Living in Sana'a as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Expatriates from designated countries are exempted from getting a visa to Yemen, but they can stay for up to 90 days. Visitors from other countries can apply for a visa online or at Yemeni embassies abroad. All visitors will need to have a valid passport and a return ticket to embark on their journey to Sana'a.

Language resources

While Arabic is the official language in Yemen, expatriates can learn English from the educational programs offered at the International School Sana'a and the Aden British School.

Housing

The cost of housing in Sana'a is relatively affordable compared to other cities in the region. Expect to pay around $125-250 a month for a room in a shared house, $250-450 for a one-bedroom apartment, $400-650 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $760-1300 for a three-plus bedroom house.

Groceries

Groceries in Sana'a can be found at reasonable prices at the local markets and supermarkets, with prices ranging from $125-250 for a month's worth of supplies for two people.

Transportation

Taxis in Sana'a are affordable, with average fares ranging from $2-4 per journey. Transportation inside the old town can sometimes be challenging, with narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets. Owning a car can be helpful for easy movement.

Sana'a enjoys a moderate desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The summer months are extremely dry and hot, averaging temperatures of around 32°C, while winters are mild and cool with average temperatures around 16°C. The city experiences occasional rainfall from April to September.

The Sana'a job market is vibrant, with opportunities in industries such as banking, telecommunications, and education. Some notable companies in the city include Yemen's state-owned Development & Agricultural Bank, telecommunications operators Mobile Yemen and Saba Telecom, and international companies like Vodafone and DHL.

Sana'a has several reputable healthcare facilities, including international hospitals such as Al-Saqer Hospital, Al Jumhuriya Hospital, and the Sana'a Medical Center. The city is known for its traditional medicine practices derived from ancient Arab and Middle Eastern healthcare systems.

Sana'a lacks a comprehensive public transportation system, but the city is navigable with taxis and colorful minibusses (known as 'shabikas') dominating the roads. The az-Zahri Downtown area serves as the city's transport hub, connecting Sana'a with other cities in Yemen.

Sana'a can be a safe city, but tourists and expats should take cautionary measures such as avoiding poorly lit streets at night, avoiding political protests, and carrying a copy of their passport at all times for identity verification.