United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Yemen passport holders
The UAE requires a visa for Yemeni passport holders, with a fee of approximately USD 100 and a maximum stay of 30 days. The UAE hosts the largest Yemeni diaspora in the Gulf and is a critical transit and visa application hub.
Yemen passport holders require a visa to enter United Arab Emirates.
A UAE visa requires sponsorship from a UAE-resident family member, employer, or hotel. Transit visas are also available for shorter stays through airlines like Emirates and Etihad. Online visa applications can be submitted through UAE immigration portal (icp.gov.ae) or through travel agents in the UAE. Yemenis with family in the UAE should arrange sponsorship through their relatives.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Yemen to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
The United Arab Emirates requires a visa for Yemeni nationals. The fee is approximately USD 100, and the visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. Despite its geographic proximity and the large Yemeni community in the UAE, Yemeni nationals require prior visa approval, often sponsored by a UAE resident, employer, or hotel, rather than a simple on-arrival visa.
The UAE is the most important destination and transit hub for Yemeni travelers outside Yemen. The Yemeni diaspora in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Sharjah, is one of the largest in the Gulf. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports serve as major international transit hubs with connections to hundreds of global destinations, and many Yemenis use UAE residency as the base for applying to visas for other countries.
Visa sponsorship for visiting the UAE typically comes from a relative who is a UAE resident, an employer, or a hotel for tourist visits. There are also transit visas for shorter stops. The process requires UAE-side sponsorship and can take 3-5 business days for approval through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Practical Tips
The UAE is the single most important transit and visa-hub country for Yemeni travelers. From Dubai, you can access embassies of virtually every country in the world. If you are in the UAE on a valid visa, apply for your onward destination visas from there. Emirates and Etihad airlines offer excellent connections. Visa on arrival is not available for Yemeni nationals; pre-approval is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Yemeni citizens need a visa for the UAE?
Yes. Yemeni passport holders must obtain a visa before entering the United Arab Emirates. The UAE does not offer visa on arrival to Yemeni nationals and requires advance approval.
Do Yemeni passport holders need a visa for the UAE?
Yes, Yemeni nationals require a visa to enter the UAE. Unlike some nationalities who receive visa-on-arrival, Yemeni passport holders require pre-approved visa sponsorship from a UAE resident, employer, or hotel before traveling.
How much does a UAE visa cost for Yemeni applicants?
A UAE tourist visa costs approximately USD 100. Fees vary based on visa duration (30 days or 90 days) and whether applications are processed through airlines, travel agencies, or the ICP portal.
How can Yemenis obtain a UAE visa?
UAE visas require sponsorship from a UAE-resident family member, employer, or hotel. Applications are submitted through the UAE Immigration portal (icp.gov.ae), a UAE-based travel agent, or airlines like Emirates and Etihad. Transit visas are also available for shorter stays through these airlines.
Where do Yemeni nationals apply for a UAE visa?
Yemeni nationals can apply for a UAE visa through the UAE's ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal, a licensed UAE travel agency, or Emirates/Etihad airlines if flying with them. The UAE (particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi) is a key hub for many Yemeni travelers.
How much does a UAE visa cost for Yemeni nationals?
A standard UAE tourist or visit visa costs approximately USD 100. Prices vary based on visa duration and type. Transit visas through Emirates or Etihad may be available at different rates.
How long can Yemeni passport holders stay in the UAE on a tourist visa?
A standard UAE tourist visa allows a stay of 30 days, with an option for 90-day visas available. Extensions can be applied for through the ICP portal or authorized agents.
Why is the UAE so important for Yemeni travelers?
The UAE hosts one of the largest Yemeni diaspora communities in the world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major transit hubs with connections to virtually every country globally. Many Yemenis use UAE residency as a base for applying to visas for Europe, North America, and other destinations, given the wide range of embassies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.