Yemen entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option — you must get a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel. This requirement is unchanged as of 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 website or at the nearest Yemeni embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your South Korean passport must be valid for the entire 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 | Immigration officers in Yemen ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready — they may not accept a verbal promise. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Yemen. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have access to enough cash or a credit card to cover your stay. Yemen is a cash economy — bring US dollars in small denominations for local expenses. ATMs are scarce outside Sana'a. | Recommended |
Security situation
Yemen is an active conflict zone. Most governments advise against all travel. If you decide to go, have a robust security plan, register with your embassy, and consider professional security support.
No visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival or eVisa for South Korean passport holders. You must get a visa from a Yemeni embassy before you travel. Do not attempt to enter without one.
What happens at the border
1
Get your visa before you fly
Contact the Yemeni embassy or consulate in your country (e.g., Seoul or Tokyo) to submit your application. You'll need your passport, photos, and possibly a letter of invitation. Processing can take 2–4 weeks.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, put your passport, visa, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance in a single folder. Keep a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Arrive at Sanaa or Aden airport
At immigration, hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes if your paperwork is in order.
4
Exit the airport
After getting your passport stamped, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. There are no additional forms to fill on arrival.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD equivalent)
Standard visa for tourism; must be obtained before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD equivalent)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required; apply at Yemen embassy or via authorized agent. | ~$100 USD (100 USD equivalent) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May be available; check with embassy. | ~$150 USD (150 USD equivalent) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (10 USD equivalent) |
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
South Korea passport holders transiting through Yemen must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with the airline.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in all regions; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance essential.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Yemen, including cities. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 - Sana'a
Al-Sabeen Street, Sana'a
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring all original documents.
Aden
Passport and Immigration Office - Aden
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles immigration matters for southern Yemen.
Practical information for KR 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. Yemen does not offer visa on arrival for South Korean passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 2–4 weeks. Start the application at least a month before your planned departure.
Visa fees depend on the embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$150 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
Many embassies require a letter of invitation from a sponsor in Yemen (a company, hotel, or individual). Confirm with the embassy where you apply.
Visa extensions are not available for tourists. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
The security situation in Yemen is extremely volatile. Most governments advise against all travel. If you do go, register with your embassy and have a solid security plan.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some transits may require one.
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.