Destination:
Yemen

Overview

Yemen is a place of incredible scenery, striking Islamic architecture, bustling souks, and peaceful mosques, lush valleys and epic mountains, and running throughout it all the Arab world's warmest, most hospitable people.

The capital Sana'a embodies the two faces of Yemen. There is the modern city with upmarket tourist facilities, and the old city with its Grand Mosque and distinctive multi-story buildings crafted in clay. Sana'a is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world and has much to offer visitors. Take in the view of the old city from the roof of the Taj Talha hotel, enjoy the old souk for a sense of what life is like without malls, and be spellbound by the magnificent 700 year-old Great Mosque.

Aden, the second largest city, is a port dating from Biblical times. It has a more cosmopolitan, liberal air than Sana'a and makes for an interesting visit. Other cities worth exploring are Shibam, known as the Manhattan of the Desert, and the garden city of Rawdha.

Certain sights are common no matter where you travel: most men carry rifles, and all men carry distinctive ritual curved daggers. The latter is really the essential souvenir for visitors - choose yours carefully and don't pack it in your hand luggage when you fly home! The other site you'll get used to seeing is qat, the mildly narcotic leaf that men of all ages chew while reclining in the shade, socialising and drinking tea.

Yemen's most incredible attraction, however, is the Socotra archipelago, with over 700 species of wildlife and plants unique to the islands. Known as 'the other Galapagos', this is a place of unique beauty and scientific fascination, with a distinct tribal culture that thrives intact after thousands of years.

To the Romans, the country of Yemen known as Arabia Felix, the 'fortunate land' on account of its fertile fields. To it's Biblical ancestors this was the land of milk and honey, a place of great significance. Today it is a shame that a few high profile incidents such as the 2001 bombing of the US Embassy have shaped public perception of this country more so than its plethora of extraordinary attractions and warmly welcoming people. Visit soon for an experience of a lifetime.

Basics

Time
Local time is UTC/GMT -4 hours.

Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts (50Hz). European round pin attachment plugs are in use.

Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

Health
Medical and health care facilities are good in Sana'a and Aden, but virtually non-existent in the country side. Travellers should be up to date on common vaccinations like cholera, typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis, before travelling to Yemen. Avoid swimming in rivers as bilharzias may be present. Avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency repatriation, is strongly advised.

Tipping
Tips of 10 to 15 percent of the bill will be appreciated but not expected by waiters and taxi drivers.

Safety
Yemen is a relatively dangerous country to visit, but the risks have largely been exaggerated in the media. Westerners typically receive a warm welcome, but there are sectors of society that are hostile to non-Muslim visitors. There is an ongoing threat of terrorism and kidnapping outside of Sana'a, particularly in tribal areas. Most governments advise against non-essential travel to the country. Crime rates are low, but petty theft can occur. The police are poorly paid and ill equipped - don't rely on their intervention.

Customs
Yemen is an Islamic country and the faith is tightly woven into the fabric of daily life. As a visitor you should dress conservatively to avoid causing offence; women should cover their shoulders and men wear long trousers. Use your right hand when eating or greeting; the left is considered unclean. Only enter mosques if invited to do so. Do not take photographs of women or military personnel and installations. Yemeni people are famously hospitable and will frequently invite visitors to their homes to eat, drink and/or chew kat. These are sincere offers typically without ulterior motives.

Communications
The international dialling code for Yemen is +967. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are internet cafes all over the country. Post offices are open from 8am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm Saturday to Thursday. There is good cell phone coverage on the GSM 900 network and roaming agreements are in place with major international operators.

Duty Free
It is prohibited to import any firearms, illegal drugs, obscene books and magazines, and any items of Israeli origin. Travellers to Yemen over the age of 18 years can import the following without incurring customs duty: 600 cigarettes or 60 cigars; two bottles of alcoholic beverages; one bottle of perfume or Eau de Cologne.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Yemeni riyal (YR), divided into 100 fils. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Travellers Cheques are difficult to change outside major towns. ATMs are not in operation.

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
Medical and health care facilities are good in Sana'a and Aden, but virtually non-existent in the country side. Travellers should be up to date on common vaccinations like cholera, typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis, before travelling to Yemen. Avoid swimming in rivers as bilharzias may be present. Avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency repatriation, is strongly advised.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
The government of Yemen refuses entry to both holders of Israeli passports, and those who have Israeli entry or exit stamps in their passport. Authorities in Yemen have stopped issuing visas upon arrival for foreign nationals from various countries in an effort to increase security measures due to concerns that extremists were entering Yemen to receive training to carry out attacks. Visitors to the country will now be required to apply for visas from a Yemeni diplomatic office in their country of residence. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Yemen Tourism

Foreign Embassies in Yemen

Yemen Embassies

Regions and Cities