UNVIM facilitates the unimpeded free-flow of commercial items to Yemen’s Red Sea ports through clearance review, verification and inspection — operated by UNOPS on behalf of the United Nations and concerned Member States.
UNVIM was instituted by the United Nations at the request of the Government of Yemen to ensure compliance with Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015) for vessels sailing to ports of Yemen not under its control.
The mechanism is managed and operated by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and is located in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti. In the context of the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen, UNVIM facilitates the unimpeded free-flow of commercial items through verification, inspection and clearance review of commercial vessels sailing to Yemen’s Red Sea ports.
Operational since 05 May 2016, UNVIM has granted clearances for vessels transporting commercial cargo destined for these ports — keeping food, fuel and essential goods moving to the people who need them.
Complete clearance requests should be submitted no later than five (05) days prior to the vessel’s arrival in the outer limits of the ports — and preferably before the vessel departs its port of loading. Late requests incur delays.
Clearance requesters apply via the UNVIM portal and open a client account for the commercial vessel.
Lodge a complete request at least five days before arrival, with the vessel’s supporting documentation.
UNVIM reviews documents and verifies the vessel’s movements, crew, paperwork and cargo against UNSCR 2216 (2015).
UNVIM informs the requester of its decision — clearance granted, or an inspection where required.
Provided no inspection of the cargo or containers on board the vessel is required, UNVIM grants the vessel clearance.
Where there are suspicions regarding movements, crew, documents or prohibited cargo under UNSCR 2216 (2015), UNVIM conducts a primary inspection in territorial or international waters. Secondary inspections may follow if suspicions persist.
Apply, track status in real time, respond to document requests and download your clearance certificate — from one secure account.
Open the portalFollow the journey through the corridor with live milestones — anchorage, berth, discharge and sailing.
Track a voyageA secure, versioned archive of every certificate, manifest and supporting document — by vessel and clearance.
Browse documentsAll 16 documents below must be signed, stamped, and uploaded with your clearance request. Incomplete submissions incur processing delays.
The Automatic Identification System must remain on at all times. AIS off for more than 4 hours results in automatic clearance cancellation.
Apply nowSubmit before departure from port of loading where possible. Late requests incur delays in the clearance process.
Apply nowConducted in international or territorial waters. Costs are borne by the shipping company. Secondary inspection may require cargo offloading.
Apply nowOnce issued, the certificate is valid for 20 days from arrival at the port’s anchorage area. Beyond this date, clearance expires.
Apply nowSince 2015, UNVIM has received generous voluntary contributions and active support from a coalition of Member States and partners.
Create a client account and submit your documents through the secure UNVIM portal — at least five days before arrival.
