Yemen Visa for American Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents
American passport holders need a visa to enter Yemen. Apply at a Yemen embassy or consulate, or the official visa portal, before travelling.
- Max stay
- Varies
- Visa cost
- USD 65
- How to apply
- Embassy / visa centre
- Processing
- 3-5 days
Policy noteThe Embassy of Yemen in Washington, DC is not currently issuing tourist visas at all (confirmed on the embassy's own site) - only business, student, diplomatic, and other non-tourist categories are being processed. There has been no US Embassy operating in Yemen since it suspended operations in Sana'a in February 2015, so the US government cannot provide consular services inside the country. A 2025 online portal (yemenevisa.org) only supports organized tour groups of 10+ via an accredited Yemeni agency, not individual tourists. travel.state.gov rates Yemen Level 4 - Do Not Travel (terrorism, civil war, kidnapping, landmines, health risks).
How American citizens apply for a Yemen visa
- → Apply for a visa at the Yemen embassy/consulate or official visa application centre before travelling. Apply here ↗
Yemen visa cost for American citizens
Single entry visa - Consulate General Frankfurt, Germany
EUR 40
Fees checked 2 Jul 2026
Yemen visa types
Group Tourism Visa
Allows organised group tourism to Yemen for sightseeing and leisure. Only accepted through accredited travel agencies with a minimum group size of 10 members.
- Only tourist group visas submitted by accredited travel agencies are currently accepted through the e-visa portal (launched June 24, 2025).
- The Yemen Embassy Washington DC states it is not issuing tourist visas at this time.
- The Yemen Permanent Mission to the UN also states it is not issuing tourist visas.
- Payment is cash-only in USD at the IPNA main centre in Aden or via embassies/consulates.
- Individual tourist visa applications are not accepted.
Business Visa
Issued for business activities in Yemen including meetings, trade, and commercial activities. Requires an employer or sponsoring entity letter from Yemen.
- Requires an employer letter from a Yemeni company and MOFA Yemen approval.
- Fee of $65 (money order) is for embassy applications in the US; may vary at other missions.
- E-visa application also available via yemenevisa.org.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity required plus two passport photos and a doctor's letter confirming no contagious diseases.
Transit Visa
Permits foreign nationals to transit through Yemen en route to a third country.
- Listed as one of the five visa categories on the official e-visa portal.
- Onward ticket confirmation required.
- Specific fee and stay duration not published in accessible static form on the portal (JavaScript SPA).
Other Yemen visa categories (5)Hide other visa categories
These don't apply to a typical short visit, but cover other reasons people travel to Yemen. Eligibility varies by visa type - some are limited to specific nationalities, so check each one's conditions.
Visitor Visa
For foreign nationals visiting an inviting person or organisation in Yemen (e.g. relatives, friends, or a host entity). Requires the details of the inviting person or organisation.
- Distinct from the tourist visa: requires an invitation from a host person or organisation in Yemen rather than a travel-agency letter.
- Fee of $50 for a single-entry visa with 3-month (90-day) validity and approximately 2-week processing is per the Yemen Embassy in Poland (embassy-of-yemen.pl); fees and terms vary by mission and all entry visas require prior approval from Yemen's immigration authorities.
- Non-Yemenis must obtain entry-visa approval from inside Yemen.
Student Visa
Issued to foreign nationals accepted at Yemeni educational institutions for the purpose of study.
- Requires an acceptance letter from a Yemeni educational institution indicating the nature and duration of study.
- Application must include valid passport (6+ months), two passport photos, and a doctor's letter confirming no contagious diseases.
- Embassy in Washington DC handles applications for US-based applicants.
Work Visa
Authorises foreign nationals to reside and work in Yemen under a sponsor or employer.
- Listed as one of the five visa categories on the official e-visa portal (yemenevisa.org).
- Specific fee and stay duration not published in accessible static form on the portal (JavaScript SPA).
- Sponsor/employer in Yemen required.
Diplomatic / Official Visa
Issued to diplomats, government officials, and staff of international organisations on official missions to Yemen.
- Listed as one of the five categories on the e-visa portal.
- Embassy Washington DC requires two typed application forms, valid passport (6+ months), two passport photos, and an original letter from the concerned government agency.
- Must include sponsor/host information in Yemen.
- The Yemen Embassy Netherlands issues entry visas for diplomats at a fee of approximately EUR 50 with approximately 2-week processing.
Entry Visa (Yemeni Origin / International Organisation / Media)
Special entry visa issued to persons of Yemeni origin, workers at international organisations, and journalists or media delegates, as the only categories currently receiving general entry visas at certain Yemen missions.
- Yemen Embassy Netherlands (official source) states entry visas are issued only for those of Yemeni origin, workers at international organisations, journalists and media delegates, and diplomats.
- Fee approximately EUR 50 (~2-week processing).
- Proof of heritage or organisational affiliation required.
- This reflects practical operational policy under Yemen's ongoing armed conflict.
Yemen visa for American citizens - FAQ
Do American citizens need a visa for Yemen?
Yes - American citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a Yemen embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.
What documents do American citizens need for Yemen?
A passport valid well beyond your planned stay (commonly three to six months, depending on the destination), proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific Yemen visa category - check the official portal for the exact passport-validity rule.