Yemen

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 199 for police. Operators do not speak English.

Safety risks for U.S. travelers

U.S. citizens in Yemen face serious dangers. These include ongoing conflict, terrorist activity, and kidnappings for ransom.

• Violence, armed conflict, and artillery shelling continue in many areas of the country. 
• Yemen remains very unstable and dangerous.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. 

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)
• Review more information on Terrorism .

Landmines

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance also pose a risk. This is of particular concern in the 6 southern provinces and in the northern highlands.

Maritime safety

Ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden should be on high alert.

• Tensions in the region increase the risk of damage to ships from missiles, projectiles, or waterborne explosive devices.
• Piracy is also a threat in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean. There have been many pirate attacks in waters near Yemen in recent years.
• The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) warns that regional tensions have increased the risk of maritime attacks by extremists in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandeb.
• MARAD advises that vessels at anchor, in restricted maneuvering areas, or moving slowly should be extra alert. U.S. flag vessels are advised to report suspicious activity, hostile or potentially hostile action in the area to COMUSNAVCENT battle watch captain at 011-973-1785-3879. 
• All suspicious activities and events should be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802, 202-267-2675, or TDD 202-267-4477.
• Review the Department of State’s International Maritime Piracy Fact Sheet and the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) advisory for more information on vessels transiting high risk waters.

Kidnappings

Since September 2014, the Houthis have detained U.S. citizens in northern Yemen. This includes people with dual Yemeni-U.S. citizenship. The Houthis control Sana’a and other areas.

• Reports say that U.S. citizens are targeted because of their nationality. It does not matter how long they have been in Yemen, or if they have connections with rebel groups, local businesses, or humanitarian organizations.
• U.S. citizens in detention are not allowed to contact their families. This can last for years. They can’t have visits from U.S. consular staff or international aid groups.
• The U.S. government has very limited ability to help U.S. citizens in detention. There has been no U.S. diplomatic presence in Yemen since the Houthis took over Sana’a.

Crime 

Due to the ongoing civil unrest and weak government institutions, travelers should not rely on help from local authorities.

• Foreigners often face risks, like kidnapping and carjacking, when they travel outside cities.

Scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.   
• Internet romance and financial scams are common in Yemen. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. 

Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. Common scams include:

• People claiming to be current or retired U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to work for the United Nations
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Inheritance notices

Victims of crime

The U.S. government is extremely limited in the consular help it can provide in Yemen.  

• Dial 199 to report crimes to the local police.  
• There is no U.S. Embassy in Yemen at this time. You should coordinate with a U.S. embassy or consulate in a neighboring country for services.  
• Review more information on Victims of Crime.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

The law in Yemen protects against domestic violence under general prohibitions of violence. However, authorities do not enforce this provision effectively. 

• Rape is considered a crime, but spousal rape is not. 
• Authorities can charge rape survivors with fornication if the perpetrator is not charged with rape. 
• By law, a rape survivor needs 4 male witnesses to the crime unless the perpetrator confesses. 
• The law allows leniency for those guilty of committing an “honor” killing or violently assaulting or killing a woman seen as “immodest” or “defiant” behavior. 
• The law does not address other types of gender-based abuse. This includes forced isolation, imprisonment, and early or forced marriage.
• Review section 6 of our Human Rights Report for additional information.
• There is no U.S. Embassy in Yemen at this time. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should coordinate with a U.S. embassy or consulate in a neighboring country. The U.S. government is extremely limited in the consular help it can provide in Yemen.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world.

Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. 
• Emergency response and medical treatment is not available. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Review the CDC tips for Adventure Travel.

• Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra. They offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid "visas." 
• These companies put tourists in danger and legal jeopardy. Only the Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas. 
• The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Socotra. Do not travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen for any reason.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Yemen seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  
• In Yemen, the law may be applied inconsistently. Foreign travelers may be taken in for questioning if they do not have their passport with them. 
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can land the driver immediately in jail. The criminal penalties in Yemen may be very different from what U.S. citizens are used to in the United States.

Arrest notification

The U.S. government is extremely limited in the consular help it can provide in Yemen.

• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate in a neighboring country. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice

Special circumstances

• Photographing military installations, including airports, equipment, or troops is illegal. Such photography has led to the arrest of U.S. citizens. 
• Military sites are not always obvious. If in doubt, ask specific permission from Yemeni authorities.
• U.S. citizens who travel to Yemen are subject to the jurisdiction of Yemeni courts. This holds true for all legal matters, including child custody and travel restrictions. You must follow the country's laws, customs, and regulations.

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Religious minorities face persecution in Houthi-controlled areas. They often experience persecution and detention due to their religious beliefs.

In Yemen, the law bans:

• Denouncing Islam
• Converting from Islam to another religion
• Proselytizing aimed at Muslims

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Yemen.

• Gender expression that does not conform with a person’s assigned sex at birth is illegal. Penalties include fines, jail time, or death.
• Review more information on Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs 

• The law in Yemen prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, intellectual or mental disabilities, but the law is not enforced. 
• Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public may not be as prevalent as in the United States.  
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• Review more information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

Women face discrimination in Yemen that is firmly established: 

• Women need the permission of their male guardians to marry. They lack equal rights in inheritance, divorce, or child custody. 
• Legal protections for women are minimal. 
• Women face discrimination in jobs, credit, pay, business ownership, education, and housing.  
• Hospitals often ask women to get permission from a male relative before they can be admitted to a hospital.
• Women in Houthi-controlled areas may need a male relative to escort them. 
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.
• Review section 6 of our Human Rights Report and the Special Circumstances section above for more information

Forced marriage

Young U.S. citizens may be kidnapped for forced marriage. These often involve family members in the United States or Yemen.

• U.S. citizen girls and women who travel to Yemen are at risk of being forced into marriage. They may be vulnerable to other forms of gender-based restrictions and violence, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas. 
• The law in Yemen does not address early or forced marriage.

Health

Health resources

• Review the CDC Yemen Traveler Information that provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 199 for emergency medical services in Yemen. Please note that operators do not speak English.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Yemen. Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Medical services in Yemen are extremely limited, and have been getting worse. This has caused more cases of infectious diseases such as cholera, polio, and measles. Adequate medical treatment for routine and emergency procedures is often not available. 
• Medicine and medical supplies are limited. Proper medical treatment is hard to find.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Be sure to bring enough prescription medication to last the duration of your time in Yemen.
• Review the Yemen Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Yemen.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

• If you are considering traveling to Yemen to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 
• Surrogacy is illegal in Yemen.  This prohibition extends to both commercial and altruistic surrogacy.

Water quality & food safety

• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Review CDC’s Air Quality for information about common air pollutants.
• Review EPA's AirNow for information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance.
• Review our information on Medicine and Health

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Road conditions in Yemen differ significantly from those in the United States. 
• Travel by road in Yemen is risky and often includes long delays at checkpoints when traveling between cities.

Traffic laws

Traffic laws in Yemen are rarely enforced:

• Drivers frequently ignore traffic laws, particularly late at night. 
• Driving is on the right-hand by law, but some drivers occasionally use the left side of the road. 
• Speed limits are generally not enforced, but speed detectors are present in some areas. 
• Bribery is common among local officials.

Public and commercial transportation 

• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

There is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Yemen. There is a continued risk to safety-of-flight throughout Yemen. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Yemen’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.

• Review FAA for more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Yemeni ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Yemeni ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory.

• Mariners and passengers traveling through Yemeni ports should be careful and use enhanced security measures. 

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Yemen should check the following:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Prepare for extreme weather conditions. It may be challenging to manage climate-related issues due to limited infrastructure.

• West coast: Hot and humid conditions. 
• Western mountains: Mild weather is influenced by seasonal monsoons. 
• Eastern desert: Hot, dry, and harsh.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live abroad for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.
• Contact [email protected] if you are in Yemen, and have questions about your federal benefits

Embassies and consulates