Yemen entry requirements for New Zealand 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
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 must obtain a visa before traveling to Yemen. Apply through the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your nearest Yemeni embassy. Processing times vary significantly — start at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Yemen. Carry two blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers at Sana'a and Aden airports check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also enforce this before boarding — have your booking confirmation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your Yemeni host ready. Immigration may ask for your accommodation address during the visa application or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — around $500–$1,000 USD in cash or a credit card statement. Yemen is a cash-based economy, so bring US dollars in small denominations. | 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 June 28, 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 date
Cost~$100 USD
Standard visa for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD
Allows multiple entries; extension possible for each stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$120 USD
Requires invitation letter from Yemeni company.
work visa
Yemen Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus employer sponsorship)
For foreign nationals employed by a Yemeni company. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Yemen Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (plus university acceptance)
For international students enrolled at a recognized Yemeni educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required for New Zealand passport holders; apply at Yemeni 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
Incomplete visa application35%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Yemen generally require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Yemeni embassy.
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
Present throughout Yemen, especially in coastal and lowland areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing risk due to poor water sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is prevalent in all regions below 2000 meters. Prophylaxis recommended; consider atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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 immigration services.
Aden
Passport and Immigration Authority - Aden
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Serves southern Yemen; bring all original documents.
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 = 238.38 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 June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.