Is It Safe To Visit Yemen At This Time?

The United States Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Yemen due to unpredictable security conditions, including terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a has suspended its travel advisory for Yemen, including the island of Socotra. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice, so travelers should contact the nearest embassy or consulate for the latest details.

Health and security advice given by Yemen authorities and security experts should be followed before any travel in the country. Passport validity requirements are required for entry into Yemen, and travelers must be aware of current health issues in Yemen. The Department urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Yemen and urges those currently living in Yemen to depart.

Every Western government has strong travel warnings against travel to Yemen, and few insurance companies will cover your visit. The ongoing conflict and the extreme threat of terrorism and kidnapping present a significant risk to foreigners. Even if some spots in Yemen are under government control, it is still too dangerous for foreigners to travel at this point.

In summary, the United States Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines. Travelers should follow health and security advice, check routes in advance, and be aware of current health issues in Yemen.

Is there any tourism in Yemen?

Yemen has four World Heritage Sites, three cultural and one natural, with the Historic Town of Zabid, Old City of Sana’a, and Old Walled City of Shibam being cultural sites. Yemen has been a significant tourism center for centuries due to its location near the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, playing a crucial role in global trade. However, the 2011 Yemen Crisis led to a sharp decline in tourism due to extremism and fear among foreign tourists.

In 2015, UNESCO declared a plan to protect Yemen’s World Heritage Sites, highlighting the impact of cultural destruction on the identity, dignity, and future of the Yemeni people. Citizens of Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Hong Kong, and Gulf Co-operation Council member states do not require visas for entering Yemen, but those staying for more than two weeks must register at their nearest police station. Failure to register can result in a fine of YR 5, 000 at the time of departure.

Is Russia safe to visit?

Russian security services have arrested US citizens on false charges, denied fair treatment, and convicted them without credible evidence. They have also opened questionable investigations against US citizens engaged in religious activities. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilized southwestern Russia, leading to martial law in border areas with Ukraine. Under martial law, authorities can set curfews, seize property, and restrict movement. U. S. citizens should avoid travel to these areas.

Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia’s interests”, targeting individuals for posting on social media or supporting anti-Russian groups. The current “LGBT propaganda” law bans discussion of LGBTQI+ related topics, and the Supreme Court labeled the “international LGBT movement” as extremist in November 2023.

Terrorists continue to plan attacks in Russia, targeting tourist areas, transport hubs, markets, government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, events, schools, and airports. U. S. government employees under Embassy security responsibility are not permitted to travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus.

Can you fly into Yemen?

Yemen requires all visitors to obtain a visa, with U. S. citizens typically issued 30-day visas. The Embassy of Yemen in Washington, D. C. is not issuing tourist visas. For more information, visit the Yemen Embassy’s website or call 965-4760 ext. 2. For dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations, visit their websites. For federal benefits inquiries, contact FBU. Jerusalem@SSA. gov.

Is it safe to fly over Yemen?

Yemen remains an active conflict zone, with most airspace (OYSC/Sanaa FIR) being avoided by several countries. US operators can use offshore routes UT702 and M999, while others permit flights on overwater portions. Saudi and Somali airspace also pose risks. The primary risk is intentional targeting by terrorist groups with advanced anti-aircraft weaponry. Civil aircraft may also be at risk from ongoing military operations using explosive drones and missiles.

Saudi-led airstrikes can occur at any time, including in the capital Sanaa. Major events include US and UK airstrikes against Houthi rebels in January 2024, Houthi drone attacks near the Yemen-Saudi border in September 2023, a ceasefire agreement between all parties in the Yemeni conflict in April-October 2022, frequent Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa and other Yemeni targets in 2018-2022, and a 2017 damage to OYSN/Sanaa Airport.

Can I travel to Yemen now?

The U. S. Embassy in Sana’a has suspended operations in Yemen since February 2015, and the U. S. government is unable to provide emergency services to citizens. Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, is a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group, and other terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates, continue to plot attacks in Yemen, particularly in al-Bayda, Abyan, and Shabwah governorates.

Terrorists may attack public sites, transportation hubs, markets, and local government facilities without warning. There is also a continuing threat of kidnapping and detention by terrorists, criminal elements, and non-government actors. A civil war continues in Yemen, and travelers should not rely on significant assistance from local authorities due to ongoing civil unrest and weak government institutions. Foreign nationals are frequently targeted for kidnapping and carjacking.

Is it possible to enter Yemen?

Travelers can reach mainland Yemen by crossing the land border with Oman or flying from Cairo to Seiyun on three weekly flights. Untamed Borders offers private and fixed date trips to Yemen. Socotra Island, known as the ‘Jewel of Arabia’ or the ‘Galapagos of the middle east,’ is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its biodiversity. It offers hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving to see sea turtles and abundant sea life. However, it is advised to avoid travel in June, July, and August due to storms across the Indian ocean.

Is Socotra safe in 2024 for tourists?

Socotra, a remote island in Yemen, is known for its stability and security, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking solace and serenity. The local community is welcoming and eager to share their rich culture and heritage with visitors. The best time to visit Socotra is between October and April, as the weather is favorable, with mild temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, diving, and snorkeling.

The calm seas enhance underwater visibility, making it ideal for marine exploration. The island’s unique flora, such as Dragon’s Blood trees, provide breathtaking scenery. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, it is essential to pack appropriately, including:

1. Sunscreen
2. Sunglasses
3. Sunglasses with a hood
4. Sunglasses with a hat and sunglasses\n5

Is Yemen still at war?

The Yemeni civil war, a multilateral conflict, began in late 2014 between the Rashad al-Alimi-led Presidential Leadership Council and the Mahdi al-Mashat-led Supreme Political Council, along with their supporters and various other organizations, including the Republic of Yemen, pro-PLC Yemeni Armed Forces, General People’s Congress, the Republic of Yemen, pro-PLC Southern Transitional Council, and pro-PLC Yemeni National Resistance.

What is the safest place in Yemen?

The Al Mahrah Governorate, bordering Oman, is a secure and stable region in Mainland Yemen.

Can I visit Sanaa, Yemen?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to Yemen due to unpredictable security conditions. If in Yemen, it is advised to leave immediately. Travel insurance may be invalidated if travel is against FCDO’s advice. UK government support for British people in Yemen is severely limited, with British Embassy services suspended in Sana’a and diplomatic and consular staff withdrawn.

Why can’t we travel to Yemen?

Yemen is advised to avoid travel due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorist attacks, and kidnapping. Despite truce agreements, the security situation remains unstable and unpredictable due to the civil war that began in 2014. The state of emergency declared in March 2011 remains in effect, and armed terrorist and criminal groups remain active in many parts of the country, especially in the south.