VPNs are legal to use in Yemen, with no specific laws prohibiting their usage. Despite the ongoing civil war and political instability, the use of VPN technology itself has not been criminalized by any authority in the country (1). However, the government has blocked many VPN websites, making it difficult for citizens to download and access VPN services. What users do while connected to a VPN in Yemen remains subject to the country's laws and regulations (1).
Yemen faces severe restrictions on internet freedom and has experienced widespread censorship and internet shutdowns. Freedom House rates Yemen as "Not Free" with a score of only 10 out of 100, citing serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media (2). State authorities surveil public discussion and political debates, while Houthi-backed authorities block certain news websites, online messaging and social media platforms, and satellite broadcasts. All parties to the conflict have subjected journalists to harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention, violent attacks, and enforced disappearances (2).
"As a result, millions of Yemenis have been deprived of their right to communicate, to access and exchange information, and importantly, to share their reality and lived experiences."
According to Access Now's 2019 KeepItOn report, Yemen accounted for the majority of internet shutdowns in the Middle East region (1). Internet access has been significantly limited and disrupted by the ongoing conflict, with damage to submarine fiber optic cables cutting 80 percent of internet capacity at various times. While VPNs remain legal tools that can help users bypass government censorship and access blocked content, citizens should exercise caution and remember that using VPNs for illegal activities remains prohibited under Yemeni law.
Source:
https://www.accessnow.org/keepiton-as-yemens-war-goes-online-internet-shutdowns-and-censorship-are-hurting-yemenis/
https://freedomhouse.org/country/yemen/freedom-world/2025
Last updated: 15-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
