Yemen entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen in 2026. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for NZ citizens. The process involves submitting an application through a Yemeni embassy or consulate, so start well ahead of your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Yemen. Apply through the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at a Yemeni embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Yemen. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket at the border. Without one, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or host invitation ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or local currency) to cover your stay. Yemen is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Sana'a. | Recommended |
Security situation in Yemen
Yemen is an active conflict zone. The New Zealand government advises against all travel to Yemen. If you do travel, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers war zones and have a solid evacuation plan.
Embassy contact is essential
Visa requirements can change with little notice. Always confirm the latest application process, fees, and required documents with the Yemeni embassy or consulate before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Yemeni embassy
Contact the Yemeni embassy or consulate in your region (or the nearest one that handles visa applications). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and any other documents they request. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. There's no standard timeline — it could be a few weeks or longer. Follow up if you haven't heard back within a reasonable time.
3
Collect your passport with visa
When approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and any conditions (like single or multiple entry).
4
Arrive in Yemen
At the airport (likely Sanaa International Airport or Aden International Airport), proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation details if asked. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Standard visa for tourism; must be obtained before travel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$150 USD
Requires invitation from Yemeni company; may allow extension.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Obtained from Yemen embassy or consulate prior to travel. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Visa extension feeExtensions are not generally available for tourist visas. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Yemen generally require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Check with the airline or embassy for specific requirements.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in all regions; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance essential.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
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
Al Sabeen District, Sana'a
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa-related issues; bring all documents.
Aden
Aden Immigration Office
Khormaksar, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits for southern region.
Practical information for NZ 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. New Zealand passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary widely — from a few weeks to over a month. Contact the embassy directly for current timelines. Apply as early as possible.
Visa fees depend on the embassy and the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Check with the specific embassy for the exact cost. Expect to pay in the local currency or as specified.
Some Yemeni embassies may require a letter of invitation from a host in Yemen or a sponsor. Check with the embassy handling your application for their specific requirements.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
A damaged passport may be rejected for a visa. If your passport has significant wear, tears, or water damage, renew it before applying for the Yemen visa.
It's not officially required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Yemen is limited and can be expensive. Insurance covers evacuation, which is crucial given the security situation.
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.