Yemen |
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| Still current at: 02 March 2013
Updated: 19 February 2013 |
| No restrictions in this travel advice | Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all but essential travel to whole country | Avoid all travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all travel to whole country |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with editorial amendments. The overall level of the advice has not changed. The FCO advise against all travel to the whole of Yemen and advise British nationals to leave Yemen now by commercial means.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- General
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The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all
travel to Yemen and strongly urge British nationals to leave now. If you
don’t leave the country now while commercial carriers are still flying
it is extremely unlikely that the British government will be able to
evacuate you or provide consular assistance.
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The situation in Yemen remains volatile with continuing unrest
and violent clashes. The threat of an escalation of violence and
disorder remains. If you travel to Yemen against our advice, you should
regularly reassess your security and plan any movements around the
country carefully. The provision of close security protection and/or a
military escort is extremely important for those working and moving
around in Yemen. See Local travel and Political situation.
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There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Yemen.
Terrorists continue to threaten further attacks. There is a high threat
of kidnap from armed tribes, criminals and terrorists. See Terrorism
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If you travel to Yemen against our advice, you should register with the British Embassy by e-mailing consularenquiries.sanaa@fco.gov.uk or
calling +967 1308 114. Alternatively you can call the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office switchboard on +44 (0)20 7008 1500 and ask to speak
to the team handling Yemen consular issues.
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The British Embassy is operating with only essential staff. The
level of consular assistance available to British nationals is limited.
If you need urgent consular assistance call +967 1308 114. For urgent
assistance outside office hours call +44 (0) 20 7008 1500.
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Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See
Sea Travel.
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Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
There is a high threat from terrorism with attacks occurring throughout the country. Future attacks could be indiscriminate, including against western interests, places frequented by foreigners like international hotels, infrastructure like oil or transport facilities and official sites like military establishments. Areas in use by Yemeni civilians including funerals and public markets have also been targets in the past. Maritime and aviation terrorism can’t be ruled out.
Recent major terrorist incidents include:
- a series of attacks on the gas pipeline between Marib and Shabwa by unidentified groups, including in December 2012, January 2013 and February 2013
- in November 2012, a Saudi diplomat and his protection officer were shot and killed in Sana’a
- in August 2012, Yemeni intelligence service quarters in Aden was attacked, leaving at least 14 dead
- in August 2012, a suicide bombing targeted a funeral in Jaar, leaving at least 30 dead and others injured
- in August 2012, a motorcycle-borne bomb was thrown into a market in Taiz, leaving 5 deadin July 2012, a suicide attack targeted a police academy in central Sana’a, leaving at least 6 dead and a larger number of injured
- in May 2012, a suicide attack targeted government troops practising
for a National Day parade, leaving more than 60 dead and more than 180
injured
There is a high threat of kidnap across Yemen from terrorists, armed tribes and criminals. There a strong possibility that anyone initially kidnapped by a tribe or criminal group could be subsequently sold to AQAP.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage-taking.
Recent kidnappings have included:
- in December 2012, an Austrian national and 2 Finnish nationals studying Arabic were kidnapped in central Sana’a and are still being detained.
- in July 2012, an Italian national employed by the Italian Embassy was kidnapped in Sana’a, and then released on 2 August 2012.
- in April 2012, a French aid worker from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was kidnapped in Hudayda Governorate, and then released on 12 July 2012.
- in March 2012 a Saudi Arabian diplomat was kidnapped in Aden. He is still being detained.
- in March 2012, a Swiss teacher was kidnapped in Hodeida, west of Sana’a, and is still being detained.
If you travel to Yemen against our advice, you should regularly reassess your security arrangements and carefully plan your movements around the country. Close security protection and/or a military escort are extremely important. You should take security advice from the host government and/or a private security company before any travel within the country. Be vigilant and keep a low profile at all times. In the event of a further deterioration of the security situation, routes in and out of Sana’a and the other major cities may become blocked and airports closed or inaccessible at little or no notice.
There is limited state control over parts of the country, especially in the north in Sadah and the south in Abyan.
The Yemeni government has been fighting an armed uprising by the al Huthi movement and their supporters in Sa’ada Governorate, northern Yemen. There have also been clashes on the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border between the rebels and the Saudi government. The conflict has spread into the neighbouring Governorates of ‘Amran and al Jawf. Although a cease-fire has been agreed, tensions remain high and violence could be renewed with little or no notice
Crime
Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Tribal disputes over land are common, including in major cities, and may involve the use of weapons. Take care at all times. Incidents may not be solely criminal in nature, but may be linked to terrorism or other insecurity. Weapons are readily available.
In December 2011 a dual British national and employee of Calvalley Petroleum was killed. The case is currently being investigated by the authorities.
On 20 July 2011 a British national was killed in a car bomb attack in Aden.
Road travel
In the event of a breakdown of law and order access routes in and out of major cities may be blocked.
If you wish to drive outside Sana'a you will need prior permission from the Yemen Tourist Police. Travel permits may take at least 24 hours to issue and are best obtained through a travel agent. If you travel without permission you may be detained and/or deported. The British Embassy is only able to offer limited consular assistance outside Sana’a due to restrictions on travel.
There have been disturbances in Aden, Lahij and al-Dhali', which have resulted in temporary closures of the Aden-Sana'a road. Check that the road is open before starting your journey.
You can drive in Yemen using an International Driving Permit. Driving standards are poor and mountain roads hazardous. You should avoid all road travel outside the main cities at night. Take care to avoid minefields left over from civil wars. Travelling off well-used tracks without an experienced guide could be dangerous, particularly in parts of the south and the central highlands.
Air Travel
There are no direct cargo or passenger flights between Yemen and the EU. Previous aviation incidents have included a failed attempt to bomb an aircraft destined for the USA, and two explosive devices identified in air cargo originating from Yemen.
The FCO can’t offer advice on the safety of other airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.
Sea Travel
Attacks of Piracy against vessels in and around the Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and Indian Ocean are frequent and continuing. Sailing and other low-speed vessels are at particular risk, as are shipping vessels which have not adopted agreed industry best practice, including on routing. Maritime terrorism can’t be ruled out.
Mariners should maintain a high state of awareness and be alert to tensions in Yemeni and regional waters. Mariners should maintain a high state of awareness and be alert to tensions in Yemeni and regional waters. Consult the UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) during transit.
Political Situation
Following the signature in November 2011 of the Gulf Co-operation Council’s initiative, political transition in Yemen is now underway. President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi was inaugurated on in February 2012 as Yemen’s new head of state. The political situation remains uncertain, with some seeking to disrupt the new political process and others dissatisfied with the pace of change.
Politically motivated demonstrations have taken place across Yemen. There have been injuries and deaths at some demonstrations. Western diplomatic missions have been the focus for some protests. There is the potential for increased tensions on Fridays. You should avoid all demonstrations.
Local laws reflect the fact that Yemen is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
You should dress modestly. Don’t drink alcohol in public.
Take care when using cameras anywhere near military or religious sites. Don’t take pictures of people without their consent.
Visas
You will need a visa to enter Yemen. Get a visa before you travel from the Yemeni Embassy in London.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.
Yellow fever
Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Studying in Yemen
The Yemeni authorities require those wishing to study in Yemen to get a supporting letter from the British Embassy in Sana’a. This letter will not be issued to minors without parental consent.
Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.
Medical facilities, particularly away from the main towns, are poor. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Polio, malaria and dengue fever are common to Yemen.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 191 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Money
ATMs are very scarce outside Sana’a. US dollars in cash is the most easily convertible currency.
Consular assistance statistics
Seven British nationals needed consular assistance in Yemen in the period 1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012, including for 2 deaths and 3 arrests.
