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

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

• The situation in Yemen remains volatile with reports of continuing unrest and violent clashes. We advise against all travel to Yemen and strongly urge British nationals to leave now by commercial means (see list of airlines). If you do not leave the country now while some commercial carriers are still flying it is extremely unlikely that the British government will be able to evacuate you or provide consular assistance. Our current ability to provide any consular assistance is very limited.
  
  
• The threat of an escalation of violence and disorder remains. British Nationals who have left Yemen are advised not to return. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.
  
  
• There is a threat of kidnap by armed tribes, criminals and terrorists in Yemen.  UK and Western nationals are potential targets for these groups and successful ransom negotiations concluded recently by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) could encourage more kidnappings.  The threat to Westerners is further heightened by the current security situation in Yemen, and AQAP’s evolving presence in the south is likely to lead to a situation more conducive to kidnappings.  The upcoming interim Presidential elections on 21 February may also present increased opportunities for kidnapping.
  
  
• If you decide to travel to Yemen against our advice, you are strongly advised to regularly reassess your security arrangements and consider carefully when planning movements throughout the country.  The provision of close security protection is extremely important for those working in and moving around Yemen.  But this in itself does not remove the threat – a number of those who have been kidnapped include individuals who had security arrangements in place.
  
  

• In 30 September 2011 Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula extremist Anwar al-Awlaki was killed. We advise you to be extra vigilant in case of reprisal attacks which may include an increased threat against westerners.
        

• Nine civilian demonstrators were killed during clashes with the security forces in Sana’a on 24 December 2011. Clashes in Taiz escalated in November 2011, with more than 20 protestors killed and many more injured. You should avoid demonstrations and be particularly vigilant in public places.
  
  
• Routes in and out of Sana’a and the other major cities may be blocked and airports closed or inaccessible at little or no notice.
  
  
• If you choose to remain in Yemen against our advice, you should make your own security arrangements for the duration of your stay and remain in regular contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
  
  
• If you have not registered with the British Embassy, we urge you to do so immediately 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. If you are aware of others who have not registered, please urge them to do so.
  
  
• All British nationals should maintain a heightened level of vigilance and keep a low profile at all times, observing the strictest of security measures, and avoid any unnecessary travel. In the event of a further deterioration of the situation, evacuation options are likely to be limited.
  
  
• We advise all British nationals to avoid high profile venues such as international hotels and other places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as landmarks, places where large crowds gather, embassies, government ministries and military establishments.
  
  
• Full passport services have been temporarily withdrawn from the British Embassy in Sana’a. You should read the General - Passports and Visas section of this travel advice if you have submitted an application for a British passport, if you need to submit a new application, or if a dependant needs to submit an application for a UK visa.
  
  
• If you require urgent consular assistance or help with existing passport applications please call +967 1308 114.  For urgent assistance outside of office hours please call +44 (0) 20 7008 1500.
  
  
• There have been violent clashes in the Hasaba area of Sana’a since late May and reports of armed gangs and random gunfire across Sana’a. You should be particularly vigilant in public places. If in any doubt, remain indoors.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism and specific methods of attack are evolving and increasing in sophistication.  We believe that terrorists continue to threaten further attacks including in Sana’a, Aden and other urban areas. No part of Yemen should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts.
  
  
• The UK Government has stopped the movement of all air cargo where such items are known or believed to have originated in Yemen and moving into or through the UK. See Safety and Security - Air Travel.
  
  
• Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.  On 23 October 2009, two British nationals were taken hostage while sailing in the Indian Ocean.  New Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the Indian Ocean was published in February 2011. It cautions against all but essential travel by yacht and leisure craft on the high seas (more than 12 nautical miles from shore) in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and part of the Indian Ocean. See Safety and Security - Sea Travel.
  
  
• You should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.
  

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in Yemen. We believe that terrorists continue to threaten further attacks including in Sana’a, Aden and other urban areas. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including against western and British interests, such as residential compounds, military and oil facilities, and transport and aviation interests.

Anwar Al-Awlaki, ideologue and English-language propagandist for Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was killed in September 2011.  The threat of continuing terrorist attacks remains high.

On 29 October 2010 two explosive devices were identified in air cargo which had originated in Yemen. The UK Government has taken immediate action to stop the movement of all air cargo where such items are known or believed to have originated in Yemen and moving into or through the UK.

Direct cargo and passenger flights from Yemen to the UK were suspended for security reasons in January 2010 following an earlier failed attempt to bomb an aircraft destined for the USA on 25 December 2009.

Recent terrorist incidents include:

• 11 Jan 2011 – an armed attack was carried out in Aden against a bus containing Yemeni intelligence officers.

• 9 Dec 2010 – Unknown gunmen using rocket-propelled grenades attack an oil pipeline in Shabwah Governorate.

• 3 Nov 2010 – a member of Yemen’s consultative council and a Yemeni army Colonel were wounded when their car was fired on by presumed AQ-AP militants in Rada, Dhamar Governorate.
  

• 28 Oct 2010 – A car bomb attack in Aden killed the head of the anti-terrorism police force for Abyan Governorate and wounded three others.
  

• 6 October 2010 – a British Embassy vehicle was attacked resulting in one minor casualty. 
  

• 27 Sept 2010 – Yemen’s defence minister survived a co-ordinated suicide and grenade attack on his convoy in Aden, narrowly escaping death for the second time in a month.  An explosive-laden car was detonated near the convoy as it passed along the coastal highway.
  

• 3 Sept 2010 – A suicide attacker detonated a vehicle bomb at a Yemeni military checkpoint in Aden killing three soldiers.
  

For further information please also check the British Embassy website: http://www.ukinyemen.fco.gov.uk/en/.    

Safety and Security - Kidnaps

There is a threat of kidnap by armed tribes, criminals and terrorists in Yemen. UK and Western nationals are potential targets for these groups and successful ransom negotiations concluded recently by AQAP could encourage more kidnappings. The threat to Westerners is further heightened by the current security situation in Yemen, and AQAP’s evolving presence in the south is likely to lead to a situation more conducive to kidnappings. The upcoming interim Presidential elections on 21 February may also present increased opportunities for kidnapping.

If you decide to travel to Yemen against our advice, you are strongly advised to regularly reassess your security arrangements and consider carefully when planning movements throughout the country. The provision of close security protection is extremely important for those working in and moving around Yemen, but this in itself does not remove the threat – a number of those who have been kidnapped include individuals who had security arrangements in place. 

Kidnappings have occurred in the capital Sana’a as well as in the Governorates of al-Jawf, Abyan, Sa'ada, Dhamar, ‘Amran, Ma’rib, Shabwah and Abyan. You should exercise caution when travelling outside urban areas and you should not travel outside cities at night. We recommend that travel outside the major cities is only undertaken when accompanied by a military escort.

• On 31 January 2012, at least six aid workers of various nationalities were kidnapped from a tourist area west of Sana’a.
• A UN Development Programme official was kidnapped from Central Sana’a on 15 January 2012 and released 27 January 2012 after negotiations were concluded.
• Three French aid workers from French NGO Triangle Generation Humanitaire, kidnapped on 28 May 2011 in Hadramawt Governorate, were freed on 13 November 2011 after negotiations were concluded.

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.

Safety and Security - Crime
Incidents of violent crime against foreigners are rare, but the easy availability of weapons makes it a possibility. Tribal disputes over land are common, including in major cities, and may involve the use of weapons. You should exercise caution at all times.

• 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.
  

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - 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 be issued and are easiest to obtain through a travel agent. Travel without such permission is likely to result in detention and possible deportation. You should be aware that the consular assistance we can offer outside Sana’a is limited due to restrictions on travel.

There have been disturbances in Aden, Lahij and al-Dhali', 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.

You can drive in Yemen on an International Driving Permit. Driving standards are poor and mountain roads hazardous. You should avoid all road travel outside the main cities 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.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Air Travel

Direct cargo and passenger flights from Yemen to the UK were suspended for security reasons in January 2010 following an earlier failed attempt to bomb an aircraft destined for the USA on 25 December 2009.

As elsewhere, we advise that you reconfirm all flights during your stay.  

Safety and Security - Sea Travel
Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Attacks of piracy and armed robbery against vessels in and around the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin continue to affect only a very small proportion of overall shipping, but are frequent and continuing, proving successful almost exclusively against shipping which has not complied with agreed shipping industry best practice on self-defence measures, including on routing.  

Sailing vessels are particularly vulnerable to attack due to their low speed and low freeboard.  All mariners intending to sail through high risk areas should consider the necessity of their travel and alternatives, such as transporting the vessel by yacht carrier.

Yacht races and rallies do not have to take place in these high risk areas and place their competitors at unnecessary risk of attack. These events are often publicised and could draw adverse attention from pirates. We advise mariners not to take part in these races. Please refer to Piracy in the Indian Ocean to see new FCO advice on sea travel, published on 11 February 2011.

On 23 October 2009, two British nationals were taken hostage while sailing in the Indian Ocean.  They were approximately 60 nautical miles from the Seychelles’ main island of Mahé.

All mariners should follow the 'Best Management Practise for the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia' (http://www.icc-ccs.org.uk), published by the International Maritime Bureau.  We urge mariners to register with the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa) for up to date advice and guidance on passage round the Horn of Africa - www.mschoa.org. They should also report regularly to the UKMTO (email: ukmto@eim.ae; Tel: +971 50 552 3215), giving location, course and speed, and plan their routing carefully so as to avoid placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Yemen Country Profile 

Following the signing on 23 November 2011 of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Initiative by President Saleh, political transition in Yemen is now underway. Much progress has since been achieved with the appointment of a new prime minister, a National Unity Government comprising ministers from the former ruling party and opposition, and approval by parliament of the government’s programme. Interim presidential elections are scheduled for 21 February 2012 and will usher in the second phase of transition leading to greater participation in the political process by all Yemenis, constitutional reform and parliamentary elections. The situation remains uncertain in Yemen, with some seeking to disrupt the new political process and others dissatisfied with the pace of change. Yemen faces tough political, humanitarian and economic challenges. Violent clashes continue across Yemen, particularly in Sana’a and Taiz. The long period of political impasse in 2011 has resulted in the withdrawing of effective state control over parts of the country, especially in the north in Sadah and the south in Abyan. Dialogue is ongoing to achieve political transition and the situation remains extremely tense.

Politically motivated demonstrations have been taking place across Yemen since late January 2011. Since mid February, there have been reports of increasing of use of violence by security forces and clashes between different groups at civil-society and student demonstrations in Sana’a, Taiz, Aden and Hadramawt. Pro-regime supporters have arranged their own demonstrations in support of the government. There have been reports of protests being dispersed with batons, other weapons and through intimidation. There are credible reports of the use of lethal force, notably in Sana’a, Taiz and Aden. On 18 March, over 50 protesters, including journalists, were killed and many more were injured during a violent incident in University Square Sana’a.

In six rounds of fighting since 2004, the Yemeni Government have 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 Saudi Arabia/Yemen border between the rebels and the Saudi Government since early November 2009. The area affected by the conflict has gradually spread from the northern part of the Sa’ada Governorate into the neighbouring Governorates of ‘Amran and al Jawf. Although a cease-fire has been agreed between the Yemeni Government and the rebels, tensions remain high in the area and we assess that violence could be renewed with little or no notice. 

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.  See our Travelling During Ramadan page. 

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.

See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

British citizens require visas to enter Yemen.  Visas must be obtained in advance from the Yemeni Embassy, 57 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2ED (tel: 020 7584 6607; website: http://www.yemenembassy.org.uk).

Entry Requirements - Passport validity  
You must hold a valid passport to enter Yemen. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. For passport applications in the UK, you should apply to the Identity and Passport Service.

Entry Requirements - Studying in Yemen
Yemeni authorities require persons wishing to study in Yemen to obtain a letter from the British Embassy in Sana’a. This letter will not be issued to minors without parental consent. Visas for study can take longer to process than normal visas.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
For information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Yemeni Embassy in London (see contact details above).

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

Polio and malaria are common to Yemen.  Polio is present in some Red Sea coastal towns and malaria is also present in low-lying areas along the Red Sea.

There have been reports of a dengue fever outbreak in the Arabian Gulf coast and in the western coastal towns of al-Hodeidah and Mokha and the hill area of al-Dali’.  The most recent outbreak occurred in Taiz, in southern Yemen.

You should exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Yemen and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel Health and Swine Flu pages.

General – Passports and Visas

Full passport services have been temporarily withdrawn from The British Embassy in Sana’a.

If you need to travel urgently you can apply for an Emergency Passport (EP) for a single journey to the UK.  Details on how to obtain an EP can be found on the website for the British Passport Processing Centre (PPC) for Western Europe and the Near East, based in the British Embassy in Paris, France, or by calling +967 1308 114  0800-1500 local Sunday-Thursday, or +44 207 008 1500 at any other time.

Customers waiting for a passport to be returned will be contacted by consular staff as soon as the passport is ready for collection at the Embassy. They will also call or email to let you know if more information is required to support your application. Additional information will need to be sent immediately to the Regional Passport Processing Centre in Paris:

British Consulate Paris
16 rue d’Anjou
75008 Paris
France

New Applications
Applications for full validity (five or ten year) British passports will not be accepted at the British Embassy Sana’a. We strongly urge British nationals currently in Yemen to leave now by commercial means.  

Should you wish to apply for a full British passport after you have left Yemen then you should do so at a passport centre in another country. For example if you travel to Amman you can apply directly to the British Embassy in Amman. If you travel to France you can apply to the Processing Centre in Paris. If you travel to the UK you can apply to the Identity & Passport Service.

If you submit a new application now, please  be aware that if the British Embassy in Sana’a closes we will not be able to return your passport for collection and you may need to retain important documents, (to confirm your identity and eligibility), to obtain an EP.

Full details on the process, application forms, fees and supporting documentation are available here.

Visas for the UK

The British Embassy is currently unable to issue visas. Visa applicants from Yemen can lodge any category of application at visa application centres run by VFS in Amman (Jordan), Dubai, Abu Dhabi (UAE) or Cairo (Egypt).  If entry is being sought as a visitor, applications may be made at any Visa Application Centre or post which accepts such applications.

Applicants must complete an on line application form through Visa4UK website.

Further information is available on the UK in Yemen website, or UK in the United Arab Emirates website, or email the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi on visa.abudhabi@fco.gov.uk.

General - Insurance
You should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Consular registration

You should be aware that our ability to assist you outside Sana’a may be limited by the Yemeni authorities’ requirement for travel plans to be cleared in advance. In addition, we are operating a reduced Embassy with only essential staff and are only able to offer limited consular assistance in the event of an emergency.  

If you travel to Yemen, it is vital that you register with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by emailing consularenquiries.sanaa@fco.gov.uk. We will always do everything we can to help British nationals in the event of an emergency, but in areas where we advise against all, or all but essential travel, we cannot offer any guarantees regarding the level of assistance we can offer.

General - Money
ATMs are very scarce outside Sana’a. You are advised to bring US dollars in cash, as the most easily convertible currency.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
Nine British nationals required consular assistance in Yemen in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011, including for two deaths and one arrest.