Health Alert: Announcing Repatriation Flights From Yemen

Message for U.S. Citizens – July 12, 2020

Location: Yemen and Saudi Arabia

Event: The Department of State has arranged with Yemeni and Saudi authorities to offer limited repatriation flights from Yemen through Saudi Arabia to the United States during the period that regular commercial service is suspended to help contain the COVID-19 virus. The Department continues to consider all available options to provide additional assistance.

On July 18, the Yemenia flight will depart Aden (ADE) at 10:00 PM and arrive in Jeddah at 12:00 AM on July 19. The departure time for the July 25 flight is being finalized. Corresponding Saudia flights (number SV 35) will depart Jeddah (JED) at 6:00 AM on July 19 and 5:30 AM on July 26 and arrive at Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) at 12:20 PM on the same dates.

There are no additional flights scheduled at this time and no indication when regular commercial air service will be restored. These flights are available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) of the United States, as well as immediate family members who are documented with valid U.S. visas. All travelers must have valid passports to purchase tickets. U.S. citizens and LPRs who want to return to the United States should consider taking one of these flights or be prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite time period.

All travelers must have valid travel documents to purchase tickets. The U.S. Government has no consular presence in Yemen and cannot assist potential travelers with expired passports or visas.

Travelers will only be allowed to transit Jeddah; they will not be admitted to Saudi Arabia. Travel requires booking both legs in advance according to the instructions below.

Booking Instructions:

Booking for these flights will follow the process below.

Using details previously supplied through the Embassy’s online form, the Embassy will pass individuals’ contact information to Saudia. Due to the volume of inquiries received, the Embassy will not reopen the form at this time. The Embassy will notify travelers by e-mail that their information has been passed to the airline.
Travelers must wait to be contacted by a Saudia representative to purchase a ticket. Tickets cannot be purchased independently online or through a travel agent.
Travelers purchase a ticket from Yemenia after obtaining a ticket from Saudia.

Saudia will contact travelers by phone or WhatsApp (+966 55 673 3500). These calls may occur up to several days after the Embassy notifies potential travelers. Travelers who have a preference for one of the flights should let the Saudia agent know. Ticket purchase on the Saudia flights is by credit card only. Travelers should be prepared with a credit card when they are contacted by Saudia. Seats can be held for only a few hours.

Once ticketing on Saudia is confirmed, travelers purchase tickets from Yemenia in person. No sooner than two days after booking the Saudia ticket and no later than two days prior to the flight itself, each traveler must provide a copy of his/her passport and Saudia ticket to one of the two open Yemenia ticketing offices in Sanaa or Aden (Crater District) and finalize payment.

Prices are $500 per person for the Aden to Jeddah flight and $1000 for the Jeddah to Washington, DC flight. Travelers will be responsible for booking their own travel to their final destinations in the United States before their travel date.

Ground Transportation:

Passengers are responsible for their own transportation to the Aden airport.

Other Considerations:

Health screening will be conducted prior to embarkation. Anyone with flu-like symptoms or a fever will not be allowed to board a flight and should not come to the airport.

Travelers will only be allowed to transit Jeddah; they will not be admitted to Saudi Arabia.

Prospective passengers should consider CDC guidance on international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic and review health conditions at their final destination. The CDC advises travelers on flights from Saudi Arabia to self-isolate for 14 days after they arrive in the United States.

Passengers who are making flight connections at Washington-Dulles International Airport should allow extra time for COVID-19 related screening procedures upon arrival in the United States.

Actions to Take:

Register in STEP and encourage other Americans to do so.
Ensure your passport is valid and you have funds to purchase a ticket.
Cooperate with public policies designed to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Stay abreast of local news and information concerning travel restrictions.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis pageon travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Saudi Arabia.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest restrictions on travel to the United States.