Yemen entry requirements for Japan 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

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

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
You need a visa before traveling to Yemen. Apply through the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at the nearest Yemeni embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for intended stay
Your Japanese passport must be valid for the entire 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 in Yemen routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from a host in Yemen can smooth the immigration process. Keep a printed copy with your travel documents.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry enough cash (USD or Yemeni Rial) to cover your stay — banks and ATMs are unreliable. Immigration may ask to see evidence of financial means.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 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 date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 10,500 JPY)

Standard tourist visa for short visits; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 21,000 JPY)

Ideal for frequent travellers; each stay limited to 30 days.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 15,750 JPY)

Requires invitation letter from Yemeni company.

work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 31,500 JPY) plus fees
For foreign workers with a Yemeni employer sponsor. Requires employment contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 21,000 JPY) plus fees
For enrolled students at recognized Yemeni institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 52,500 JPY) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Yemeni business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required for Japan passport holders; apply at Yemen embassy.~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; may vary.~$10 USD per day

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 generally need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
  • Transit without visa may be allowed if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread in all regions; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present throughout Yemen, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 - Sana'a
Al-Sabeen Street, Sana'a
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.

Aden
Passport and Immigration Authority - Aden
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Serves southern region; bring all original documents.

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 = 238.38 YER
updated Jun 4
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 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 June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.