This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Terrorism section (British Government policy on the paying of ransoms).  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

There remains a high threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including against Western and British interests, and in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as hotels and restaurants.

 

There have been a number of terrorist incidents in Yemen in recent years.  We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks. You should take all the necessary steps to protect your safety, and you should make sure that you have confidence in your individual security arrangements. You should maintain a high level of vigilance in public places. Caution should be exercised particularly outside urban areas.

 

On 18 January 2008 two Belgian and two Yemeni nationals were shot dead, with four other Belgians seriously injured, in an incident in the Governorate of Hadramaut.  We advise against all but essential travel to Hadramaut until details of the attack are clearer.  On 2 July 2007, eight Spanish and two Yemeni nationals were killed, and a number of others injured, in a suicide bomb attack in Ma’rib, 100 km east of Sana'a.  The terrorists used a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), which was driven into the tourists’ convoy.  Due to terrorism and tribal violence we advise against all but essential travel to the Governorate of Ma’rib.  Those travelling on essential business should travel with a Yemeni military escort and consider not stopping in Ma’rib city itself or its surrounding sites.

 

Also, on 15 September 2006, oil installations near Ma’rib and al-Mukalla were attacked in simultaneous terrorist suicide operations that resulted in several casualties and on 5 November, Ras Issa oil pipeline in the Sirwah district of the Governorate of Ma'rib, was hit in a tribal attack.  On 20 May 2007, there were a series of small explosions in central Sana'a targeting Yemeni government buildings, resulting in a number of fatalities and casualties.  An IED was found in Aden on 9 July 2007, but was not detonated.  You should be aware of the risk of British nationals becoming indiscriminately caught up in terrorist attacks.

 

British nationals visiting or resident in Yemen should consider whether their personal security arrangements are adequate.  You should be particularly vigilant in places frequented by foreigners.

 

Al Qa'ida continues to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Arabian Peninsula.  These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military and oil facilities, transport and aviation interests.

You should be aware that 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.

For further information read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas.  Please also check the British Embassy website: (See contact details of this Travel Advice).

 

Crime

 

Incidents of violent crime against foreigners are rare, but the easy availability of weapons makes it a possibility.  The most recent incident was on 23 June 2007, when a gunman opened fire on a chartered oil company plane, injuring a number of people including two Britons.  Tribal disputes over land are common, including in major cities, and may involve the use of weapons.  You should exercise caution at all times.

 

Some tribes are heavily armed and have a tradition of kidnapping foreigners to publicise their grievances or to further their case in disputes with the government.  Such kidnappings have occurred in the capital Sana’a as well as in the governorates of al-Jawf, Abyan, Sa'dah, Dhamar, ‘Amran, Ma’rib and Shabwah.  The last kidnap incident took place in the governorate of Shabwah on 31August 2007, when a Canadian national was kidnapped.  The hostage was released unharmed.  We advise caution when travelling outside urban areas.  You should not travel outside cities at night.  We strongly recommend that travel outside the major cities is only undertaken with an organised group accompanied by a military escort.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad

 

Political Situation

 
Yemen Country Profile.

 

In June 2004, there was an armed uprising in northern Yemen, in and around the town of Sa’dah and north towards the border with Saudi Arabia.  The fighting involved extremists against the armed forces.  Government forces gained control of the area but fighting broke out again in early 2007. A settlement was announced in July 2007, but the situation remains tense, with sporadic outbreaks of fighting.  The Yemeni Government still restricts access to the Sa’dah area, and we advise against all but essential travel to the governorate of Sa'dah.

 

You should follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.  You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.  During Presidential elections in September 2006, nearly 60 people were killed and 250 injured at a stampede at an election rally in the governorate of Ibb.  Stampedes also occurred at rallies in Ta’iz, Lahij and Abyan.  There was rioting on 25 March 2007, at the Balhaf Liquid Natural Gas plant in the Shabwa region following the movement of the Koran by a foreign national that resulted in two French nationals being seriously injured.

 

Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region.  You should be aware of local sensitivities on the issue.

 

LOCAL TRAVEL

 

If you wish to travel outside Sana'a you may need prior permission from the Yemen Tourist Police.  Travel to the provinces of al-Jawf, Ma’rib, Sa’dah, ‘Amran, al-Baydah, Abyan, Shabwah, Hadhramaut and al-Mahrah are currently likely to require such permission. However, the areas for which permission is needed in order to visit can change at short notice. Travel permits may take at least 24 hours to be issued and are easiest to obtain through a travel agent who can organise local tours.

 

There have been disturbances in Aden which have resulted in closures of the Aden-Sana'a road.  These have been short-lived but if you intend to travel by road you should check that the road is open before starting your journey.

 

Road Travel

 

You can drive in Yemen on an International Driving Licence.

 

Driving standards are poor and mountain roads hazardous.

 

Avoid all road travel at night.  Care should also be taken to avoid minefields left over from Yemen's civil wars.  Travelling off well-used tracks without an experienced guide could be extremely hazardous, particularly in parts of the south and the central highlands.

 

For more general information see: Driving Abroad

 

Air Travel

 

All flights should be reconfirmed during your stay.

 

Sea Travel

 

Mariners should be aware that there is the possibility of attacks against ships and in particular yachts off the Yemen coast, especially in the Gulf of Aden.  We strongly advise against yachting in this area.  Incidents of piracy have also been known to occur in parts of the Red Sea.

 

Mariners can find more general information at River and Sea Safety.

Local laws reflect the fact that Yemen is a Muslim 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. For more general information see: Travelling during Ramadan

 

You should dress modestly and you should not consume alcohol in public.

 

Care should be exercised using cameras anywhere near military or religious sites, or taking pictures of people without their consent.

 

For more general advice for different types of travellers see: Travel Checklists

Visas

British citizens require visas to enter Yemen.  Visas may be obtained in advance from: Yemeni representation in the UK.  British and EU citizens can also obtain tourist visas at the airport upon arrival.

Passport validity

 

The Yemeni authorities have no minimum validity requirements for passports being used to enter Yemen.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact: Yemeni representation in the UK.

Medical facilities, particularly away from the main towns, are poor.

Malaria is prevalent in low-lying areas along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf coasts and there have been reports of an outbreak of Dengue Fever in the western coastal towns of al-Hodeidah and Mokha and the hill area of al-Dali’.

Polio is also present in some Red Sea coastal towns.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Yemen.

For further information on endemic diseases, like malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Yemen you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre at: NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel

For more general health information see: Travel Health

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  Please see Travel Insurance

If things go wrong when overseas, please see:  What We Can Do To Help

Registering with the British Embassy

British nationals in Yemen should register with the British Embassy, Sana’a (address below).

Money

ATMs are very scarce outside Sana’a.  You are advised to bring US dollars in cash as the easiest convertible currency.