At its best, Yemen is a place of incredible scenery, striking Islamic architecture and bustling souks, along with peaceful mosques, lush valleys and epic mountains. The capital Sana'a embodies the two faces of Yemen: the modern city with upmarket tourist infrastructure, and the old city with its Great Mosque and distinctive, multistorey buildings crafted in clay. Sana'a is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and visitors can take it in from hotel rooftops, enjoy the authenticity of its old souks or be spellbound by the magnificent 700-year-old Great Mosque.
Aden, the second largest city, is a port dating back to times of antiquity. It has a more cosmopolitan, liberal air than Sana'a and makes for an interesting visit. Other cities worth exploring are Shibam, known as the Manhattan of the Desert, and the garden city of Rawdha. But Yemen's most incredible attraction is the Socotra Archipelago, with over 700 species of
wildlife and plants unique to the islands. Seen as a contemporary of the Galapagos Islands, it's a place of unique beauty and scientific fascination, with a distinct tribal culture that has thrived for thousands of years.
To the Romans, the country of Yemen was known as Arabia Felix, the 'fortunate land', on account of its fertile fields. Yemen used to be a land of milk and honey, a place of great significance. Sadly, the country is struggling with unrest, instability and widespread terrorism, but travellers eagerly await the day this famously interesting country will again be hospitable to visitors.
Key Facts
Language:
Arabic is the official language and English is the most commonly spoken foreign language.
Passport/Visa:
The government of Yemen refuses entry to both holders of Israeli passports and those who have Israeli entry or exit stamps in their passports. Authorities in Yemen have stopped issuing visas upon arrival for foreign nationals from various countries in an effort to increase security measures due to concerns that extremists were entering Yemen to receive training to carry out attacks. Visitors to the country will now be required to apply for visas from a Yemeni diplomatic office in their country of residence. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
The local currency is the Yemeni rial (YER), which is divided into 100 fils. US dollars in cash is the most easily convertible currency; ATMs are very rare outside Sana'a.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 - 240 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary but plugs with two or three flat pins or three round pins are most common.
Travel to Yemen
Health Notes when travelling to Yemen
All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and malaria medication is recommended for travel to all parts of Yemen except Sana'a and areas above 2,000 metres (6,561ft) altitude. Medical facilities, particularly away from the main towns, are poor, so comprehensive travel insurance, with provision for emergency repatriation, is strongly advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Yemen
The security situation in Yemen remains highly unstable because of the ongoing civil war between government forces and different rebel groups throughout the country. A coalition of countries is launching airstrikes into Yemen to curtail rebel gains in the country. Airstrikes could occur anywhere, at any time. Weapons are easily available throughout the country and tribes are usually heavily armed. Travellers should note that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Yemen. The threat is heightened where AQAP have strong tribal connections and in more isolated governorates such as Hadramawt and Shabwah.
Customs in Yemen
Yemen is an Islamic country and the faith is tightly woven into the fabric of daily life. Visitors should dress conservatively to avoid causing offence; women should cover their shoulders, arms and legs and men should wear long trousers. Tourists shouldn't drink alcohol in public, and always use their right hand when eating or greeting as the left is considered unclean. Visitors should only enter mosques if invited to do so, and should not take photographs of soldiers, military installations or local people without permission. Yemeni people are famously hospitable and will frequently invite visitors to their homes to eat, drink tea or chew qat.
Duty Free in Yemen
Travellers to Yemen over the age of 18 years can import the following without incurring customs duty: 600 cigarettes or 60 cigars or 450g tobacco; one bottle of perfume or eau de toilette for personal use; and goods up to the value of YER 100,000. The import of any items of Israeli origin is prohibited.
Doing Business in Yemen
Business people are expected to dress smartly for meetings and formal social occasions in Yemen. Business casual dress made of lightweight fabrics is suitable for men, though a suit and tie is preferable for more formal meetings. Women should opt for dresses of lightweight fabric, and blouses are considered appropriate as long as they cover most of the body. English is commonly used in business circles. Appointments are needed and visitors should be punctual; business cards are often exchanged. Gifts should only be given to the most intimate of friends. To receive a present from a lesser acquaintance is so embarrassing as to be offensive. Even worse is expressing admiration for something belonging to another, as it makes them feel obliged to offer it as a gift.
Tipping in Yemen
Tipping isn't common in Yemen but patrons can leave 10 percent if they're eating in a nicer restaurant. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, though most passengers round up the fare; people generally leave tour guides 10 percent, and tour drivers five percent.
Passport/Visa Note
The government of Yemen refuses entry to both holders of Israeli passports and those who have Israeli entry or exit stamps in their passports. Authorities in Yemen have stopped issuing visas upon arrival for foreign nationals from various countries in an effort to increase security measures due to concerns that extremists were entering Yemen to receive training to carry out attacks. Visitors to the country will now be required to apply for visas from a Yemeni diplomatic office in their country of residence. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a passport valid on arrial. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
Yemen Embassies
In the United States:
Embassy of the Republic of Yemen, Washington DC, United States: (202) 717-1066
In Canada:
Embassy of the Republic of Yemen, Ottawa, Canada:(613)729-6627
In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of the Republic of Yemen, London, United Kingdom: (0) 20 7584 6607
In Australia:
Consulate-General of the Republic of Yemen, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 6261 1111
In South Africa:
Yemeni Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: (+27) 12 425 0760
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Yemen
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Yemen, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Yemen. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Yemen. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
When traveling in Yemen, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Yemen, see malaria in Yemen.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Yemen, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Yemen
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Yemen, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Yemen. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Yemen. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
When traveling in Yemen, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Yemen, see malaria in Yemen.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Yemen, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Yemen
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Note: Since 2012, MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) has been identified in multiple countries in the Arabian Peninsula, including Yemen, and in travelers to the region. Please refer to the MERS in the Arabian Peninsula travel notice for more information.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Yemen, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Yemen. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Yemen include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Yemen. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Yemen’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Yemen. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Yemen may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Yemen, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Yemen for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in Yemen. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
MERS in the Arabian PeninsulaJune 28, 2017The following countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula have confirmed MERS: Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Neighboring countries where precautions are recommended: Iraq, Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, and Syria.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
Cholera in YemenAugust 14, 2017There is a widespread cholera outbreak in Yemen. Between April and July 2017, more than 400,000 cholera cases and nearly 2,000 deaths have been reported. Twenty-one of the country’s 23 governorates have reported suspected cases.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The local currency is the Yemeni rial (YER), which is divided into 100 fils. US dollars in cash is the most easily convertible currency; ATMs are very rare outside Sana'a.
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