Yemen entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen in 2026. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for NZ citizens. The process involves submitting an application through a Yemeni embassy or consulate, so start well ahead of your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must obtain a visa before traveling to Yemen. Apply through the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the nearest Yemeni embassy. Processing times vary and can take weeks — start at least a month before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your New Zealand passport must have at least 6 months of validity 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 in Yemen routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy or digital booking confirmation ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a Yemeni host can speed up immigration. If you are staying with a local, get a signed letter with their contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash in US dollars or a debit/credit card to cover your stay. Yemen has limited banking infrastructure — ATMs are scarce outside major cities. Have at least $500 USD available for emergencies. | Recommended |
Security situation in Yemen
Yemen is an active conflict zone. The New Zealand government advises against all travel to Yemen. If you do travel, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers war zones and have a solid evacuation plan.
Embassy contact is essential
Visa requirements can change with little notice. Always confirm the latest application process, fees, and required documents with the Yemeni embassy or consulate before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Yemeni embassy
Contact the Yemeni embassy or consulate in your region (or the nearest one that handles visa applications). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and any other documents they request. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. There's no standard timeline — it could be a few weeks or longer. Follow up if you haven't heard back within a reasonable time.
3
Collect your passport with visa
When approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and any conditions (like single or multiple entry).
4
Arrive in Yemen
At the airport (likely Sanaa International Airport or Aden International Airport), proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation details if asked. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 date
Cost~$100 USD
Standard visa for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD
Allows multiple entries; extension possible for each stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
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
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (plus university acceptance)
For international students enrolled at a recognized Yemeni educational institution. 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) |
| Visa extension feeFee for extending stay beyond initial visa period, if permitted. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayDaily fine for overstaying visa validity, with possible maximum cap. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa application35%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Yemen generally require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Yemeni embassy.
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
Present throughout Yemen, especially in coastal and lowland areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas.
CholeraHigh risk
Ongoing risk due to poor water sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is prevalent in all regions below 2000 meters. Prophylaxis recommended; consider atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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 immigration services.
Aden
Passport and Immigration Authority - Aden
Khormaksar District, Aden
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Serves southern Yemen; bring all original documents.
Practical information for NZ 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. New Zealand passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Yemeni embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary widely — from a few weeks to over a month. Contact the embassy directly for current timelines. Apply as early as possible.
Visa fees depend on the embassy and the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Check with the specific embassy for the exact cost. Expect to pay in the local currency or as specified.
Some Yemeni embassies may require a letter of invitation from a host in Yemen or a sponsor. Check with the embassy handling your application for their specific requirements.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
A damaged passport may be rejected for a visa. If your passport has significant wear, tears, or water damage, renew it before applying for the Yemen visa.
It's not officially required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Yemen is limited and can be expensive. Insurance covers evacuation, which is crucial given the security situation.
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.