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Travel advisory - Republic of Yemen

Level 4 - Do not travel

Date issued: December 19, 2025 -
  • Unrest (U)
  • Crime (C)
  • Health (H)
  • Kidnapping or Hostage Taking (K)
  • Terrorism (T)
  • Other (O)

Do not travel

in Yemen due to risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines.

Advisory summary

U.S. citizens should not travel to Yemen for any reason. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.

Terrorism

The Department of State has re-designated Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

  • Other terrorist groups also plan and carry out attacks in Yemen. These include Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates.
  • Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target: 
    • Public sites
    • Places of worship
    • Transportation hubs
    • Markets
    • Government buildings and facilities
  • There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Yemen. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
  • Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Unrest

A civil war continues in Yemen. Although violence has decreased since the April 2022 truce, Yemen still faces instability. Fighting continues, especially near the front lines in central Yemen.

  • Travelers should not rely on significant assistance from local authorities.
  • Foreigners are frequently targets of kidnapping and carjacking, especially outside of urban areas.
  • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Military conflict has destroyed basic infrastructure like housing, medical facilities, schools, and utilities. This makes it hard to get electricity, clean water, and medical care. Humanitarian groups face obstacles in delivering food, medicine, and water. 

Crime

  • Violent and organized crime is common in Yemen. Local law enforcement may not be able or willing to respond to serious crimes.

Health

Health services in Yemen are poor. There is a re-emergence of diseases like cholera, polio, and measles. They are spreading in Houthi-controlled areas. Medicine and medical supplies are hard to find. Adequate medical treatment for routine and emergency procedures is often not available.

If you decide to travel to Yemen:

  • Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance.
  • Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Yemen. 
  • Bring enough supply of over counter and prescription medicines to cover the duration of the trip. 
  • Visit the CDC's Travel Health page for the latest information for Yemen.

Kidnapping

U.S. citizens, especially dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens, are at high risk of kidnapping and detention in Yemen.

  • Young U.S. citizens may be kidnapped for forced marriage. Family members in the United States or Yemen are often involved in these kidnappings.
  • The Houthis control Sana’a. They have detained U.S. citizens, including some with dual citizenship. 
  • U.S. citizens have faced difficulty and delays when trying to leave Yemen.
  • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

Landmines

  • Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Yemen. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.

Tourism safety

Do not travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen. 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.

Aviation safety

Limited commercial flights are available from Aden and Sana’a to other airports in the region. Check with airlines and travel companies for the latest flight information.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).

Maritime travel

Due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen territorial waters, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI).

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 the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.

If, despite this Travel Advisory, you decide to travel to Yemen:

  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Bring enough supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
  • Make 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. This is so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review our International Travel Checklist to prepare for your trip.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Consider hiring a professional security organization.
  • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Review local laws and conditions before traveling.
  • Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in your destination. Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices.
  • Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Yemen. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Yemen. 
  • Develop a communication plan with family, or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business). This is so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you’ll confirm you’re safe (texts, calls, etc.), how often, and who you’ll contact first to share the information.
  • Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact if you are taken hostage or detained. Set up a proof-of-life protocol. If you become a hostage, that person will know what questions to ask and answers to expect. This will help them be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax). 
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them. 
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review theCountry Security Report for Yemen.
  • Review the CDC Travel Health page, for the latest information for Yemen.
  • Review the Travel Checklist to prepare a plan for emergency situations.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
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Travel advisory levels
Learn more about
  1. Exercise normal precautions
  2. Exercise increased caution
  3. Reconsider travel
  4. Do not travel

About Yemen

Yemen is located in Asia, in the Northern Hemisphere. It has maritime borders with the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea. It also shares land borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Yemen is almost 4 times the size of Alabama. The time zone is Arabia Standard Time (AST). It does not observe daylight saving time. Yemen is 8 hours ahead of Washington, D.C. during Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Travel requirements

Tourist visa requirements

  • A visa must be obtained at Yemeni embassies and consulates abroad.

Vaccinations

  • No vaccinations are required.

Valid passport requirements

  • Your passport must be valid at the time of entry.
  • Your passport must have 6 months validity beyond your arrival date.
  • You need 1 blank page available per stamp.

Currency on entry and exit

  • Entry maximum: No known restrictions.
  • Exit minimum: No known restrictions.

Tips from the U.S. embassy

  • Do not travel to Yemen. There is a serious risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines.
  • There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Yemen. The U.S. government cannot provide emergency or routine services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.
  • U.S. citizens in Yemen seeking help should contact YemenEmergencyUSC@state.gov.
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Travel guidance for Yemen

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Entry, exit, and visa requirements

Helpful Resources

There is a high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines. Avoid travel to Yemen. Any U.S. citizens currently in Yemen should leave immediately.


Visas

All visitors to Yemen are required to get a visa before traveling to Yemen.

  • U.S. citizens typically are issued visas that are valid for 30 days.
  • The Embassy of Yemen in Washington, D.C., is not issuing tourist visas. ·
  • For the most current and complete visa information, visit the Embassy of Yemen or call the Embassy of Yemen in Washington, D.C., by dialing 202-965-4760 ext. 2.

Traveling with children

U.S. citizen women married to Yemeni or Yemeni-American men may have trouble leaving Yemen with their children. 

  • In many cases, women must get permission from their husbands to get an exit visa. In addition, they may need the father's permission to take their children out of Yemen. This rule applies no matter who has legal custody.
  • U.S. divorce decrees may not be recognized in Yemen, especially if the marriage took place in Yemen. Sometimes, U.S. citizen women who married in Yemen, and later divorced in the United States, are stopped from leaving Yemen by their ex-husbands.
  • U.S. citizens traveling to Yemen must follow Yemeni laws and customs. You are under the authority of Yemeni courts. This holds true for all legal matters, including child custody and travel restrictions.
  • The U.S. Department of State can't help with custody issues. Parents need to go through local courts.   
  • Always bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate or other evidence of your legal relationship to each child.
  • If you have concerns that your child may be abducted abroad by their other parent or guardian, review our information on how to prevent an international parental child abduction. You can also review our information on Parental Child Abduction in Yemen.
  • Some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
  • Review our information on Traveling with Minors.

HIV and AIDS restrictions

Yemen has imposed HIV and AIDS travel restrictions on anyone with a known HIV infection.

  • To obtain an entry visa to Yemen you need a medical certificate issued by an authorized official body confirming you are free from infectious diseases.  
  • Please verify this information with the Embassy of Yemen.

Currency

  • The Yemeni Rial is the official currency of 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 1-800-424-8802202-267-2675, 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:


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:  

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


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


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.


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:


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.

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 


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:

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.

Embassies and consulates

Last Updated: February 05, 2026

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