RD - Highly unstable state, civil war. There is a real possibility of a violent act occurring over the short to medium term. Corruption risk is elevated and likely to affect the casual traveller. HSE risk is significant as there is no regulation or culture in country. Terrorism risk is high. The country is a war zone.

Genvisec advises against all travel to Yemen.  Embassies are not able to provide consular services, and won’t be able to help your evacuation from the country.

 

Local travel

 

If you travel to Yemen against our advice, you should regularly reassess your security arrangements and carefully plan your movements. Avoid routine, vary your travel routes, and keep a low profile at all times. You should take security advice from the host government and/or competent security experts before any travel within the country. Close security protection and/or a military escort are extremely important. 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. You should check your routes in advance of travelling. Don’t advertise your travel or other plans through social media.

 

Given the current political situation and security, there’s limited government control over parts of the country with Houthi or Al-Qaeda dominance in some areas.

 

 

A curfew from 8pm to 6am daily and a ban on carrying arms have been imposed in Aden. On 18 January 2016, Aden Police also imposed a ban on motorcycles within the city following several days of killings, or attempted killings, by armed men on motorbikes.

 

The political situation is uncertain and the threat of a further escalation of violence and disorder remains.

The instability throughout Yemen has led to those in the south who support secession to call for southern independence and to draw attention to southern grievances. 

 

 

 

 

Crime

 

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.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive in Yemen using an International Driving Permit. Access routes in and out of major cities may be closed or blocked. Check that the road is open before starting your journey. Driving standards are poor and mountain roads hazardous. There is a severe shortage of fuel in Yemen. You should avoid all road travel outside the main cities at night. Take care to avoid minefields left over from civil wars and landmines used in the current conflict. Travelling off well-used tracks without an experienced guide could be extremely dangerous.

 

 

 

Air travel

 

The situation remains very tense and changeable. Clashes and airstrikes have caused temporary suspension or closure of airports across the country. Check with your airline or travel company before travelling to any airport in the country. 

Yemeni air space is currently controlled by Saudi-led coalition forces. Yemenia Airways is operating limited flights from Sana’a airport and occasionally operates flights from Aden, however their schedule is subject to last minute alterations or cancellation. If you’re looking to leave the country, contact Yemenia Airways for full details of their schedule, and how to apply for tickets, which can take several weeks to obtain and incur additional administrative fees.

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.

 

 

Sea travel

 

As part of the Coalition response to the Houthi aggression, maritime restrictions are currently in place resulting in variable port and vessel accessibility. Attacks of piracy against vessels in and around the Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and Indian Ocean are 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 cannot be ruled out.

 

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.

 

You are reminded also that the Somali Piracy threat is still ongoing in the Gulf of Aden.

 

Political situation

 

President Hadi escaped Houthi-imposed house arrest on 20 February 2015 and has now established a government-in-exile in Riyadh. On 25 March 2015 a coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, began air strikes in Yemen following the request for support from President Hadi to deter continued Houthi aggression. Airstrikes continue throughout the country and clashes continue across the country between competing forces. Reports of violence, reprisal killings, looting and human rights abuses continue across the country. Politically motivated demonstrations continue to take place across Yemen. There have been injuries and deaths at some demonstrations. There is the potential for increased tensions on Fridays. Efforts are underway to bring Yemeni parties to the conflict into UN-brokered peace talks. The political and security situation remains uncertain and volatile.

 

 

Local laws and customs

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.  

 

Since 21 September 2014, alcohol has been routinely confiscated at Sana’a International Airport. Don’t drink alcohol in public. You should dress modestly.

 

Take care when using cameras anywhere near military or religious sites. Don’t take pictures of people without their consent.

 

You must get permission from the General Authority for Antiquities before exporting or removing antiques from Yemen. Illegal movement or sale of Yemeni antiques is a serious offence under local law which can carry a custodial sentence. In January 2014, a British national was arrested on suspicion of illegally exporting antiques from Yemen. 

 

Money

ATMs are very scarce outside Sana’a. US dollars in cash is the most easily convertible currency.

 

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism with attacks occurring throughout the country. The threat is heightened where AQAP have strong tribal connections and in more isolated governorates like Hadramawt and Shabwah.

 

Western and Houthi interests in Yemen remain a feature in AQAP propaganda, and are viewed by AQAP as legitimate targets for attacks. Future attacks could be indiscriminate, including - but not limited to - places visited by foreigners like hotels and supermarkets, transport infrastructure, government buildings and Houthi gatherings.

 

Attacks targeting or affecting British nationals of Yemeni origin also cannot be ruled out. Attacks against Yemeni security forces throughout the country continue to rise and are expected to continue as a result of ongoing Yemeni operations against AQAP.

 

Attacks in the vicinity of the natural gas pumping station in the southern city of Balhaf in 2013 and 2014 and frequent attacks on the gas pipeline between Marib and Shabwah highlight the high risk to oil and gas infrastructure. Maritime and aviation terrorism also can’t be ruled out.

 

Methods of attack have included complex attacks by militants, firearm assassinations, kidnappings, car bombs, and improvised explosive devices (IEDS) left in locations like buildings and roadways.

 

Other major terrorist incidents include:

 

on 20 March at least 130 people were killed by 2 suicide bomb attacks at a mosque in Sana’a

on 7 January at least 35 people were killed and 68 injured by a car bomb outside the Police Academy in Sana’a

on 4 January an explosion at a Houthi office in Dhamar province killed 4 people and injured at least 25

on 31 December 2014 AQAP conducted a suicide bombing at a Houthi gathering in Ibb, killing at least 45 people

on 18 December 2014 AQAP conducted a suicide bombing in Hodeida killed 18, most of whom were Houthis

on 16 December 2014 a car bomb in al-Bayda killed 30 people, including 20 children

on 9 October 2014 AQAP conducted a suicide bombing at a Houthi demonstration in Sana’a, which killed at least 42 people and injured many more

on 9 June 2014 at least 20 soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber at a checkpoint outside Mukulla in Hydramawt

 

 

Kidnap

 

There is a very high and constant threat of kidnap across Yemen. Hundreds of people have been kidnapped in Yemen in the last 15 years, with 2013 showing a marked increase in the rate of reported and attempted kidnaps. In 2014, a number of foreign nationals were kidnapped. A British national who was kidnapped in February 2014 was released in July 2014. An American national was murdered by his hostage takers during a failed rescue attempt in December 2014.

 

If you choose to travel to Yemen against advice, you should pay careful attention to your safety and security. Security precautions do not remove the threat and our advice remains against all travel to the country.

 

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) propaganda has called for continued kidnapping of westerners. However, armed tribes and criminal groups have also carried out kidnaps in the past. There is a high risk that such groups would sell any hostages on to AQAP. AQAP have murdered a number of hostages.

 

Any international presence (including NGOs, oil and gas workers, journalists, teachers, students, tourists, long-term residents, and westerners of Yemeni origin) might be targeted if an opportunity arose. Kidnaps have occurred at various times of day and in a wide variety of locations, including public places in the capital, cars while travelling, and the victims’ accommodation. Kidnapping attempts often involve the use of force and have ended in the death of several victims.

 

Health

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 

 

Visas

 

You will need a visa to enter Yemen. You must get a visa from the Yemeni Embassy in your home country. If you’re staying for more than 14 days you’ll need to register your passport after arrival in country with the Yemen immigration authorities.

 

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.