Yemen entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen in 2026. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option — you must apply in advance at a Yemeni embassy or consulate. The process is bureaucratic and can take weeks, so plan well ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Yemen. Apply through the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mofa.gov.ye. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip. Overstaying results in fines and potential detention.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. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | 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. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Yemeni immigration may ask where you are staying. Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Without it, you risk being questioned or denied entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers may ask to see proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Credit cards are rarely accepted in Yemen. | Recommended |
Security situation in Yemen
Yemen is an active conflict zone. Most governments advise against all travel. If you must go, arrange professional security, register with your embassy, and have a solid evacuation plan.
No visa-on-arrival or e-visa
There is no way to get a Yemen visa at the border or online. You must apply in advance at a Yemeni embassy. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Yemeni embassy
Locate the Yemeni embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., Moscow or other accredited missions). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks. There is no online or visa-on-arrival option.
2
Book flights and accommodation
Once you have the visa, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep printed or digital copies of both confirmations.
3
Arrive at a Yemeni airport
Most international flights arrive at Sanaa International Airport (SAH) or Aden International Airport (ADE). At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. Expect questions about your purpose of travel.
4
Complete arrival procedures
After passport control, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. No arrival declaration form is required. Have your hotel address and contact number ready if asked.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Standard option for tourism; apply in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
For frequent travellers; check conditions.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$120 USD
Requires invitation letter from Yemeni company.
work visa
Yemen Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus employer sponsorship)
For foreign workers with a Yemeni employer. Requires work permit and contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Yemen Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at Yemeni institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies; apply at Yemen embassy or consulate. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May allow multiple entries; check validity. | ~$150 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | ~$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
Russian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Yemen, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
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 lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
CholeraHigh risk
Outbreaks common due to poor water sanitation; avoid unsafe water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2000m; prophylaxis recommended (e.g., 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
Al-Sabeen Street, Sana'a
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Aden
Aden Immigration Office
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa issues for southern region.
Practical information for RU 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 = 238.84 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 Russian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can be longer depending on the embassy. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$150 USD. Contact the embassy directly for the exact fee.
Some embassies may require a letter of invitation from a Yemeni host or employer. Check with the specific embassy where you apply.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Yemen is under active travel warnings from most governments due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. Only travel if absolutely necessary and with professional security advice.
Contact the Russian embassy in Sanaa or the nearest consulate immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document. Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa separately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.