Authorities Suspend Visas Issued On Arrival

Yemeni officials announced on 21 January 2010 that they have suspended issuing entry visas to foreign travellers upon arrival at the country’s airports. The Yemeni government claims that the decision to stop issuing visas was made as part of an overall effort to thwart militants from entering the country, where a number of al Qaeda-linked training camps are located. Reports indicate that the new restrictions will primarily affect travellers from Western countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and countries in Europe. Travellers to Yemen will be required to obtain a visa in person at a Yemeni diplomatic office in their country of residence. Many Arab countries have bilateral travel agreements with Yemen and will not be affected by the new restrictions.