Yemen entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option currently available, so you must apply at a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Yemen visa at the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Yemeni embassy before travel. Processing times vary and can take weeks — start at least a month ahead. 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 Japanese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Yemen. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Sanaa and Aden airports will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your Yemeni sponsor. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you travel solo. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have cash (USD or Yemeni rials) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Yemen is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Security situation
Yemen is an active conflict zone. Most governments advise against all travel. If you do go, register with your embassy and have a solid evacuation plan. Travel insurance may not cover you.
No visa on arrival or e-visa
You must get a visa from a Yemeni embassy before you fly. There are no exceptions for Japanese passport holders.
What happens at the border
1
Apply at a Yemeni embassy or consulate
Contact the nearest Yemeni embassy or consulate (e.g., in Tokyo or a neighboring country) to submit your visa application. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, a completed application form, and supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will forward your application to Yemeni authorities for approval. There is no online tracking — follow up by phone or email. Approval is not guaranteed.
3
Collect your visa
If approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before leaving the embassy.
4
Arrive at a Yemeni airport
On arrival at Sanaa International Airport or Aden International Airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. Expect a thorough check — officials may ask about your purpose of visit and itinerary.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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 30 days
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)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible at immigration office.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Yemeni company.
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, typically valid for 6 months. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, capped at $500 USD. | ~$10 USD per day (10 USD) |
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
Japan passport 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.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Yemeni visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
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 all regions, especially below 2000 meters.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks due to poor water sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Yemen. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
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 - Sana'a
Al-Sabeen Street, near the Ministry of Interior
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aden
Passport and Immigration Office - Aden
Al-Mansoura District, near the port
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa services for southern Yemen.
Practical information for JP 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 for Japanese citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. Yemen does not currently offer an e-visa system. All visa applications must be submitted in person or by mail to a Yemeni embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer depending on the embassy's workload and security clearances. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, 2 passport-sized photos, a completed application form, a copy of your flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and a letter explaining your purpose of visit. Some embassies may also require a letter of invitation from a Yemeni sponsor.
Visa extensions are not officially available for tourists. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
Yemen is under an active travel warning from most governments due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. Check your foreign ministry's travel advisory before booking anything. Travel insurance may not cover claims in active war zones.
You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reason for rejection (e.g., incomplete documents, insufficient funds). Contact the embassy for clarification. There is no formal appeal process.
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.