Yemen Country Report

Yemen is an EXTREME RISK country. Terrorism and violent crime, poor healthcare, and hazardous transportation and infrastructure conditions pose the highest risks to travellers in the country.

Essential Precautions:

• Avoid all travel outside of Sana'a
• Only use secure transportation
• Do not display overt forms of wealth
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, as they can often turn violent
• Avoid street food in general and only drink bottled water
• Do not photograph government buildings, civil infrastructure, or military installations

Insurance becomes a priority if you intend to travel or work in Yemen. Travelling to Yemen poses severe risks due to ongoing armed conflict, political instability, terrorism, and humanitarian crises. The situation in Yemen is extremely volatile and dangerous, many other governments strongly advise against all travel to the country. The situation can change rapidly, so it's essential to consult up-to-date travel advisories from your government or reliable sources like the U.S. State Department, UK Foreign Office, or your country's equivalent. Here are some factors to consider:

Armed Conflict

Yemen has been embroiled in a complex and devastating civil war since 2014, with various factions competing for control of territory and power. The conflict has resulted in widespread violence, including airstrikes, shelling, and ground fighting, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement. Travellers are at risk of being caught in the crossfire or becoming collateral damage.

Crime and Security Risk

Yemen is the world's most fragile state, with rampant crime and a near-total absence of law enforcement underscoring threats posed by the country's persistent civil war. Kidnapping, carjacking, assault, murder, and robbery are all extremely frequent throughout the country including in the capital, Sana'a. Criminal gangs and rebel groups in Yemen seek out foreign travellers to ransom them to the government, international actors, and terrorist organisations such as Al-Qaeda. Due to instability and violence in Yemen, the government cannot effectively enforce counterterrorism measures, and suicide bombings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ambushes, and targeted assassinations are common. Other potential hazards include landmines and unexploded ordnance from the civil war and other conflicts that litter areas around Yemen's urban centers, the six southern provinces, and the northern highlands. State security forces are nearly absent, and those that do exist are fragmented, unreliable, and rarely speak English.

Terrorism

Yemen is a known haven for terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and, more recently, the Yemeni branch of ISIS (ISIL). These groups have carried out attacks against both civilian and military targets, including bombings, shootings, and kidnappings. The risk of terrorism is widespread throughout the country, including in major cities and tourist areas.

Kidnapping and Hostage-Taking

Kidnapping for ransom is a significant risk in Yemen, particularly targeting foreigners and journalists. Various armed groups, including tribes, criminal gangs, and terrorist organizations, engage in kidnapping and hostage-taking for financial gain or political leverage. Foreigners are viewed as lucrative targets, and the consequences of abduction can be severe.

Humanitarian Crisis

Yemen is facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions of people in need of assistance due to food insecurity, lack of access to clean water, inadequate healthcare, and the displacement of populations. Travellers may be exposed to risks related to disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and lack of essential services.

Lack of Consular Assistance

Many countries have closed their embassies or consulates in Yemen due to security concerns, limiting the ability to provide consular assistance to citizens in case of emergencies. Travellers may find themselves stranded or without access to assistance in the event of a crisis.

Medical & Health Risk

Medical services in Yemen are unreliable and healthcare providers rarely speak English. Many healthcare facilities fall below international standards, especially outside of Sana'a where medical care is often absent. Within Sana'a, there are various medical clinics and hospitals, but not all facilities offer full medical services. Female travellers may be denied care, as a male relative's consent is often required before a woman can be admitted to a hospital. Although private medical centers typically provide better care, scarce resources limit procedures to non-life threatening emergencies or routine consultations. Cholera and malaria are widespread in Yemen, particularly in rural areas outside of Sana'a, but the threat of contracting disease through contaminated water is high throughout the country. The tap water is not safe to drink.

Environmental Risk

Environmental risks in Yemen are typically limited to floods and sandstorms. Except for desert zones in the north and the east of the country, Yemen experiences a rainy season which lasts from March until August. Flash floods pose a significant safety concern during this timeframe and may occur with little or no warning, even in Sana'a. Roads are hazardous after rain due to poor drainage. Yemen also experiences sandstorms in the summer, suddenly and drastically reducing air quality. While Yemen features several large volcanoes and has the potential to experience volcanic activity, all its volcanoes are classified as dormant. The volcanoes closest to Sana'a have not erupted in centuries.

Transport & Infrastructure Risk

Travel by road in Yemen is risky, while the country's infrastructure is underdeveloped and in various states of disrepair. Authorities do not enforce traffic rules, and most drivers ignore traffic signals. It is common to see vehicles driving on the wrong side of the road and at dangerous speeds. If they exist, traffic lights may not be in working condition, and streetlights are often non-functioning due to a lack of electricity. Roadways and airports have suffered damage from the ongoing conflict and many international telecommunication and cellular providers do not have coverage in Yemen. Where telecommunications are functional, they are closely monitored by government and rebel forces. Journalists may be arrested on false charges using private phone calls and emails as evidence and subjected to torture and abuse. Several regions possess little to no Internet coverage and sporadic electricity availability. The power grid in Yemen is underdeveloped and not always reliable.

Given the extreme risks and dangers associated with travel to Yemen, it is strongly advised to avoid all travel to the country. If travel is absolutely necessary for humanitarian or essential reasons, travellers should seek professional security advice, register with their embassy, and take all necessary precautions to minimize risk.

Choosing the right cover for your trip to Yemen

Many insurers exclude cover for travel to Yemen. It is vital to check that your policy includes journeys to this nation. Ascertain that your policy coverage includes medical expenses, repatriation, crisis management, and kidnap for ransom cover. Yemen's infrastructure has been severely damaged by years of conflict, leading to disruptions in essential services such as electricity, water supply, and healthcare. Travellers may struggle to access basic necessities and medical care, especially in conflict-affected areas. It will be necessary to evacuate you for medical and other critical care.

Required Vaccinations:

• None

Pre-Trip Checklist:

• Carry a copy of your passport.
• Bring a necessary supply of prescription medication.
• Bring a copy of your prescription in case medication is lost or stolen.
• Consider bringing mosquito repellent, long sleeves, and pants.
• Bring a burner phone or laptop
• Use a VPN on all internet-connected devices and download the VPN prior to travel

LGBT travel advice for Yemen

The situation for LGBTQ+ individuals in Yemen is extremely challenging and dangerous due to the conservative societal norms, religious laws, and the overall security situation in the country. Given the severe risks and lack of protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Yemen, it is strongly advised for LGBTQ+ travellers to avoid traveling to the country altogether. If travel to Yemen is unavoidable, extreme caution, discretion, and adherence to local customs and laws are essential for personal safety.