Middle East and North Africa

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

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• We advise against all travel to the Governorate of Sa’ada. In August 2009 renewed hostilities broke out in Sa’ada (see section on the political situation for further detail).  There have been clashes on the Saudi – Yemen border between the rebels and the Saudi Government since early November.  Please check this advice for further updates.
  
  
• We also advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Yemen due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and tribal violence. Unless you have an essential reason to be in Yemen you should consider whether you need to remain. See the Political Situation and Terrorism sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Yemen including against Western, and British, interests. The renewed conflict in Sa’ada has further heightened tensions.  You should avoid places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, including in Sana’a and other urban centres. Recent examples of attacks include an attempted suicide attack on the airport road, attacks against tourist sites and against the US Embassy.  We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The British Embassy are investigating the kidnap of a British national who went missing in the Governorate of Sa’ada in the north of Yemen on 12 June 2009. There have been a number of kidnappings of foreign nationals since mid-2005, including in the Governorates of Ma’rib, Shabwa, ‘Amran and Abyan.  On 16 November 2009 a Japanese national was kidnapped on the road between Sana’a and Marib.  If your visit to Yemen is essential you should exercise extreme caution. See the Kidnaps section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Developments in the region may trigger public unrest.  You should take care to avoid demonstrations, which can turn hostile,and be particularly vigilant in public places.
  
  
• If you wish to drive to Governorates outside Sana'a, you will need prior permission from the Yemen Tourist Police.  Travelling without such permission is likely to result in detention and possible deportation.  You should be aware that consular assistance outside Sana’a is limited due to the restrictions on travel.
  
  
• Four British nationals required consular assistance in Yemen in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009. During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (10 cases).
  
  
• We 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.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and the Travel Insurance page of the FCO website for more details.