Safety and security

Violent unrest

The political situation in Yemen is extremely unstable and continues to deteriorate.  Violent clashes are being witnessed.  If you are in Yemen, we advise you to leave immediately.  Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.  

Terrorism

The threat from terrorism in Yemen is high, and there is an extreme risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. 

Kidnapping

Foreign nationals are potential targets for kidnapping so you should take particular care when travelling in Yemen:

• Get advice from your local contacts about staying safe
• Avoid travelling at night, particularly inter-city
• Avoid travelling alone
• When driving, ensure all car doors are locked
• Vary your routes and departure times – avoid patterns which could be tracked
• Pay careful attention to local media for reports of kidnapping activities

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Yemen, you should be extremely careful. Road safety standards are low, particularly outside towns and cities. Accidents are frequent and are often caused by poor driving, badly maintained vehicles and inadequate lighting.

If you want to drive:

• Check with the authorities to find out what documentation you need
• Bring your international driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Muslim culture

Yemen is an Islamic country and you should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Dress conservatively, be aware of your actions and take care not to offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or other religious festivals, or if you intend to visit religious areas. You should not consume alcohol in public.

During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time.

LGBT

Homosexual activity is illegal in Yemen.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

If you are unsure of what the entry requirements for Yemen are, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Yemen.

You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country.

More travel advice

Because we don’t have an Embassy or Consulate in Yemen, we can’t give you up-to-date travel advice, but due to continuing violent clashes and the ongoing threat of terrorism, kidnapping and tribal violence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against all travel to Yemen at this time.

You can visit these foreign ministries for more detailed information:

• UK: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Canada: Government of Canada
• New Zealand: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• USA: Department of State