeks ahead. The visa is single-entry and valid for 30 days from issue.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport required | 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 visa issuance | You need a confirmed onward or return ticket to leave Yemen. Immigration officers at Sana'a Airport check this before granting entry. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel will get you refused boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or sponsor letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your Yemeni sponsor ready. Immigration may ask for your accommodation address on arrival. A printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (USD or Yemeni Rial) to cover your stay — around $50–100 per day is a safe estimate. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, a bank statement or ATM receipt is accepted. | Recommended |
Travel warning
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Yemen due to the extremely dangerous security situation. If you decide to travel, get professional security advice and ensure you have comprehensive insurance that covers conflict zones.
Visa processing time
Apply for your visa at least 4 weeks before departure. Processing can be slow, and you may need to visit the embassy in person.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Yemeni embassy
Contact the Yemeni embassy in London (or the nearest consulate) to submit your visa application. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so apply early.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book your flights to Yemen and your first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of your return ticket and hotel booking on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Yemen
At the airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Keep your documents handy in case of a random check.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 sponsorship from a Yemeni travel agency or host.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; same sponsorship requirement.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (200 USD)
Requires invitation from a Yemeni company.
work visa
Yemen Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (500 USD)
For foreign nationals employed by a Yemeni company. Requires a work permit and sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Yemen Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (200 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized Yemeni educational 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 dayCharged for each day overstayed; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD (10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa documentation20%
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
A transit visa is required for UK passport holders changing planes in Yemen, even if staying airside. Apply in advance through a Yemeni embassy.
Transit hubsSana'a International Airport · Aden International Airport
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 all regions; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in coastal and lowland areas. Prophylaxis 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 extensions for visitors in southern Yemen.
Practical information for GB 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 British citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned travel date to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Contact the Yemeni embassy in London for current fees. Expect to pay around £50–£100 for a single-entry tourist visa.
For tourist visas, a sponsor or invitation letter is often required. The embassy can advise on specific requirements. Business visas may need a letter from a Yemeni company.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Yemen due to ongoing conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. Check the latest travel advisory before planning any trip.
Visa extensions are not generally available for tourists. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
You may need vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and polio. Check with a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.