Travel Insurance for Yemen

Country Risk Code: Extreme

Yemen is considered high risk as many governments advise their citizens not to travel to this destination. If you have any reason to travel to Yemen, it is crucial that you have the ideal travel insurance coverage.

Potential Risk

Military airstrikes and political instability characterize Yemen. There is a high risk of terrorism and kidnap in the country. Carjacking is common as armed criminals rob their victims. Regions like Sana'a, Aden, and Ta'is suffer a very high rate of kidnap. The terrorist attack usually targets the Yemeni Government and Houthi interests; Westerners and western interests are not left out. There is the risk of unexploded weapons and landmines, especially in the central highlands and southern and eastern regions.

Travel Tips

• Stay away from areas like Sana'a, Aden, and Ta'is due to the high rate of kidnap.
• Avoid travelling by road without a local guide or expert.
• Get professional security advice and make arrangements for personal security.
• Be cautious when you are around public facilities, military installations, and government structures.
• If you have respiratory problems, avoid the Sana'a region due to its high altitude.
• Days with significant dates such as political anniversaries and national holidays such as May 22(Unity Day) are prone to violence; avoid stepping out on such days.
• Stay away from areas where there are public protests and large gatherings.
• When driving, lock up your doors and windows.
• Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and ensuring your accommodation is insect-proof.
• Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid eating raw food.
• Update your vaccinations before taking a trip to Yemen.

Health Risks

Coronavirus remains a risk in Yemen. There have been reported cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Visitors are advised to avoid products that have come in contact with camel secretions. There are common insect-borne diseases such as leishmaniasis, dengue fever, and filariasis.
Malaria is also common, alongside the risk of contracting chloroquine-resistant strains. Foodborne and waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis B are common. Yemen has primary health care standards; you may encounter a little challenge to access healthcare during a crisis. In Sana's, Aden, and some parts of the country, medical supplies are limited or even absent during crises; hence you'll need to be evacuated from the country. Good healthcare can be expensive if you don't have insurance.

• Dual nationality is not recognized in Yemen. You may need to go for national service if you have dual nationality.
• Drug activities are illegal in Yemen; avoid carrying or trafficking illegal drugs. There are severe penalties, including jail terms and the death sentence.
• If you find yourself involved in local legal matters, family and business law matters, you should seek professional legal advice.
• Making attempts to convert Muslims or preaching another religion other than Islam in public is prohibited. If you are not a Muslim, you can't enter mosques.
• It's illegal to take pictures of government structures, military officers and facilities, equipment, and other public and security infrastructures. They may not be visibly marked, but you should be careful when you are around such areas.
• Drinking alcohol in public, committing adultery, and slander are strictly frowned at, and punishment may include lashing.
• Same-sex relations are illegal in Yemen. There are severe penalties for acts of sodomy which may range from jail term to death.
• Yemeni fathers must grant permission to their children under 18(whether he has custody or not) before they can travel out of the country. Also, a woman married to a Yemeni must obtain his permission before she can travel, whether she's a citizen of Yemen or not.

Choosing the Right Cover for Your Trip to Yemen

Kidnapping is expected, so it's best to get kidnap and ransom insurance. Note that some insurance providers do not provide cover for Yemen. Check that your insurer covers Yemen before taking a trip to this country. It's vital that you get comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to Yemen.
Check that your insurance provider covers health, including provisions for emergencies and medical evacuation. Note that some insurance may not cover Yemen; you'll need to check with your insurance to ensure they cover high-risk destinations.