Yemen entry requirements for Iceland passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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

Icelandic 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 travel.

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 at mofa.gov.ye. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip. You will need a sponsor in Yemen for most visa types.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your Icelandic passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Yemen. No minimum validity beyond departure is formally required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration at Sana'a and Aden airports checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. Overland exits are limited — a flight out is the safest proof.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or sponsor letter
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your Yemeni sponsor confirming where you will stay. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you are on a business or visit visa.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD for a short stay. Yemen is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Sana'a.Recommended
Security warning
Yemen is in a state of armed conflict. The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Yemen. If you must go, register with the embassy and have a robust security plan.
Visa application complexity
Yemeni visa requirements can change with little notice. Always confirm the latest process with the nearest Yemeni embassy before applying. Some embassies require a letter of invitation from a Yemeni sponsor.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at a Yemeni embassy
Contact the nearest Yemeni embassy or consulate (e.g., in London, Berlin, or Cairo). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and any supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Pay the visa fee (varies by embassy, typically $50–$100).
2
Receive your visa and check details
Once approved, the embassy affixes the visa sticker to your passport. Double-check validity dates and your name spelling. Make a photocopy or take a photo of the visa page.
3
Prepare for arrival at Sanaa International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. You may be asked about your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly. Keep documents in your hand luggage.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. No additional forms to fill. Exit through customs — declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 tourist visa; must apply in advance at Yemeni embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD

For multiple visits; requires justification.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required; apply at Yemeni embassy or consulate.~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Overstay fine per dayMay apply if overstaying visa validity; check with local authorities.~$10 USD per day (estimated)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa documents20%

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

Iceland passport holders transiting through Yemen generally need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic passports may be exempt.
  • Transit without visa may be allowed if staying airside and not leaving the airport.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present in all areas below 2000m; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; use repellent and netting.

CholeraHigh risk

Waterborne; drink only bottled or boiled water.

Malaria risk: high

High risk in all regions; 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
Yemen Immigration Office (Passport and Immigration Authority)
Al-Sabeen Street, Sana'a
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and visa documents.

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

Handles immigration matters for southern region.

Practical information for IS 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
updated May 19
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 Icelandic passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
For tourist visas, a sponsor or invitation letter is often required. Contact the embassy to confirm. Business visas typically need a letter from a Yemeni company.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
The security situation in Yemen is extremely volatile. The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Yemen. If you do travel, get comprehensive travel insurance and register with your embassy.
Yemen requires a yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from an endemic country. Routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid, polio) are 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 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.