Yemen entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Spanish passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. You must get a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before traveling in 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. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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 at Sana'a and Aden airports ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Yemen. Officers may ask for this during the visa application process or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted. A bank statement showing at least $500–$1,000 helps satisfy any questions about your ability to support yourself. | Recommended |
Travel warning
Yemen is an active conflict zone. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel. If you decide to go, register with the Spanish Embassy in Sanaa (if operational) and have a solid evacuation plan.
Visa application is mandatory
There is no e-visa or visa-on-arrival for Spanish passport holders. You must apply at a Yemeni embassy before departure. Start the process at least 4 weeks ahead.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Yemeni embassy
Contact the Yemeni Embassy in Madrid to submit your visa application. You'll need your passport, application form, passport photos, and supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start early.
2
Book flights and accommodation
Once you have your visa, book a return flight and a hotel for at least the first night. Keep digital copies of both confirmations.
3
Prepare for arrival at Sanaa International Airport
At the airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and hotel booking if asked. Expect a manual check — no e-gates. Have a pen handy for any forms.
4
Arrange a local SIM or eSIM
Buy a local SIM at the airport or use an eSIM like Airalo that activates on landing. This avoids queues and keeps you connected.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Requires sponsorship from a Yemeni entity or hotel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$150 USD
Requires invitation from a Yemeni company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required; apply at Yemeni embassy or consulate. | ~$100 USD (varies, check embassy) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying is not recommended; fines may apply. | Unknown (likely negotiable at immigration) |
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
Spain holders transiting through Yemen must obtain a transit visa in advance, as there is no visa-free transit. Airside transit is not permitted without a visa.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Yemen, especially in coastal and lowland areas.
Dengue feverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito-borne.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks due to poor water sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; risk is high nationwide, especially in coastal regions.
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; bring passport, visa, and sponsor letter.
Aden
Aden Immigration Office
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Yemen.
Practical information for ES 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 = 238.34 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 Spanish citizens. You must get a visa from a Yemeni embassy before you travel.
Processing times vary, but expect at least 2–4 weeks. Apply well in advance. Contact the Yemeni Embassy in Madrid for current timelines.
Typically: a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, hotel booking, and sometimes a letter of invitation. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Yemen due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. If you do travel, get comprehensive insurance that covers evacuation and register with your embassy.
Extensions are not generally available for tourist visas. You would need to leave and re-enter with a new visa. Check with immigration in Sanaa if you have a specific need.
The local currency is the Yemeni rial (YER). Cash is king — credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring US dollars or euros in cash and exchange them locally. ATMs are unreliable.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from an endemic country. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio vaccines are recommended. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.