Yemen visa options for Netherlands passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Yemen

Rules are written mainly for non-Yemeni-origin foreign nationals from countries that require a visa (e.g. US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan); note that as of 2026 routine entry-visa issuance is largely suspended and granted mainly to people of Yemeni origin, international-organization staff, journalists/media and diplomats.

• Tourist

  Tourist Visa (currently suspended)

  Historically around 30 days; not currently issued (verify)

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot stated as required; a doctor's medical-fitness letter (no infectious diseases) is required instead. Travel/health insurance strongly recommended given the security situation.

  Good for

  Leisure travelers and pilgrims; in practice not available, as the Yemen Embassy (Washington DC) states it is 'not issuing any tourist's visa at this time' and entry-visa requests are on hold.

  Requirement

  Invitation letter / approval from the Yemen Department of Immigration, passport valid 6+ months, photos, and a doctor's letter confirming absence of contagious or communicable diseases. Currently not being granted to ordinary tourists.

• Business

  Business Visa

  Reported around 30 days (varies; verify with the issuing mission)

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot stated as required; a doctor's letter confirming absence of contagious/communicable diseases is required. Health insurance recommended.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals with meetings or business interests in Yemen, sponsored by a Yemen-based company.

  Requirement

  Employer/invitation letter from a Yemen-based company plus approval from Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; passport valid 6+ months, photos, application form and fee (about USD 65 / EUR 50 at some missions).

• Business

  Diplomatic / Official Visa

  Per assignment/posting (varies; verify)

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot specified. Health/security insurance recommended given conditions.

  Good for

  Diplomats, government personnel, international-organization staff, and accredited journalists/media — among the few categories still being processed under the current entry-visa suspension.

  Requirement

  Note verbale / sponsoring agency or organization letter stating role and purpose, prior approval from Yemeni authorities, passport valid 6+ months. Often issued free of charge; processing about 2 working days to 2 weeks.

• Work

  Work / Employment Visa

  Tied to the work permit and employment contract; renewable while employment continues (duration varies, verify)

  Insurance

  RequiredNot clearly specified in official sources; medical-fitness certificate typically required. Health insurance recommended.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals taking up employment in Yemen, tied to a local employer and work permit.

  Requirement

  Employer sponsorship and a work permit; residence is linked to the work permit. Processing reported to take several weeks to months. Confirm exact documents with Yemen's Ministry of Labour / immigration authority.

• Study

  Student Visa

  For the duration of the approved study program (varies; verify)

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot stated as required; doctor's letter on absence of contagious diseases required. Health insurance recommended.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals enrolled at a Yemeni educational institution.

  Requirement

  Letter of acceptance from the institution stating the nature and duration of study; passport valid 6+ months, photos, application form and fee (about USD 65 at the Washington DC mission).

• Residence

  Residence Permit (employment-linked)

  Tied to and renewable with the underlying work permit; no standard points-based or permanent-residence pathway for ordinary foreign workers (verify)

  Insurance

  RequiredNot specified in official sources; medical-fitness certificate generally required. Health insurance recommended.

  Good for

  Foreign workers and their immediate family (spouse, dependent children) already holding a valid work permit.

  Requirement

  Valid work permit and employment contract; family members apply as dependents of the permit holder. There is no clearly defined work-based route to permanent residence.

• Transit

  Transit Visa

  Short transit period only (specific duration not published; verify)

  Insurance

  RecommendedNot stated as required. Insurance recommended.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals passing through Yemen who need to leave the airport transit area (visa-required nationalities).

  Requirement

  Passport valid 6+ months, confirmed onward ticket to a third country, and proof of sufficient funds. Apply at an embassy/consulate before arrival.

Yemen is under armed conflict; entry-visa issuance is largely suspended and most governments advise against all travel (US Level 4 Do Not Travel, renewed Dec 2025). Figures vary by mission and are subject to change. Verify directly with a Yemeni embassy. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

Netherlands → Yemen: frequently asked

Do Netherlands passport holders need a visa to visit Yemen?

Visa required. Arrange a visa at a consulate or embassy before travelling. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

Can a Netherlands passport holder live or work long-term in Yemen?

Yes, via a long-stay visa. Yemen has 7 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.

Do I need travel insurance for Yemen?

Entry to Yemen never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Yemen visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.