Yemen has launched an electronic visa (e-Visa) system designed to ease travel for foreign visitors. Officially introduced on June 24, 2025, this platform allows travelers to apply online for various visa types, including tourist, business, and diplomatic visas. Currently, payments must be made in cash at designated locations.

Overview of the e-Visa System

This initiative aims to simplify travel and restore confidence among international visitors, marking a significant step in Yemen's digital transformation to modernize public services and enhance border security. The e-Visa launch coincides with Yemen's efforts to rebuild global ties following years of internal conflict, humanitarian challenges, and limited consular operations abroad.

Key Features of the e-Visa System

Managed by the Immigration, Passports and Nationality Authority (IPNA), the e-Visa system was developed with assistance from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and funded by the United States. The platform is accessible at click here.

Travelers can apply for various visa types, including:

• Business Visa: For foreign nationals engaging in commercial activities.
• Diplomatic Visa: For government officials and diplomats.
• Exit Visa: Required for individuals leaving Yemen, especially in special circumstances.
• Multi-Entry Visa: Allows multiple entries for business or tourism.
• Special Visa: For specific purposes, subject to approval.
• Tourist Visa: For individuals visiting for leisure.
• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Yemen to another destination.
• Work Visa: For those seeking employment in Yemen.

This streamlined approach replaces Yemen's previous manual visa process, which often faced delays due to administrative challenges and limited embassy services.

Application Process: Mostly Digital with Payment Limitations

To apply, users must:

1. Create an Account: Register on the official platform.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Select the appropriate visa type and complete the required fields.
3. Upload Required Documents:
   • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
   • Return Ticket: Proof of onward travel.
   • Health Certificate: Confirming absence of infectious diseases.
   • Supporting Documents: Such as invitation letters, admission certificates for students, or business contracts.

Although the application process is largely digital, online payments are not yet available. Travelers must make cash payments in USD at the Immigration office or designated consulates. Integration of online payment options is anticipated in the future, which will further streamline the process.

Once submitted, e-Visas are typically issued within 3 to 5 business days via email, allowing travelers to plan their trips more effectively.

Importance for Travelers

The new e-Visa system offers a safer, faster, and more reliable means of entering Yemen, particularly beneficial for tourists and business travelers. It reduces reliance on in-person embassy services, which have been inconsistent due to ongoing political and security issues.

Yemen is home to a rich cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Old City of Sana'a and the ancient city of Shibam. Its unique landscapes, including the Socotra Archipelago, known for its biodiversity, may attract adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Other Visa Options for Travelers to Yemen

Despite the new e-Visa system, traditional visa requirements remain in place for many travelers. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Business Visa: Commonly issued for foreign nationals, requiring:

   • An invitation letter from a Yemeni company.
   • Valid passport, recent photographs, and a health certificate.
   • Processing typically takes up to 7 days.

2. Student Visa: For those studying in Yemen, requiring:

   • A letter of acceptance from the educational institution.
   • Standard documentation as required by the e-Visa system.

3. Diplomatic/Official Visa: Available to government officials and diplomats, requiring:

   • Additional documentation such as a letter from the relevant government agency.

4. Tourist Visa: Group tourism visas are mentioned in the e-Visa system, but individual tourist visas may not always be available. Some embassies, like the Yemeni Embassy in Washington, D.C., currently do not issue tourist visas.

Travel Tips and Considerations

• Visa on Arrival: Not available for most nationalities, including Indians and Americans. All visas must be obtained prior to travel.

• Health Requirements: A medical certificate confirming the absence of infectious diseases is mandatory for all visa types. This is particularly important due to ongoing public health concerns.

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended due to ongoing instability and potential for emergencies. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation and repatriation.

• Safety Precautions: Stay informed about the security situation in Yemen. Register with your embassy upon arrival and follow local advisories.

• Cultural Awareness: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to respect cultural sensitivities during your stay.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of Yemen’s e-Visa system is a promising development for travelers and business professionals. By digitizing the application process, Yemen aims to make entry procedures more efficient and secure. However, travelers should remain updated with the latest information from Yemeni embassies and consulates, as visa policies may change rapidly due to the country's complex political landscape.

This new system not only enhances accessibility but also reflects Yemen’s commitment to modernizing its approach to international relations and tourism. As the country continues to navigate its challenges, the e-Visa initiative may play a crucial role in revitalizing its economy and cultural exchanges with the world.

Emirates Flight Catering has embarked on a landmark expansion with the ground-breaking of a new Dh160 million laundry facility under its Linencraft brand at Dubai Investment Park, creating 400 direct jobs and boosting its operational capacity by over 50 percent. This strategic investment addresses the surging demand in the UAE’s hospitality, aviation, and healthcare sectors amid rapid sector growth and infrastructure developments.

The new facility will add 150 tons daily to Linencraft’s current processing ability of 280 tons across four locations. It features two advanced modular hospitality bulk laundry units with a combined capacity of 142 tons per day, plus a dedicated garment plant that can handle over 28,000 pieces daily. This high-tech setup incorporates next-generation automation to enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and ensure resilience with built-in redundancies to maintain uninterrupted operations even at peak times.

 Energy-efficient systems are integrated to minimize environmental impact, reflecting a sharp focus on sustainability.

Shahreyar Nawabi, CEO of Emirates Flight Catering, emphasized the boldness of this move, stating, “This investment reflects both the scale of opportunity we see in the market and our determination to lead the industry forward. With this advanced facility, we’re not just increasing capacity we’re setting new standards through smart technology and sustainability.” The expansion is timely, as more than 10,000 new hotel rooms are expected in the UAE by 2027 alongside the upcoming major international events and Dubai Airport’s ongoing expansions, all driving a steep rise in demand for large-scale laundry services including staff uniforms and institutional laundry needs.

Linencraft currently serves over 100 clients across airlines, hospitality, healthcare, and corporate sectors, employing around 1,300 people. The new facility solidifies its position as the UAE’s largest and most trusted commercial laundry provider, capable of onboarding 40 additional hospitality clients with this capacity boost.
The project is led by UAE-based general contractor ASIA Prime, which is committed to delivering quality and operational excellence throughout the construction process.

This expansion complements broader Emirates Group initiatives, which recently unveiled a global talent drive to recruit 17,300 employees across Emirates and dnata, further underscoring the Group’s growth and commitment to meeting future demand in aviation and related services.

By scaling up climate-conscious operations and leveraging smart technologies, Emirates Flight Catering’s new Linencraft facility is poised to support the country’s booming service industries with efficiency, reliability, and sustainability well into the future.

IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has aggressively expanded its cockpit workforce by recruiting over 1,000 pilots in the past two years, bringing its total pilot strength to 5,456 by the end of FY25. This milestone surpasses the combined pilot count of Air India and Air India Express, which stands at 5,449, underscoring IndiGo’s dominant position in the Indian aviation sector.

This rapid increase in pilot numbers coincides with IndiGo’s substantial fleet growth, currently operating 434 aircraft, with over 920 more on order, including long-range Airbus A321XLRs and A350s to support its international ambitions. The accelerated hiring is a strategic move to maintain operational reliability in the face of soaring passenger demand and an industry-wide shortage of pilots. It also differentiates IndiGo from competitors like Akasa Air, which faced pilot resignations and flight cancellations in late 2024.

India’s aviation market is witnessing unprecedented growth, with domestic air travel rising to 165 million passengers in FY25 a 17% increase over pre-pandemic levels and international travel up 49% to 34 million. Responding to this surge, IndiGo has also strengthened its cabin crew roster to over 10,212 personnel.

IndiGo is leading industry efforts in gender diversity, with women constituting 16% of its pilot workforce approximately three times the global average and aiming to reach 1,000 female pilots by 2025. The commitment to inclusivity was highlighted when the airline onboarded 77 female pilots on India’s 77th Independence Day.

Financially, IndiGo posted a profit after tax of ₹7,258 crore for FY25, marking its second consecutive year of profitability, in contrast to losses reported by other carriers such as Air India and Akasa Air.
Despite a 17% decrease in the issuance of Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) in 2024, government data indicates there is currently no shortage of trained pilots in India, though the demand forecast is significant, with an estimated need for 21,500 pilots by 2034. IndiGo’s proactive recruitment and diversity initiatives position it well to meet the challenges of India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.

On 22 July 2025, Dubai, UAE, the Emirates Group launched an extensive global talent acquisition campaign aimed at recruiting 17,300 professionals during the current financial year. This hiring goal is symbolic, matching the population size of a mid-size town or the seating capacity of 58 Airbus A350 aircraft. The recruitment drive is part of the Group’s ongoing expansion strategy, reinforcing its industry-leading position.

The available opportunities span across 350 different roles across Emirates and dnata, the two flagship businesses under the Group. Emirates, recognized as the world’s most profitable and largest international airline, along with dnata, a global leader in air and travel services, are looking to fill positions that include cabin crew, pilots, engineers, commercial and sales teams, customer service, ground handling, catering, IT, human resources, and finance. Notably, dnata alone seeks over 4,000 specialists in cargo, catering, and ground handling operations.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, emphasized that this ambitious recruitment is aligned with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and the Group’s growth trajectory. He expressed that the goal is to attract world-class talent capable of driving innovation, excellence, and the future transformation of the aviation industry. He views this initiative as an opportunity for skilled professionals to become integral to the Group’s ongoing success and expansion.

To reach potential candidates globally, the Emirates Group will hold over 2,100 open days and various talent acquisition events across 150 cities throughout the year. These events will provide a chance for prospective pilots, IT professionals, engineers, and cabin crew members to engage directly with recruitment teams and long-serving Emirates employees sharing their experiences. In addition to international outreach, Dubai-based events will focus on involving UAE national students and graduates, supporting national workforce development.

Since 2022, the Emirates Group has recruited more than 41,000 professionals, with nearly 27,000 in operational roles, contributing to the current workforce size of approximately 121,000 employees. The Group continues to be a magnet for talent around the world due to its strong brand reputation, people-centric policies, tax-free remuneration, comprehensive benefits, and esteemed training and career development programs.

In the past financial year alone, the Group received in excess of 3.7 million job applications, illustrating its global appeal. Candidates are drawn to Dubai not only for professional opportunities but also for the city’s safety, economic stability, advanced technological infrastructure, forward-looking policies, and vibrant lifestyle.

For those residing in Dubai and working for the Emirates Group, benefits are extensive, including eligibility for profit sharing, comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage, a wide array of travel benefits encompassing annual and service-related leave tickets, concessional rates for family and friends, discounted cargo rates, and membership privileges unlocking reductions at hundreds of retail, hospitality, and lifestyle destinations.

Candidates interested in joining the Emirates Group can explore available positions and upcoming recruitment events worldwide by visiting the Group’s official careers portal. This recruitment drive showcases the Emirates Group’s unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and maintaining its status as a global employer of choice, while welcoming talented professionals prepared to contribute to shaping the future of aviation.