What visa do Yemeni citizens need to visit the USA as tourists?
For tourism in the United States, Yemenis generally need a B-2 visitor visa or the combined B-1/B-2 visa.
These visas are designed for temporary stays. They can cover trips for sightseeing, vacations, visiting people you know, medical treatment, and other permitted short-term purposes. The B-1/B-2 option may also cover some business activities. It does not, however, give permission to work, start a full academic program, or remain in the United States permanently.
More information can be found on the U.S. Department of State Visitor Visa page.
There are also additional restrictions that currently apply to Yemeni citizens under Presidential Proclamation 10998. These measures, in force since January 1, 2026, may affect tourist visa issuance and/or entry to the United States.
U.S. visa ban and entry limits for certain nationals in 2026
The United States has applied new visa and entry limits since January 1, 2026. The measures cover nationals of 39 countries and some travellers holding documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.
These rules were introduced by Presidential Proclamation 10998, signed on December 16, 2025.
What does the proclamation restrict?
The exact restriction depends on the traveller’s nationality. Some nationalities are subject to a full suspension covering both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Others are restricted only in certain categories, such as B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas or student and exchange visas.
🚫 Full visa restrictions
The full suspension covers nationals of:
- Afghanistan;
- Burkina Faso;
- Chad;
- Republic of the Congo;
- Equatorial Guinea;
- Eritrea;
- Haiti;
- Iran;
- Laos;
- Libya;
- Mali;
- Myanmar;
- Niger;
- Sierra Leone;
- Somalia;
- South Sudan;
- Sudan;
- Syria;
- Yemen.
It also extends to travellers with documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.
Limited exceptions remain available.
⚠️ Restrictions that include B-1/B-2 visas
The following nationalities are subject to a suspension of immigrant visas and B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas:
- Angola;
- Antigua and Barbuda;
- Benin;
- Burundi;
- Côte d’Ivoire;
- Cuba;
- Dominica;
- Gabon;
- The Gambia;
- Malawi;
- Mauritania;
- Nigeria;
- Senegal;
- Tanzania;
- Togo;
- Tonga;
- Venezuela;
- Zambia;
- Zimbabwe.
In practice, this means that a new tourist visa will generally not be issued to applicants from these countries unless they qualify for a specific exception.
✅ Exceptions to the new rules
Some people are not affected in the same way. This may include:
- U.S. permanent residents;
- people with a valid U.S. visa as of January 1, 2026;
- dual nationals travelling on a non-restricted passport;
- certain diplomats and officials;
- selected athletes and participants in major international sporting events;
- qualifying Special Immigrant Visa applicants;
- individuals granted a national-interest exception.
The proclamation mainly applies to foreign nationals who were outside the United States and did not hold a valid visa when the rules took effect on January 1, 2026.
Existing visas were not automatically voided by the proclamation.
What does this mean for Yemeni citizens?
Yemeni citizens may still complete a visa application and attend an interview.
However, applicants covered by the suspension who do not meet an exception may not be able to obtain a visa or enter the U.S.
Since the application fee is not refundable, applicants should first check the latest official information on the U.S. Department of State page dedicated to Presidential Proclamation 10998.
Is an existing U.S. visa still valid for Yemenis?
If the visa was valid on January 1, 2026, Presidential Proclamation 10998 did not automatically revoke it solely because the new restrictions started.
However, before travelling, Yemeni citizens should verify the visa and passport carefully.
Make sure that:
- the visa is still within its validity period;
- no separate cancellation or revocation has taken place;
- the passport is valid for travel;
- the reason for visiting the United States fits the visa type.
Keep in mind that a U.S. visa does not give an automatic right to enter the country.
At the border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides whether admission is granted and determines the permitted length of stay.
Travellers can check their admission details after arrival through the electronic I-94 service.
How does a Yemeni citizen get a U.S. tourist visa?
If a Yemeni citizen is currently eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa, the application normally follows seven main steps.
1. Start with the DS-160 form. Go to the official CEAC website and complete the DS-160 form.
Everything must be entered in English. Be ready to provide information about your passport, employment, studies, past U.S. trips, and travel plans.
When the application is submitted, print only the confirmation page with the barcode.
For help with the form, see the official DS-160 instructions.
2. Check which Embassy or Consulate handles the case. Next, review the instructions of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you intend to apply.
The local process may include creating an online profile, paying the fee, choosing an interview slot, and arranging passport submission.
Since July 2026, applicants for nonimmigrant visas should normally apply in their country of nationality or residence.
If visa services are not available there, the application should be handled by the U.S.-designated post.
You can check the current rule on the Department of State website.
3. Pay the visa fee. The B-1/B-2 application fee is currently USD 185. This is a processing fee, so it is not refunded if the visa is denied.
Paying it also does not mean the application will be approved.
Updated fees are published on the official visa services fee page.
4. Book the interview. After payment, schedule an interview following the rules of the diplomatic mission.
You can check estimated appointment availability through the Global Visa Wait Times page.
Most applicants have been required to attend in person since October 1, 2025, including those under 14 and over 79.
A waiver may be possible for some applicants renewing a B-1/B-2 visa within 12 months of expiry, provided they meet the other applicable requirements.
This generally includes having previously received a full-validity visa, being at least 18 when it was issued, applying in the country of nationality or usual residence, and having no unresolved refusal or clear ground of ineligibility.
The Embassy can still ask the applicant to appear in person.
5. Gather the documents. Prepare:
- a valid passport;
- DS-160 confirmation;
- proof of visa fee payment where required;
- a photo if the digital upload did not work;
- any additional documents requested by the Embassy.
You can check the format on the U.S. visa photo requirements page.
6. Complete the interview. The officer will usually ask why you are travelling, how long you plan to stay, where you will live during the visit, how the trip will be funded, and what ties you have outside the United States.
Work, studies, family circumstances, and plans to return after the trip may also be discussed.
The officer may request extra documents.
7. Wait for the final decision. The application can be approved, refused, or placed into administrative processing.
If the visa is issued, it allows the traveller to request entry at the U.S. border. It does not guarantee that entry will be granted.
The final decision is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Important: if Presidential Proclamation 10998 applies to Yemeni citizens, they remain subject to the restrictions even after completing all normal visa application steps.
Without a relevant exception, the U.S. authorities may still be unable to issue the visa.
What do Yemenis need to bring for a U.S. visa application?
For a standard B-1/B-2 application, Yemeni citizens normally need several basic documents.
These usually include:
- a valid travel passport;
- the DS-160 confirmation with the barcode;
- evidence that the visa application fee has been paid, where required;
- a visa photo if the online upload was not accepted;
- any extra documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate.
Applicants should make sure the photo follows the official U.S. visa requirements.
In general, a passport should remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the traveller’s expected stay in the United States. Some nationalities are covered by exceptions to this rule.
The consular officer may ask for more information to assess the application. This can include proof of:
- the travel purpose;
- the planned route and place of stay;
- sufficient money for the trip;
- an intention to return after visiting the U.S.;
- ties to the applicant’s country of residence, such as a job, studies, business, family, or other commitments.
Applicants do not normally need an invitation letter from relatives or friends in the United States to apply for a tourist visa. An Affidavit of Support is also not mandatory, and neither document guarantees approval.
How much do Yemenis pay for a U.S. visitor visa?
The standard B-1/B-2 visa application costs USD 185.
Applicants should keep in mind that this fee is paid for processing the case rather than for the visa itself. It remains non-refundable if the application is refused and does not guarantee visa approval.
In some cases, another charge may apply after approval. This is known as a visa issuance fee or reciprocity fee.
The exact amount is different for different nationalities. Nationality may also affect whether the visa is issued for single or multiple entries and how long it remains valid.
Do Yemenis have to buy travel insurance for the USA?
Usually, no. Travel medical insurance is not normally required to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa or to enter the United States as a tourist.
However, medical expenses in the U.S. can be high, so having insurance is highly recommended. Depending on the policy, coverage may include:
- urgent medical care;
- treatment after illness or an accident;
- hospitalisation;
- ambulance or other emergency transport;
- medical evacuation or return home for treatment.
How does a Yemeni citizen apply for a longer stay in the USA?
First, check the traveller’s I-94, because this record determines the authorised period of stay in the United States.
A B-1/B-2 visa may still be valid even after the traveller’s permitted stay has ended. These are separate periods. The I-94 can be viewed on the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
If a Yemeni citizen needs to remain in the country beyond the I-94 date, they may be eligible to ask USCIS for an extension of their B-1/B-2 status.
The request is generally submitted using Form I-539 before the current stay expires.
USCIS may expect the applicant to show:
- why the extension is necessary;
- that the visit remains temporary;
- that they intend to depart the United States;
- what ties they continue to maintain outside the U.S.;
- that they have enough money to support themselves during the additional stay.
The visa stamp itself cannot be renewed or extended from within the United States.
If a new visa is needed, the traveller normally has to apply for it outside the U.S. through an Embassy or Consulate.
Remaining in the country after the authorised stay expires may affect immigration status and future travel.
For travel through the United States to another country.
Transit Visa C
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.
Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country, with few exceptions. Immediate and continuous transit is defined as a reasonably expeditious departure of the traveler in the normal course of travel as the elements permit and assumes a prearranged itinerary without any unreasonable layover privileges. If the traveler seeks layover privileges for purposes other than for transit through the United States, such as to visit friends or engage in sightseeing, the traveler will have to qualify for the type of visa required for that purpose.
If you already have a
valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the
Visa Waiver Program.
Travel purposes which require a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:
1) A foreign citizen traveling to another country who will have a brief layover in the United States when the only reason for entering the United States is to transit.
2) A passenger embarking from a foreign port on a cruise ship or other vessel which is proceeding to another country, other than the United States, but during the course of the journey, the vessel makes port in the United States with no intention of landing in the United States.
3) A crewmember traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft you will work on, providing services for operation. You will also need a crewmember D visa, most often issued as a combination C-1/D visa.
4) A foreign citizen proceeding in immediate and continuous transit through the United States to or from the United Nations Headquarters District, under provisions of the Headquarters agreement with the United Nations, requires a diplomatic transit (C-2) visa. Travel within the United States will be limited to the immediate New York City vicinity.
Travel purposes not permitted on a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:
1) A foreign citizen whose layover in the United States is for a primary purpose other than to transit, for example to visit friends or sightsee, requires a visitor (B) visa.
2)A coasting officer seeking to enter the United States generally requires a visitor (B) visa. Coasting officers are employed temporarily when an officer of a foreign ship is granted home leave while the vessel is in U.S. ports, provided the vessel does not remain in U.S. waters for more than 29 days. The coasting officer may then repeat the process with another vessel of the same foreign line.
3)A crewmember on a private yacht sailing out of a foreign port which will be cruising in U.S. waters for more than 29 days is generally required to have a visitor (B) visa.
4) An officer or employee of a designated international organization assigned to the United States may pass in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on an International Organization (G-4) visa.
How to apply
You must take several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. Please consult the instructions available on the
embassy or consulate website where you will apply.
1) Complete the Online Visa Application
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form
DS-160 - Learn more about completing the DS-160.
You must:
- complete the online visa application and
- print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
2) Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the
Photograph Requirements.
3) Schedule an Interview
While interviews are generally not required for applicants of certain ages, consular officers have the discretion to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:
4) Appointment Wait Time
5) Prepare for Your Interview
6) Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality.
Fee information is provided below:
Application Fee: 160$
7) Gather Required Documentation
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified.
For example, additional requested documents may include evidence that shows:
1. Your purpose of entry into the United States is to transit while traveling onward to another country and that you intend to depart the United States;
2. Your ability to pay all costs while in the United States; and/or
3. Residence in your home country and your intent to return there.
4. Proof of your onward travel arrangements and/or permission to enter another country after departing the United States may be sufficient evidence that your purpose for entering the United States is transit.
5. Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may also be sufficient to show the purpose of your entry to the United States is transit only and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all costs while in the United States, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs of your trip.
8) Attend Your Visa Interview
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
After your visa interview, your application may require further
administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application.
When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the
visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.
Additional Information
We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
Travel with dogs
The rules for bringing your dog into the United States depend on where the dog has been in the past 6 months.
All dogs must appear healthy upon arrival. Dogs that arrive sick or injured will be required to undergo veterinary examination and testing at the importer’s expense to rule out diseases that can spread to people.
Documents Required in English
1) Written statements and any documents must be in English or have a certified English translation.
2) A certified translation is a signed statement on professional letterhead issued by a licensed translator declaring that the translation is an accurate and true representation of the original document. The translation must include the name, address, and contact information of the translator and have a signatory stamp or elevated seal with the translator’s license number included. A certified translation service provider can be found online.
Dog from Countries Without High Risk of Dog Rabies
Dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months may enter the United States through any port of entry, and importers are NOT required by CDC to present rabies vaccination documentation. However, when your dog enters the United States, you must provide a written or verbal statement your dog has only been in a country NOT at high risk for at least 6 months or since birth if under 6 months of age. There is no limit to the number of dogs.
Dogs from High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies
Starting on June 10, 2022, options for bringing dogs from a
high-risk country for rabies in the past 6 months will depend on where the dogs’ rabies vaccinations were administered, and the number of dogs being imported.
All dogs from high-risk countries must:
- Be at least 6 months old.
- Meet the requirements of either Option A, B, or C below.
Option A:
1) A valid US-Issued rabies vaccination certificate (RVC). There is no limit to the number of dogs with valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificates. Your dog must:
a) Appear healthy on arrival
b) Be at least 6 months old
c) Have an ISO-compatible microchip number listed on their rabies vaccination certificate
d) Be accompanied by a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate upon arrival
e) The rabies vaccine must be administered by a US-licensed veterinarian in the United States on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first vaccination.
f) Booster rabies vaccines administered in the United States after 15 months of age are valid immediately.
g) Arrive at one of the 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station:
Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).
Important Note: Expired US rabies vaccination certificates will NOT be accepted. If the US-issued rabies vaccination certificate has expired, you must enter using Option B or C (see below).
Option B: Apply for and obtain a
valid CDC Dog Import Permit before arrival. CDC will only issue permits for 2 dogs per person during the suspension.
You must apply online for a CDC Dog Import Permit. It is recommended to apply at least 6 weeks before intended travel.
Before beginning the process, your dog must:
- Be at least 6 months old
- Have a microchip
- Have a valid foreign rabies vaccination certificate
- Arrive at one of the 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station:
Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).
Important Note: Permits will not be issued at ports of entry. Appeals are not permitted.
Option C: For dogs without a US-issued rabies vaccination certificate or a CDC Dog Import Permit.
Please note: This is the only option for persons importing 3 or more dogs into the United States.
1) Appear healthy on arrival
2) Be at least 6 months old
3) Have an ISO-compatible microchip number listed on their rabies vaccination certificate
4) Be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate upon arrival
a) The rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first vaccination.
b) Booster rabies vaccines administered after 15 months of age are valid immediately.
6) The CDC-approved animal care facility will determine if the dog has a valid foreign-issued RVC and serology titer.
a) If invalid foreign-issued RVC: dog will be denied entry.
b) If valid foreign-issued RVC: CDC-approved facility will determine if the dog has a valid rabies serology titer
c) If valid titer: Each dog must be examined and re-vaccinated with a US-licensed rabies vaccine by a USDA-accredited veterinarian at a CDC-approved animal care facility upon arrival at the importer’s (owner’s) expense.
d) If invalid titer or no titer: Each dog must have a reservation to quarantine at a CDC-approved animal care facility for 28 days after the exam and re-vaccination at the importer’s (owner’s) expense.
Travel with cats
Pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry.
A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required at the port of entry.
Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, some states require vaccination of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final destination.
What cannot be imported into the United States?
Anyone can familiarize themselves with the list of prohibited goods on the website of the US Customs and Border Protection Service.
Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to import:
- absinthe (due to its content of the narcotic substance thujone, banned in the USA);
- narcotic and potent drugs (including over-the-counter medicines);
- pornographic materials (magazines available for free sale are not taken into account);
- lottery tickets;
- soil;
- materials (in printed and electronic form) of extremist content;
- objects that may pose a danger (fireworks, dangerous toys, toxic or poisonous substances);
- weapons or ammunition - automatic, semi-automatic, assault weapons, special equipment (silencers, night vision devices), grenades, explosives;
- spring knives;
- some goods from countries subject to sanctions (Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, North Korea);
- a number of animals: primates, most species of parrots and turtles;
- meat of wild animals, eggs, feathers, skins, fangs of wild animals;
- some plants, cuttings and seeds are not prohibited, but require special permission from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
What can't be carried in hand luggage?
You cannot take with you on board:
- dangerous as well as safe razors (with a separate blade);
- any weapon, any means of self-defense;
- tools: any knives, scissors, axes, nippers, any tools longer than 7 inches (17.5 cm);
- sports equipment: bats, sticks, arrows, darts, skates, rollers, ski poles, rackets, fishing rods;
- combustible and explosive substances: fireworks, firecrackers, firecrackers, pistons, cartridges, gunpowder;
- acids, radioactive, toxic, flammable liquids and gels - paints, varnishes, solvents, cylinders for lighters;
- aerosols, fire extinguishers, other explosive containers under pressure;
- objects with a strong magnetic field.
even during the flight at any of the US international airports, flight attendants issue a customs declaration to passengers, in which the imported items, including money, should be indicated. This form should be given to the border guard after landing.
Restrictions on transportation of goods
Certain goods are restricted by US customs regulations, such as:
1) Alcohol and tobacco products. From the age of 21, up to 1 liter of alcohol and no more than 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of smoking tobacco can be imported into the United States. You will have to pay a tax for "excess".
2) Presents. Without paying tax, you can import gifts worth no more than $100 per person, no more than once every 6 months and provided that you stay in the country for at least 72 hours.
3) Animals To bring a pet to the United States, the owner must provide an international veterinary certificate.
4) Food. All of them must be indicated in the declaration, otherwise there is a risk of a fine.
5) Medicine. Medicines in liquid form are allowed in hand luggage of about 100 g. There is no need to place medically necessary liquids in a ziplock bag. However, such medications should be reported to the officer. Medically necessary liquids will be subject to additional screening, which may include a request to open the container.
6) Weapon. US customs regulations allow the importation of only hunting weapons and their ammunition.
7)Books and digital media. Books and CDs can be imported almost without hindrance, as long as they are not pirated copies.
8) Money. Customs regulations do not limit the total amount of imported funds, but if the amount exceeds $10,000, then a special form must be filled out. Cash includes bills and coins of the United States and other countries, traveler's checks, postal orders, and securities.
What is forbidden to export from the USA?
- All objects of national, cultural or historical value should be transported across the border only with the appropriate permission from the authorities.
- Printed photos, paintings and any other graphic materials whose authorship is unknown cannot be exported. Negatives and photographic film, and goods infringing copyright cannot be transported across the border.
