United States Visa RequirementsFor Yemen passport holders
The United States requires a visa for Yemeni passport holders. The US visa process is among the most difficult globally for Yemeni nationals, involving extensive screening, biometric enrollment, and a mandatory interview.
Yemen passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply through the US Embassy in Amman, Jordan, Cairo, Egypt, or Abu Dhabi, UAE, or whichever US mission is in your country of legal residence. Complete the DS-160 form online at ceac.state.gov, pay the MRV fee, and schedule a consular interview. Biometrics are taken at the interview. Wait times for interview appointments can be several months at some missions.
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 States: What You Need to Know
The United States requires a B-1/B-2 Tourist and Business Visa for Yemeni nationals. The visa application fee is approximately USD 185 (non-refundable regardless of outcome). The process involves an online DS-160 application, biometric enrollment, and a mandatory in-person consular interview. Yemen is on the US's heightened scrutiny list, and Yemeni applicants face significant additional security checks.
Yemen does not have a US Embassy in operation for consular services, having suspended operations in 2015 due to the civil war. Yemeni nationals must apply at a US Embassy or Consulate in a third country where they legally reside. The US Embassy in Amman, Jordan, and the US Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, are the most common application points. The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi also processes Yemeni applications.
Approval rates for Yemeni nationals applying for US visitor visas are low, and the process requires extensive documentation. Applicants with strong ties to a country of residence, clear travel purposes, family in the US, and solid financial documentation have the best prospects. The US also offers other visa categories including student (F-1), work (H-1B), and immigrant visas for family-based petitions.
Practical Tips
The US interview is the most critical part of the application. Be honest, clear, and concise in answering the consular officer's questions. Strong evidence of ties to your home country (employment, property, family) significantly improves the chance of approval. If you have previously been to the US or have family there who are citizens or permanent residents, mention this. US visa refusals do not always prevent future applications, but document all your circumstances carefully. Seek legal immigration advice if your case is complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Yemeni citizens need a visa for the United States?
Yes. Yemeni passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa before traveling to the United States. Yemen has historically been subject to US travel restrictions, and obtaining a US visa is extremely difficult for Yemeni nationals.
Do Yemeni passport holders need a visa for the United States?
Yes, Yemeni nationals require a B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa to enter the United States. Yemen is subject to heightened scrutiny and the application process is among the most difficult globally for Yemeni passport holders. The application fee is approximately USD 185 (non-refundable).
How do Yemeni nationals apply for a US visa?
Yemeni nationals apply for a US visa by completing the DS-160 online form, paying the application fee, and scheduling an interview at the nearest US Embassy or consulate. Since there is no US Embassy in Yemen, applicants must apply from a third country where they hold residency, such as Jordan, Egypt, or Turkey.
Where can Yemenis apply for a US visa?
There is no US Embassy in Yemen. Yemeni nationals must apply at a US Embassy or Consulate in a third country where they legally reside. Options include the US Embassy in Amman (Jordan), Cairo (Egypt), or Abu Dhabi (UAE). A mandatory in-person interview is required.
What are the chances of a US visa being approved for Yemeni applicants?
Approval rates for Yemeni nationals are among the lowest globally due to Yemen's designation under US security-related travel restrictions. Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to their country of residence, financial stability, and clear purpose of travel. A consular interview waiver is not available for Yemeni applicants.
How much does a US visa cost for Yemeni applicants?
The US non-immigrant visa application fee (MRV fee) is approximately USD 185. This is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
How long can Yemeni passport holders stay in the United States if a visa is granted?
If a B1/B2 visa is issued, US Customs and Border Protection determines the length of authorized stay at the port of entry, typically up to 6 months. The visa itself may be valid for a limited period with restricted entries.
What can improve a US visa application for a Yemeni passport holder?
Strong ties to your country of residence are the most critical factor: stable employment, property, family responsibilities, and financial documentation. A clear, honest, and consistent account of your travel purpose is essential. Consular officers look for reasons to believe you will return. Consulting an immigration attorney is advisable for complex cases.