Yemen entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Saudi passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Yemen at major airports like Sanaa and Aden. This is the standard entry method for most travellers. The process is straightforward, but you must meet all requirements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Yemen. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Yemeni immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Available at select entry points | Saudi nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Sana'a International Airport and other major land borders. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — immigration officers often ask for both before issuing the visa. The fee is approximately 10,500 YER (around $42 USD), payable in cash (USD or local currency). | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Sana'a Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting the visa on arrival. Airlines also verify this at check-in. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended for visa on arrival | While not strictly required by law, having a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a Yemeni host speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. Officers at the counter may ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but having proof avoids delays if questioned. | Recommended |
Security Situation
Yemen is an active conflict zone. Travel is extremely dangerous. Check your government's travel advisory before booking anything. Many embassies advise against all travel.
Cash is King
Bring enough USD cash for the visa fee and initial expenses. ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Yemen Airport
Land at Sanaa International Airport or Aden International Airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill Out Arrival Form
You'll be given a small arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, flight, and accommodation address.
3
Pay Visa Fee
Pay the visa fee at the designated counter. Fees vary but expect around $50–$100 USD (or equivalent in Yemeni rials). Have cash ready — cards may not be accepted.
4
Receive Visa Sticker
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to Passport Control
Show your passport with the new visa, the arrival card, and your return ticket if asked. Answer any questions clearly.
6
Collect Luggage and Exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Yemen.
Download Yemen Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Available at Yemeni embassies; requires sponsorship or invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Requires sponsorship and prior approval from Yemeni authorities.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored, fees vary)
For foreign workers with a Yemeni employer sponsor. Requires a work contract, approval from the Ministry of Labor, and a residence permit. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (institution-sponsored, fees vary)
For students enrolled at a recognized Yemeni educational institution. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and valid passport. Allows stay for the duration of studies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for Saudi nationals. | Free (no fee charged at entry) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not clearly defined; avoid overstaying to prevent detention or fines. | Unknown (no official rate published) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabian passport holders transiting through Yemen airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for stays under 24 hours and no exit from the airport.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, varicella, polio, flu)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in all regions below 2000m; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2000m, including Sana'a and Aden. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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, near the Ministry of Interior
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and sponsor letter.
Aden
Passport and Immigration Authority - Aden
Khormaksar District, near Aden International Airport
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions for southern Yemen; expect delays due to security situation.
Practical information for SA 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
The visa fee is typically between $50 and $100 USD, payable in cash (USD or Yemeni rials). Credit cards are rarely accepted, so bring enough cash.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but typically it's 30 days. Confirm with the immigration officer when you receive the visa.
Yes, you need a booked return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it. Keep a screenshot or printout handy.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation can be very expensive.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at major airports (Sanaa, Aden). Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Yemeni embassy before attempting.
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.