Yemen entry requirements for Ireland passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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

Irish passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Yemen. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. You need to apply through a Yemeni embassy or consulate.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required — apply before travel
You need a visa to enter Yemen. Apply through the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip. You will need a sponsor or invitation letter from a Yemeni entity.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Yemen. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policies. Carry a copy of your passport bio page separately.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers in Yemen routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines at departure may also check this before boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Yemen. Immigration may ask where you are staying. A printed confirmation helps avoid delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry enough cash (USD or Yemeni Rial) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing recent transactions can also help if asked.Recommended
Security situation
Yemen is an active conflict zone with ongoing military operations, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Yemen. If you decide to go, get comprehensive travel insurance and register with your embassy.
Embassy contact required
There is no Yemeni embassy in Ireland. You will need to apply through the Yemeni embassy in London (UK) or another nearby country. Contact them directly for the exact process and fees.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the Yemeni embassy
Find the Yemeni embassy or consulate responsible for Ireland (likely in London or another nearby country). Call or email to confirm the exact application process, required documents, and fees. Requirements can vary by embassy.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail as instructed by the embassy. Pay the visa fee (amount varies — ask the embassy). Processing can take several weeks, so apply well in advance.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in Yemen
At the airport in Yemen (e.g., Sanaa International Airport or Aden International Airport), proceed to immigration. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Be prepared for additional questioning about your purpose of visit.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

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

Standard option for tourism; requires sponsorship or hotel booking.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD

Allows multiple visits; useful for frequent travellers.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$120 USD

Requires invitation letter from Yemeni company.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Obtained from Yemeni embassy or consulate before travel.~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)May be available for frequent travellers; check with embassy.~$150 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Overstay fine per dayNo official cap known; avoid overstay.~$10 USD per day (estimated)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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

Transit visa is required for Ireland holders changing planes in Yemen, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Yemen embassy.

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

Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.

CholeraHigh risk

Ongoing outbreaks due to poor water sanitation; avoid unsafe food/water.

Malaria risk: high

High risk in all areas below 2,000 meters; use prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) and mosquito repellent.

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; expect delays due to security situation.

Aden
Aden Immigration Office
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles visa matters for southern region; limited services.

Practical information for IE 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 = 238.64 YER
updated Jul 3
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
Police194
Medical191
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Irish citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but expect 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Fees depend on the embassy and visa type (tourist, business, etc.). Contact the Yemeni embassy directly for the current fee. Expect to pay in the range of $50–$150.
For tourist visas, some embassies may require a letter of invitation from a Yemeni host or a hotel booking confirmation. Check with your specific embassy.
Extensions are not available for Irish passport holders. You must leave before your visa expires.
Yemen is an active conflict zone. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Yemen. If you must go, get comprehensive travel insurance and register with your embassy.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Exit procedures are strict, so leave on time.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.