Entry requirements to Yemen

When planning a trip to Yemen, tourists need to consider a few key requirements for successful entry into the country. First of all, it is important to have a valid passport with a minimum validity of at least six months from the date of entry. You should also take care to have a visa to Yemen, as it is impossible to enter the country without one. In addition, some restrictions may apply to the importation of certain goods and medicines, which should also be taken into account before traveling.

It is important to remember that Yemen has specific rules regarding customs and migration procedures. Upon arrival in the country, all tourists are required to fill out a migration card, which will be provided at the border. It is recommended to keep all documents, including return ticket and accommodation booking confirmation, as they may be needed when passing through the control.

Compliance with local laws and cultural norms is equally important. Yemen is a country with deep traditions and showing respect for the local culture will contribute to a more enjoyable stay. Please note that breaking local laws can have serious consequences, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with the basic rules of behavior beforehand.

Foreign nationals require a visa to enter Yemen. We can help you to obtain this document or it can be obtained from the Yemeni embassy or consulate in Germany. For some countries it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival, however, if you are a citizen of one of these countries, you will need to bring an invitation from a local organization or citizen as well as a hotel booking confirmation. To learn all about obtaining a visa to Yemen, what documents are needed and types of visas, you can see in the section Visas

In addition, in recent years, it has become possible to issue an electronic visa on arrival in Yemen for short-term travel. This greatly simplifies the process, as all actions can be performed online. It is important to check the visa information for your country in advance, as regulations can change.

Before traveling to Yemen, tourists are advised to get certain immunizations to protect themselves against diseases prevalent in the region. The most important vaccinations include vaccination against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and meningitis. Yellow fever vaccination is also worth considering, especially if you plan to visit other high-risk countries before traveling to Yemen.

Vaccinations against other infectious diseases such as measles and rubella are also recommended, as these diseases can be prevalent in some parts of the country. Before traveling, be sure to consult your doctor or a specialized medical facility for up-to-date information on necessary vaccinations and preventive measures.

Recommended immunizations:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Meningitis
• Yellow fever
• Measles
• Rubella

When entering Yemen, tourists must comply with certain customs regulations regarding the importation of personal belongings and goods. Personal items such as clothing, cosmetics and hygiene items that do not exceed reasonable limits can be brought into the country. However, there is a strict ban on importing drugs, weapons, and literature that could be considered offensive.

When leaving Yemen, it is important to know that there may be restrictions on the export of certain goods, especially antiques, cultural treasures and ivory products. The exportation of such items can result in serious penalties, including fines and criminal penalties. It is therefore advisable to consult with local authorities in advance about what items can and cannot be exported.

It is equally important to follow the declaration rules for entry and exit. If you bring in or take out an amount exceeding 10,000 USD, this must be declared to customs. It is also a good idea to keep all documents relating to purchases and cash receipts, as they may be needed to confirm the legality of your actions when crossing the border.

Transit zones at airports in Yemen provide a convenient transition for passengers traveling through the country. However, it is important to keep in mind that in order to stay in a transit zone, certain rules must be followed. In most cases, transit passengers can stay at the airport without the need for a visa as long as they do not leave the transit zone and continue their journey within 24 hours.

However, if the waiting time exceeds this period or if the passenger plans to leave the transit zone, a transit visa will be required. This visa can be issued in advance or, in some cases, upon arrival at the airport. It is important to note that visa exemptions may be available for citizens of some countries, which greatly simplifies the transfer process. Read more about transit visa processing in the Тransit visa section.

You should also pay attention to having all necessary documents, such as a ticket for the next flight and passport. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth transit. Being prepared and attentive to visa requirements will help make your trip through Yemen as comfortable as possible.

The security situation in Yemen has led to the closure of the German embassy in Sana'a since 2015. The diplomatic mission currently operates with a small team in Amman, Jordan, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which limits its ability to provide consular support directly in Yemen. The German Foreign Ministry is warning its citizens of the potential dangers while traveling in Yemen, and urges anyone still in the country to leave immediately.

German citizens in Yemen are urged to register on the Federal Foreign Office's Elephand crisis preparedness list for up-to-date information and assistance. Basic consular services such as passports and visas are available through the embassy in Amman as well as through other German missions in the region, including Riyadh, Muscat and Cairo.