Yemen entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen. Visa-on-arrival and e-visa are not available as of 2026. You must get your visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must obtain a visa before traveling to Yemen. Start your application through the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing times and requirements vary — contact the nearest Yemeni embassy or consulate for specific instructions.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. Immigration officers at Sana'a and Aden airports check this strictly. Carry a photocopy of your passport's bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Airlines and immigration officials at Yemeni airports require proof of a return or onward ticket before boarding. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. Keep a printed copy of your itinerary. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a Yemeni host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or Yemeni rials) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
Security situation in Yemen
Yemen is currently experiencing armed conflict and a humanitarian crisis. Most foreign governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, have a robust security plan, register with your embassy, and ensure your insurance covers evacuation from conflict zones.
No visa-on-arrival or e-visa
There is no way to get a Yemen visa at the airport or online. You must apply in person at a Yemeni embassy or consulate before departure. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Yemeni embassy
Contact the nearest Yemeni embassy or consulate (e.g., in Baghdad or a neighboring country) to submit your visa application. You'll need your passport, photos, completed application form, and any supporting documents like a letter of invitation or travel itinerary. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once you have visa approval, book a return or onward flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of both confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Yemen
At the airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. Expect a brief interview about the purpose of your visit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration clearance, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD)
Requires sponsor or hotel booking. Extend at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Yemeni company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, no maximum cap specified. | ~$10 USD per day (10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete travel documents35%
Security concerns25%
No return ticket15%
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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Yemen must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may transit without visa.
- Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in all regions, especially during rainy season.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially after rains.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks due to poor water sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas.
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 permits. Bring passport, photos, and visa application.
Aden
Immigration Office - Aden
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa issues for southern region. Expect delays.
Practical information for IQ 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Iraqi citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 1–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned travel date to be safe.
You'll generally need: a passport valid for at least 6 months, completed visa application form, 2–3 passport-sized photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and sometimes a letter of invitation or sponsor letter. Check with the specific embassy for exact requirements.
It's not always mandatory, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care is limited and expensive — insurance covers evacuation, hospital stays, and emergency treatment.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You would need to apply at the immigration office in Yemen before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
The currency is the Yemeni rial (YER). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash to exchange — ATMs are unreliable.
Yemen is an active conflict zone. Most governments advise against all travel. If you must go, register with your embassy, have a solid security plan, and get comprehensive travel insurance that covers war zones.
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.