Yemen will stop issuing visas on arrival to foreigners to prevent militants from entering the country, a government official and state media said on Thursday.

The official said the change would affect primarily Western tourists, including from the United States, Canada and Europe, who had generally been able to get their visas at the airport.

A military official said in light of this decision, granting visas to foreigners will take place only through the embassies of Yemen, and after consulting security authorities.

Six airports in Yemen receive international flights.