Yemen entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option — you must apply at a Yemeni embassy before you travel. This requirement has been strictly enforced since 2026.
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 portal or at the nearest Yemeni embassy. Processing times vary — expect several weeks.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Yemen. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration may ask for a return or onward ticket before boarding. Airlines check this strictly — carry a printed or digital copy of your itinerary. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or sponsor letter | Have a confirmed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your Yemeni sponsor ready. Immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry enough cash (USD or Yemeni Rial) to cover your stay — ATMs are scarce and credit cards rarely accepted. A bank statement showing recent transactions helps. | Recommended |
Security situation
Yemen is an active conflict zone. The South African government advises against all travel. If you decide to go, ensure you have evacuation insurance and a solid safety plan.
No e-visa or visa on arrival
There is no online visa system for Yemen. You must visit a Yemeni embassy in person or by mail. Plan for embassy processing times of 2–4 weeks.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Yemeni embassy
Contact the Yemeni embassy or consulate in your country (e.g., Pretoria for South Africa). Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks. There is no online application.
2
Prepare your documents before departure
Make sure your passport has the visa sticker, is valid for 6+ months, and has a blank page. Print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance details on your phone.
3
Arrival at Yemeni airport
At Sanaa International Airport or Aden International Airport, proceed to immigration control. Present your passport with the visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your documents handy.
4
Exit immigration
After the stamp, collect your luggage and proceed to customs. There are no additional forms to fill. You're free to enter.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD
Allows multiple entries for tourism.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
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
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (plus university acceptance)
For individuals enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Yemen. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, subject to change. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%
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
South Africa passport holders generally need a visa to transit through Yemen, even if staying airside. Check with the airline or embassy for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
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 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration services.
Aden
Passport and Immigration Authority - Aden
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Serves southern region; bring all original documents.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 238.39 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 South African passport holders. You must get a visa from a Yemeni embassy before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date. There is no expedited or online option.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around 100–200 USD equivalent. Contact the Yemeni embassy in Pretoria for the exact fee.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
The South African government advises against all travel to Yemen due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. If you must go, get comprehensive travel insurance and register with your embassy.
Extensions are not guaranteed. The database shows extensions are not available. Plan your stay within the visa's validity period.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
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.