Yemen entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Yemen. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option — you need to apply at a Yemeni embassy or consulate. This rule is still in effect for 2026.
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. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on current security conditions.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Yemen. Yemen does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 6 months — confirm with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Yemen routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. Airlines at Addis Ababa Bole Airport will also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a Yemeni host can speed up immigration. Officers may ask where you are staying — have a printed address ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or Yemeni rials) to cover your stay — around $50–100 per day. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Sana'a. ATMs are unreliable. | Recommended |
Security situation
Yemen is an active conflict zone. Most governments strongly advise against all travel. If you decide to go, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers war zones and medical evacuation.
No visa on arrival
There is absolutely no visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. Do not show up at the airport without a visa — you will be denied boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy
Contact the nearest Yemeni embassy or consulate (e.g., in Addis Ababa or Nairobi). Submit the application form, your passport, passport photos, and any supporting documents they request. Pay the visa fee (amount varies by embassy). Processing can take 2–6 weeks.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once you have the visa, book a round-trip flight and your first night's hotel. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone and printed.
3
Arrive at Yemeni immigration
At the airport (e.g., Sanaa International or Aden), proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — expect a brief check of your accommodation proof.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There is no separate arrival card or health declaration to fill out.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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
Cost~$100 USD
Requires embassy application; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; employer-sponsored
Requires job offer and sponsor in Yemen.
work visa
Yemen Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer covers fees
For foreign workers with a local sponsor. Requires employment contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Yemen Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD
For enrolled students at Yemeni institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Obtained from Yemeni embassy; fees vary by nationality. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Ethiopian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Yemen, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsSana'a International Airport · Aden International Airport
Health & vaccines for Yemen
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in most areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis 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 Street, Sana'a
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions; bring passport and photos.
Aden
Aden Immigration Office
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
For visitors in southern Yemen; limited services.
Practical information for ET 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 = 238.64 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. Yemen does not offer visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. You must get a visa from a Yemeni embassy before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but expect 2 to 6 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
No. Yemen does not currently offer an e-visa system. All visas must be obtained through a physical embassy or consulate.
Typically: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport-sized photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Some embassies may also ask for a letter of invitation or a police clearance certificate. Check with the specific embassy you'll apply at.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect roughly $50–$150 USD. Contact the embassy directly for the exact amount.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date.
Many governments advise against all travel to Yemen due to armed conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping. Check your own government's travel advisory before booking anything. If you do go, travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.
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.