Situation in Sudan
May 30, 2023

Information for U.S. Citizens in Sudan

Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Yemen

Yemen
Republic of Yemen
Do not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines.

Last Update:  Reissued with updates to health information.

Do not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines.

Country Summary: The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015, and the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.

A civil war continues in Yemen. In addition, terrorist groups continue to plot and conduct attacks in Yemen. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting public sites, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Additionally, there is a continuing threat of kidnapping/detention by terrorists, criminal elements, and/or non-government actors. Employees of western organizations may be targeted for attack or kidnapping.

Military conflict has caused significant destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities. This limits the availability of electricity, clean water, and medical care. This instability often hampers the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver critically needed food, medicine, and water. Critical levels of violence, to include armed conflict, artillery shelling, and air strikes, persist throughout the country. There are also reports of landmines throughout Yemen.

Cholera is present throughout Yemen. There is a limited availability of medicine and medical supplies, and adequate medical treatment is unavailable.

There is a very high risk of kidnapping, and detention of U.S. citizens in Yemen, particularly dual national Yemeni-Americans. Rebel groups in Sana’a have detained U.S. citizens, including dual Yemeni-American citizens. U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, have faced difficulty – including lengthy delays – when attempting to depart Yemen.

Some companies outside of Yemen have misrepresented the security situation on the Yemeni island of Socotra and are offering tourist visits there, including by facilitating unofficial and invalid "visas." Only the sovereign Republic of Yemen Government can issue valid Yemeni visas. Private companies or third countries that arrange such visits are putting tourists in danger. U.S. citizens should not travel to Socotra or any other part of Yemen.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Yemen.

If you decide to travel to Yemen:

  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs, if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.
  • Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel. and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Yemen.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
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Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
No

Hague Convention Information

Yemen is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoptio(Hague Adoption Convention or Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Convention countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).

Yemeni law, which follows Shari’a law, does not permit the adoption of Yemeni children in Yemen. U.S. citizens considering adoption of a Yemeni child must obtain guardianship for emigration and adoption in the United States from the Yemen court that has jurisdiction over the prospective adoptive child’s place of residence. Most guardianships that occur in Yemen are intra-familial and are done through the local court system. U.S. citizens who wish to obtain guardianship of a Yemeni child should contact the guardianship authority in Sanaa, Mr. Adel Al Sharabi, to inquire about applicable laws and procedures.  Prospective adoptive parents should also refer to our information sheet on Adoption of Children from Countries in which Islamic Shari'a Law is Observed for more information.

U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Yemen who wish to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should also contact Mr. Adel Al Sharabi (see contact information below).

Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.

Please visit the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Yemen and contact the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa’s website for information on consular services.

YEMEN’S LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP AUTHORITY:

Mr. Adel Al Sharabi
Director of Social Protection
Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor
Tel:  +967-261064 or 967-262808
Email:  adbwan@yahoo.com

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Yemen, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

Yemen Travel Advisory
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Telephone
Callers within the U.S. and Canada may dial toll free 1-888-407-4747
Emergency
Callers outside the United States and Canada may dial 1-202-501-4444.
Fax
N/A

Yemen Map