Yemen entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for Kenyan citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Yemen. Apply at the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal or at the nearest Yemeni embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Yemen. No specific minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Yemeni law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Sana'a and Aden airports ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Yemen. Immigration may ask where you're staying — have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or Yemeni rials) for your stay — ATMs are unreliable and credit cards rarely work. A bank statement or cash equivalent of $500–$1,000 is a safe buffer. | Recommended |
Security situation in Yemen
Yemen is an active conflict zone. Travel is strongly discouraged by most governments. If you must go, get comprehensive travel insurance that covers war zones and register with your embassy.
No e-visa available
There is no e-visa system for Yemen. All visa applications must go through a Yemeni embassy or consulate in person or by mail.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Yemeni embassy
Contact the nearest Yemeni embassy or consulate (e.g., in Nairobi or Addis Ababa). Submit your passport, application form, passport photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take 1–4 weeks.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Yemen
At the airport (typically 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.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and proceed through customs. Keep your documents handy in case of random checks.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Apply at Yemeni embassy; may require sponsor letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD
For frequent travelers; same application process.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required; apply at Yemen embassy or consulate. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayMay vary; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future bans. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Yemen must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic passports may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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 throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks due to poor water sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers; risk is highest in coastal and rural areas.
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 and Passports Authority
Al-Sabeen District, near Ministry of Interior
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Aden
Aden Immigration Office
Al-Mansoura District, near Aden International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa issues for southern region.
Practical information for KE 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 = 238.49 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 Kenyan citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 1–4 weeks. Apply well in advance — at least a month before your planned travel date.
It is not always mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Yemen can be very high, and insurance covers evacuation and emergencies.
You will need your passport with a valid visa, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Keep these easily accessible.
Extensions are not generally available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires or apply for a new visa from outside the country.
No specific vaccines are required for entry, but check with your doctor for recommended vaccinations (e.g., hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever if coming from an endemic area).
The currency is the Yemeni rial (YER). Cash is king — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring US dollars or euros to exchange.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.