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Yemen (Middle East)

Advice for all destinations.

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Poliomyelitis; Tetanus.
• Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera.

No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

Risk is higher during floods and after natural disasters, in areas with very poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water.

• Diphtheria :  spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Typhoid :  spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

• Malaria risk is present throughout the year but mainly from September to February, in areas below 2000m. There is limited risk in Socotra Island and no risk in Sana'a City.
• Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
• Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.
• See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
• High risk areas: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is usually advised. 
• Low to no risk areas: antimalarials are not usually advised.
• If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.
• If travelling to an area remote from medical facilities, carrying standby emergency treatment for malaria may be considered.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel, dengue fever, schistosomiasis.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

Polio Vaccination Exit Recommendations

If you are visiting this country for longer than 4 weeks, you may be advised to have a booster dose of a polio-containing vaccine if you have not had one in the past 12 months. You should carry proof of having had this vaccination. Please speak to a travel health professional to discuss.

• 66 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Introducing Yemen

About yemen.

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Yemen travel guide

If it were an authentic taste of Arabia that you're craving, Yemen was long the answer. An antidote to Arabian Gulf bling, this was long the peninsula's most fascinating destination.

The largest city in Yemen, Sana'a is where most visits start. The Old City is UNESCO listed, its multi-storey tower houses and ancient Souk Al Milh lending an overwhelming medieval atmosphere. Being woken pre-dawn by competing muezzins from the city's fortyish mosques is a truly remarkable, unforgettable experience.

Outside the capital, explore fortified cliff-top villages overseeing cultivated plains or hike the foothills of the Haraz Mountains. To the east, walk the shady streets of Shibam, Freya Stark's 'Manhattan of the Desert', where nine-floor mud towers stand testament to Yemeni building skills. On the coast, visit the bustling fishing ports of Al Mukalla or Al Huydaydah. Most remote is Yemen's 'Arabian Galapagos', the Socotra archipelago. Cast adrift at the mouth of the Gulf of Aden, Socotra is two hours by air from Sana'a; 37% of plant species, 90% of reptiles and an estimated 90% of invertebrates here are found nowhere else on earth.

Once characterised as Arabia Felix (Fortunate Arabia) by the Romans and known as the land of milk and honey by Noah's sons, these days an uncertain security profile deters all but the hardiest travellers from visiting Yemen. In 2011, Arab Spring protests led to a revolution aimed at improving economic conditions and ending corruption. Unfortunately, the aftermath of the protests has been ever-increasing violence between different rebel factions and jihadists.

When Yemen eventually recovers from this civil war, tourists will surely be drawn back to the land that the Queen of Sheba called home, and where Gilgamesh came in search of the key to eternal life. A country with such a rich history and culture, Yemen certainly deserves more than the present-day tragedy inflicted upon it.

527,968 sq km (203,850 sq miles).

27,477,600 (UN estimate 2016).

50.6 per sq km.

Rashad al-Alimi, Head of the Presidential Council since April 2022.

Prime Minister Ahmad Awad Bin Mubarak since 2024.

Travel Advice

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 

FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen 

FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions.

If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.  

See Safety and security for more information. 

UK government support 

Support for British people is severely limited in Yemen. British Embassy services in Sana’a are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn. 

The UK government cannot help British nationals leaving Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place. 

FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any potential departure point. The UK government’s ability to help with onward travel is severely limited and you’ll be expected to cover the cost of visas, accommodation, insurance and onward travel yourself. 

If you choose to remain in Yemen, you should minimise movement around the country and within cities and towns, monitor developments in the local security situation and follow other precautions in this travel advice. 

If you’re a British national in Yemen and need help from the UK government, you can call FCDO on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). 

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice 

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications  when this advice is updated. 

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Yemen set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Yemeni Embassy in the UK .  

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Yemen. 

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Yemen, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements 

You must have a visa to enter Yemen.  

Applying for a visa 

Apply for a visa through the Yemeni Embassy in the UK .   

Vaccine requirements  

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Yemen guide .   

Registering with the authorities 

If you visit Yemen for more than 14 days, you must register your passport with the Yemen immigration authorities after you arrive.  

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Yemen . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into and out of Yemen 

Import and export of local currency is illegal. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies, but you must declare amounts higher than 3,000 US dollars. Export of foreign currencies must not exceed the amount imported. 

There are not many ATMs outside of Sana’a. US dollars in cash is the most easily convertible currency. 

Terrorism  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad . 

Terrorism in Yemen 

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Yemen.  

The threat is heightened where Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula ( AQAP ) and Islamic State-Yemen have tribal connections and in the governorates of Abyan, Marib, Hadramawt and Shabwah. 

Western and Houthi interests in Yemen remain a feature in AQAP propaganda, and AQAP views westerners and Houthi as legitimate targets for attacks. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as: 

• hotels and supermarkets 
• transport routes 
• oil and gas infrastructure 
• government buildings 
• gatherings 
• airports and transport hubs  

Attacks targeting or affecting British nationals of Yemeni origin cannot be ruled out. Attacks against Yemeni security forces and Houthis are on the rise throughout the country. 

Methods of attack have included:  

• attacks by militants 
• firearm assassinations 
• kidnappings  
• improvised explosive devices and car bombs left in buildings and roadways 
• suicide attacks 

Daesh-Yemen has conducted multiple terrorist attacks across the country, including Aden, Sana’a, Ibb, Hodeida and al-Bayda. So far this has been focussed on Houthi, security forces and the Yemeni government but western interests are highly likely to be regarded as targets. 

Terrorist kidnap 

There is a very high and constant threat of kidnap across Yemen.  

Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula ( AQAP ) propaganda has called for continued kidnapping of westerners. However, armed tribes and criminal groups have also carried out kidnaps in the past. There is a high risk that such groups would sell any hostages on to AQAP , who have murdered a number of hostages. 

Kidnaps have occurred at various times of day and in a wide variety of locations, including:  

• public places in the capital  
• cars while travelling 
• victims’ accommodation  

Kidnapping attempts often involve the use of force and have ended in the death of several victims.  

All British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, NGOs , humanitarian aid workers, journalists, business travellers, and long-term residents. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.  

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to terrorist hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal. 

Red Sea military activity

There is a military response to Houthi militants’ attempts to disrupt international shipping in the Red Sea. The military activity is limited to the Red Sea and Bab-Al Mandab Strait, but travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. Monitor travel advice and follow instructions from local authorities. 

Political situation  

The political and security situation in Yemen remains uncertain and volatile.  

Since April 2022 a de-facto ceasefire has remained in place between the Houthis and the Yemeni government. On 23 December 2023, the UN announced that the Houthis and internationally recognised government of Yemen had committed to a ceasefire. However, sporadic incidents continue to occur along frontlines and the security situation remains volatile. Due to ongoing hostilities in the Red Sea, there is a heightened state of alert across Yemen and widescale conflict may resume at short notice. In February, in response to US and UK airstrikes, the Houthi authorities designated the US and UK as ‘hostile states’.  

As a result, we strongly advise against all travel to Houthi controlled areas. The risk of attack to British nationals also extends to areas under Yemeni government control. 

Reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances raise concerns. The Houthis have arrested opponents, including politicians, journalists, academics and activists. British nationals have also been detained by Houthis in the past, including aid workers working for NGOs .  

Regularly reassess your security arrangements and carefully plan your movements if travelling within Yemen. Avoid keeping the same routine by changing routes you use and keeping a low profile at all times. Follow health and security advice given by Yemen authorities and security experts before any travel in the country. Always check routes in advance and do not advertise your plans on social media. Military weapons are readily available and may be used by criminals and terrorists or in security operations. The risk of crime, such as carjacking, robbery or extortion, is widespread throughout the country.  

Tribal disputes over land are common and may involve the use of weapons. The Houthis and other militias run extra-judicial detention centres and arbitrary detention is widespread. Following recent events in the Red Sea there is an especially high risk of British nationals being detained.  

Laws and cultural differences  

Yemen is an Islamic country with Islamic law. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. 

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country and you should check this before you travel. During this time, do not:  

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car  
• play loud music or dance  
• swear in public  

Get more advice when you arrive from your guide, hotel or business contacts.  

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants  
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens  
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time  
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening 
• be patient and show tolerance 

Dress code  

Men and women must wear loose-fitting clothing that covers down to the elbow and reaches below the knees. You should also:  

• avoid tight-fitting clothing   
• avoid clothes with profane slogans or images  
• not wear clothing with symbols or slogans that could be viewed as political as this could lead to arrest 

Alcohol laws

Do not drink alcohol in public.  

Using cameras in secure areas 

Taking pictures in or around military sites is likely to result in arrest and arbitrary detention. British consular services will not be able to offer support in this situation. 

Do not take pictures of people without their consent. 

LGBT+ travellers 

Consensual same-sex relations are illegal in Yemen, with penalties including fines, corporal punishment, imprisonment and the death penalty.    

In January and February 2024, criminal courts in northern Yemen reportedly sentenced 20 individuals to death for homosexuality.  A further 26 were sentenced to flogging and prison terms of between 6 months and 10 years on charges of ‘spreading immorality’ and ‘immoral acts’. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers . 

Antiquities 

You must get permission from the General Authority for Antiquities before exporting or removing antiques from Yemen. It’s illegal to remove or sell Yemeni antiques without permission.  

Transport risks 

Road travel  .

If you are planning to drive in Yemen, see information on driving abroad .   

Driving conditions 

Driving standards are poor and mountain roads are dangerous. Avoid all road travel outside the main cities at night. Landmines from the current and previous conflicts are a risk on Yemen’s roads. Make sure to go with an experienced guide if you’re travelling off well-used tracks. 

Access routes in and out of major cities may be closed or blocked. Always check the road is open before starting your journey. 

There is a severe shortage of fuel in Yemen. 

Air travel 

Yemen’s airspace is currently controlled by Saudi-led coalition forces. Prior permission from the coalition must be obtained before flying.  

The conflict extends to Yemeni territorial waters off the Red Sea and the Bab-Al Mandab Strait. Houthi forces present an ongoing risk to all shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab-Al Mandab Strait due to the potential for misidentification and miscalculation by Houthi forces. 

Piracy in the Gulf of Aden continues to be a threat. For more information and advice, see piracy and armed robbery at sea . 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .  

Tropical cyclones 

Tropical cyclones sometimes affect parts of the country. Monitor local and  international weather updates .  

Before you travel check that: 

your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 

you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 191 and ask for an ambulance.  

Due to the current conflict, emergency services may not be able to respond. It may be better to make your own way to hospital if you can. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Yemen   
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page   

 See what health risks you’ll face in Yemen , including:  

• malaria and dengue 
• Middle East respiratory syndrome 
• schistosomiasis 

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Yemen. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro . 

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro . 

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad . 

Healthcare facilities in Yemen  

Medical facilities, particularly away from the main towns and cities, are poor. Make sure that you have adequate travel health insurance and access to funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro . 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Yemen  

As a result of the conflict, emergency services in Yemen have severely limited capacity and are highly unreliable. 

Ambulance: 191 

Police: 199 or 194 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:  

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO  

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers in Yemen   
• dealing with a death abroad   
• being  arrested or imprisoned in Yemen   
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime   
• what to do if you’re  in hospital   
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO  

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

You can also contact FCDO online .  

Help abroad in an emergency 

Fcdo in london .

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. 

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) 

Find out about call charges . 

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© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN

I am a British citizen travelling to Yemen on holiday. Do I need a visa?

I am not a British citizen but I live in the UK. Do I need a visa to travel to Yemen?

Can I enter Yemen with my stepchildren without their biological parent?

Can I enter Yemen with my grandchildren?​

I want to work in Yemen; how can I obtain a work permit?

What is the minimum validity period that I need to have in my passport?

I want to go to study in Yemen; how can I obtain a student visa?

Is it legal to share a hotel room in Yemen with my partner if I am unmarried?

Is kissing and holding hands appropriate in public?

I am a British national who lives in the UK. Can I get married in Yemen?

Is my marriage certificate going to be valid in the UK or EU if I get married in Yemen?

​ I am a British citizen travelling to Yemen on holiday. Do I need a visa? Yes. ​Please contact visa section. I am not a British citizen but I live in the UK. Do I need a visa to travel to Yemen?  Yes. Please contact visa section.  Can I enter Yemen with my stepchildren without their biological parent? ​ Yes, with written proof of parental responsibility.  Can I enter Yemen with my grandchildren?  ​Yes, with written approval from a parent or guardian.  I want to work in Yemen; how can I obtain a work permit?  You will need to be sponsored by an employer.  What is the minimum validity period that I need to have in my passport?  Your passport must be valid for at least six months in order to travel in and out of the country.  I want to go to study in Yemen; how can I obtain a student visa?  Contact the consulate section.  ​Are there any restrictions on single women travelling to Yemen?  ​No.  Is it legal to share a hotel room in Yemen with my partner if I am unmarried?  No.  Is kissing and holding hands appropriate in public?  As in all Muslim countries public displays of affection are considered disrespectful and may lead to a police caution or even arrest.  I am a British national who lives in the UK. Can I get married in Yemen?  ​Yes. But you should contact the British Embassy or Consulate in Yemen. Is my marriage certificate going to be valid in the UK or EU if I get married in Yemen?  Yes, if it is properly legalized. Check with the local British Embassy or Consulate

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Yemen

Yemen is bordered by Oman on the East, the Red Sea on the West, the Gulf of Aden on the South, and Saudi Arabia on the North.

The country features central highlands, southern coastal regions, and northern mountainous areas. Each region has its own peculiar climate variations and sights.

Do I Need Vaccines for Yemen?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Yemen. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Yemen: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , cholera , rabies , polio and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travellers to most regions.
• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Cholera – Food & Water – A serious cholera outbreak is occurring. Vaccination is highly recommended.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

There are currently active dengue and malaria outbreaks in Yemen. Be sure to use repellents, netting and bring antimalarials.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Yemen?

Visas are required for entry to Yemen. Stays over 14 days require registration with local immigration authorities. Passports should be valid for the duration of stay in the country.

Sources: Embassy of Yemen and GOV.UK

What is the Climate Like in Yemen?

Yemen has a hot climate with intence humidity in the Southern regions. Some northern regions go years without rainfall.

Summer temperatures reach the 40’s Celsius in the southern coastal regions. Further north, temperatures are cooler, but still in the low-30’s most of the year.

Winters have the most rainfall in short but full bursts and thunderstorms. These can be dangerous for the monsoon area of the southwest.

Strong sandstorms occur regularly throughout the year.

How Safe is Yemen?

Many organisations recommend against travel to Yemen at this time. Political turmoil is ongoing and likely to continue.

Foreign travellers are often targets of rebel groups. Due to the country’s isolation, help is unlikely. Kidnappings for ransom, armed conflicts, and terrorist activities are also fairly common.

Boats have been targeted whilst transiting Yemen. Pirates and rebels have conducted countless attacks.

Female, LGBT and disabled travellers should research the country before travel to the region.

Discover the Wild Island of Socotra

Socotra is a remote island that was separated from the continent of Africa for millions of years. It is a part of Yemen and is located just over 300 kilometres from that region of the Arabian Peninsula.

The climate is hot with little rain. The island is made up of a limestone plateau, mountains, and narrow coastal plains. Socotra has about 825 species of rare flora and fauna, 307 of which are peculiar to the island. It also has 140 species of birds with 10 that are also only in Socotra.

In 2010 the ruins of an ancient city from the second century AD were discovered by Russian archaeologists. The same year, nearly 4,00 international travellers visited the island.

What Should I Pack for Yemen?

Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:

• Light Clothing – Yemen has a hot climate. Be sure to pack accordingly for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sun cream, lightweight clothing, and water-protective gear.
• Insect Repellent – Yemen is experiencing a dengue outbreak. Ensure you’re protected with quality repellent.
• Copies of Travel Documents – In case of lost luggage or theft, bringing copies of key documents is a must.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Yemen

British embassy and consular services have been temporarily suspended in Yemen. Travel at your own risk.

Ready to start your next journey? Ring us up at or book online now !

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Yemen? Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Yemen? What is the Climate Like in Yemen? How Safe is Yemen? Discover the Wild Island of Socotra What Should I Pack for Yemen? Embassy of the United Kingdom in Yemen

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Travel Advisory December 19, 2023

Yemen - level 4: do not travel.

Updated after periodic review to include the crime indicator and revised security information.

Do not travel to Yemen due to  terrorism, civil unrest, crime, 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.

Terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates, continue to plot and conduct attacks in Yemen – most notably in al-Bayda, Abyan, and Shabwah governorates. 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 foreign organizations may be targeted for attack or kidnapping.

A civil war continues in Yemen. While truce agreements may reduce overall levels of violence, instability and ongoing threats of armed conflict, particularly along the frontlines in central Yemen, remain at a severe level. Due to the ongoing civil unrest and weak government institutions, travelers should not rely on significant assistance from local authorities. Foreign nationals are frequently the target of kidnapping and carjacking, particularly when traveling outside of urban areas.

Military conflict has caused destruction of basic infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities. This destruction limits the availability of electricity, clean water, and medical care in affected areas. It also often hampers the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver critically needed food, medicine, and water. Landmines exist throughout Yemen.

Widespread violent crime and/or organized crime are present in Yemen. Local law enforcement may have limited or no ability or willingness to respond to serious crimes.

As a result of the deterioration of health services, Yemen is experiencing the re-emergence of infectious diseases, such as cholera, polio, and measles. 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 U.S.-Yemeni citizens. U.S. citizens, particularly young people, are also at risk of kidnapping for purposes of forced marriage, sometimes involving force, fraud, or coercion by family members in the United States and/or Yemen. The Houthis, who control Sana’a, have detained U.S. citizens, including dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens. U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, have faced difficulty – including lengthy delays – when attempting to depart Yemen.

Commercial flights to and from Yemen have operated out of Aden and Sana’a and have connected to destinations in the region, including Addis Ababa, Amman, Cairo, Djibouti, Jeddah, Khartoum, and Riyadh. Travelers are advised to inquire with airlines and travel companies directly for the most current information.

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, including legal jeopardy. While security conditions on Socotra may be less volatile than on the mainland, the U.S. government has no presence and no way to intervene with authorities on behalf of U.S. citizens who travel there. 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 .

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) .

Additionally, the Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Yemen’s ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Yemen. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.

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

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

• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Make contingency plans to leave the country without U.S. government assistance.
• 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.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• 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.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook   and  Twitter . 
• 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 .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months at time of entry.

1 page per entry stamp.

Yes. Must be obtained at Yemeni embassies and consulates abroad.

None required.

Embassies and Consulates

The  U.S. Embassy in Sana’a  suspended operations on February 11, 2015, and therefore cannot provide protection or consular services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.  The U.S. government has extremely limited capabilities to assist U.S. citizens in Yemen.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid travel to Yemen due to the very high risk of kidnapping and detention.  U.S. citizens in Yemen are strongly recommended to depart the country.  U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, have faced difficulty – including lengthy delays – when attempting to depart Yemen. More information can be found in our  Yemen Travel Advisory.  

Please direct inquiries regarding U.S. citizens in Yemen to  [email protected] . Callers in the U.S. and Canada may dial the toll free number 1-888-407-4747. Callers outside the United States and Canada may dial 1-202-501-4444.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s website  www.state.gov  for information on U.S.-Yemen relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorist activities, kidnappings, civil unrest, and landmines. The Department urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Yemen and urges U.S. citizens currently living in Yemen to depart.  

All visitors to Yemen are required to obtain a visa prior to travel to Yemen.  U.S. citizens typically are issued visas that are valid for 30 days. At the time of publication, 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's website  or call the Embassy of Yemen in Washington, D.C. at (202) 965-4760 ext. 2.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

If you are in Yemen and have questions about your federal benefits, please contact  [email protected] .

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Since the beginning of the current conflict in September 2014, the Houthis, who control Sana’a, have detained U.S. citizens, including dual Yemeni-American citizens.  Reports indicate that U.S. citizens are targeted by virtue of their citizenship, regardless of the amount of time they have spent in Yemen, their established connections with rebel groups, or their connections with local businesses or humanitarian organizations aimed at providing relief to those in need.  During their detentions, which in some cases have lasted years, U.S. citizens have not been allowed contact with their families or visits by U.S. consular personnel or international humanitarian organizations.  The U.S. government is severely limited in what assistance it can directly provide to U.S. citizens in detention.  There has been no U.S. government diplomatic presence in Yemen since the Houthi takeover of Sana’a.

In addition to the threat of detention by rebel groups, both the ongoing conflict and heightened terrorist activity, including kidnappings for ransom, present a threat to U.S. citizens in Yemen. In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition initiated an air campaign in support of the exiled Yemeni government.  Violence, armed conflict, and artillery shelling persist in areas throughout the country.  While truce agreements may reduce overall levels of violence, instability and ongoing threats in Yemen remain at a severe level.

Vessels in the region of the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden, should operate under a heightened state of alert as increasing tensions in the region escalate the potential for direct or collateral damage to vessels transiting the area. These threats may come from a variety of different sources such as missiles, projectiles, or waterborne improvised explosive devices. Piracy in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean remains a security threat to maritime activities in the region. In recent years, there have been hundreds of documented pirate attacks in Yemeni territorial waters in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) has also advised that elevated regional tensions have increased the risk of maritime attacks being conducted by extremists to vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandeb regions.

MARAD recommends vessels at anchor, operating in restricted maneuvering environments, or at slow speeds should be especially vigilant and report suspicious activity. U.S. flag vessels that observe suspicious activity in the area are advised to report such suspicious activity or any hostile or potentially hostile action to COMUSNAVCENT battlewatch captain at phone number 011-973-1785-3879. All suspicious activities and events are also to be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802, 202-267-2675, or TDD 202-267-4477. For further information, see the Department of State’s  International Maritime Piracy Fact Sheet  and the  United States Maritime Administration  ( MARAD ) advisory on vessels transiting high risk waters.

Other potential hazards to overland travelers include landmines and unexploded ordnance. This is of particular concern in the six southern provinces and in the northern highlands.

Please note that the local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Yemen is 199, but operators do not speak English.

Crime : Due to the ongoing civil unrest and weak government institutions, travelers should not rely on significant assistance from local authorities.  Foreigners are frequently the target of kidnapping and carjacking, particularly when traveling outside of urban areas.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information. 

Victims of Crime : The U.S. government is extremely limited to the consular assistance it can provide in Yemen.  Report crimes to the local police at 199.  As 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.  

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

Domestic Violence:  The law in Yemen protects against domestic violence under general prohibitions of violence, but authorities do not enforce this provision effectively. The law criminalizes rape, but not spousal rape. Authorities may prosecute rape survivors on charges of fornication if the perpetrator is not charged with rape. According to law, without the perpetrator’s confession, the rape survivor must provide four male witnesses to the crime.

The law allows leniency for persons found guilty of committing an “honor” killing or violently assaulting or killing a woman for perceived “immodest” or “defiant” behavior. The law does not address other types of gender-based abuse, such as forced isolation, imprisonment, and early and forced marriage.

See section 6 of our Human Rights Report for additional information.

As 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 to the consular assistance it can provide in Yemen.

Tourism :  No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place in Yemen on any level. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk.  Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than those in the United States.  Regardless of your citizenship, you are subject to local laws while in Yemen.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

In Yemen, the law may be applied inconsistently, and 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 accustomed to in the United States.

Furthermore, some laws are also 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.

Arrest Notification : The U.S. government is extremely limited to the consular assistance it can provide in Yemen.  The U.S. Department of State has designated the U.S. Embassies in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Djibouti, and Cairo, Egypt, to handle American Citizens Services cases emanating out of Yemen.  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in one of these locations immediately.  See our  webpage  and notice to all U.S. citizens in Yemen for further information.

Special Circumstances : Photographing military installations, including airports, equipment, or troops is forbidden.  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, as well as to the country's laws, customs, and regulations. This holds true for all legal matters, including child custody and travel restrictions.

The US Embassy cannot intervene in custody matters, and parents must work through the local courts.  Women in custody disputes in Yemen will not enjoy the same rights that they do in the United States, as Yemeni law often does not work in favor of the mother.  U.S. custody orders might not be enforced in Yemen.

U.S. citizen girls and women who travel to Yemen are at risk of being forced into marriage and may be vulnerable to other forms of gender-based restrictions and violence, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas.  U.S. citizen women who are married to Yemeni or Yemeni-American men should be aware that their children may not be able to depart if the children are brought to Yemen.  In many instances, women must obtain permission from their husbands to obtain an exit visa.  They also may not be able to take their children out of Yemen without the permission of the father, regardless of who has legal custody.  U.S. divorce decrees may not be recognized in Yemen, especially if the marriage took place in Yemen.  In some cases, U.S. citizen women who have married in Yemen and divorced in the United States have been prevented from departing Yemen by their ex-husbands.

Faith-Based Travelers:  The law prohibits denunciation of Islam, conversion from Islam to another religion, and proselytizing directed at Muslims.   Religious minorities face persecution, including detention, as a result of their religious beliefs, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas.

See the following webpages for details :

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers  
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Yemen as is gender expression that does not conform with a person’s assigned sex at birth.  Penalties include fines, jail time, or death.

See our  LGBTQI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: 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 is not as prevalent as in the United States.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .   

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Women face deeply entrenched discrimination. Women cannot marry without the permission of their male guardians; do not have equal rights in inheritance, divorce, or child custody; and have little legal protection. They experience discrimination in employment, credit, pay, owning or managing businesses, education, and housing.  A male relative’s consent is often required before a woman can be admitted to a hospital.

Women traveling in areas under Houthi control may be required to be escorted by a male guardian who is a relative.

See Section 6 of our Human Rights Report  and the Special Circumstances section above for more information.

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorist activities, kidnappings, civil unrest, and landmines.  The Department urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Yemen and urges U.S. citizens currently living in Yemen to depart.  

All visitors to Yemen are required to obtain a visa prior to travel to Yemen.  U.S. citizens typically are issued visas that are valid for 30 days.  At the time of publication, 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's website  or call the Embassy of Yemen in Washington, D.C. at (202) 965-4760 ext. 2.

Travel and 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 lengthy delays at checkpoints when traveling between cities. See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of  Yemen's national tourism office .

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Yemen, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Yemen’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel : The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Yemen ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Yemen. Mariners and passengers on commercial vessels traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise increased caution.

Mariners planning travel to Yemen should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Yemen . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Everything You Need To Know About Yemen Travel

Updated March 2024 ,  Everything You Need To Know About Yemen Travel was originally written in December 2019

I’m just going to preface this with Yemen isn’t a safe destination to visit. This guide isn’t intended for travelers that want to waltz on in on their own and don’t understand the risks involved, its purpose is more to inform. Yemen is a truly beautiful country, however, travel in Yemen is no small task, and those in the country are struggling.

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Southern Yemen

What you need to know about the war in yemen.

Yemen’s forgotten war is confusing, to say the least, for most outsiders trying to wrap their minds around it. It’s not simply a ‘good guys’ versus ‘bad guys’, that foreign media likes to portray. We’re talking multiple belligerents, several other countries, known terrorist factions, and regional warlords vying for power.

Yemen’s situation, if you were to label it is, fractured. But Yemen has been fractured long before the start of the war in 2015, this goes back decades.

Yemen has seen civil war several times in its history. Parts of the country were colonized by the British in the past. From 1967-1990 the country was divided into North Yemen (Yemen Arab Republic) and South Yemen (People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen).

Even after the reunification of the two Yemens, the country saw yet another civil war in the 90s, as well as turbulent ups and downs until the beginning of the present war.

The battle is often called a proxy war owing to the two main belligerents being the coalition, which is backed by the Saudis and the UAE and funded by the USA; and the Houthi, predominantly comprised of members of the Zaidi sect, hailing from northern Yemen’s Sa’da, and speculated to be backed by Iran.

Of course, the Islamic State and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula have joined the chaos, in addition to other terrorist organizations. And this is an extremely simplified and condensed rundown of the details. The reality is that the situation is far more complicated and convoluted than I am writing here.

Destinations To Visit In Yemen

Al Mahrah  is Yemen’s easternmost governorate. Much of the drive across from the Omani border passing by the Surfeet protected area is characterized by a rugged coastline backed by stark, craggy mountains.

The largest town within al Mahrah is al Ghaydeh, which is reached after roughly two hours of driving from the border. Destinations possible to visit in the al Mahrah Governorate are Surfeet, Hawf, al Ghaydeh, and the  Yemeni Empty Quarter .

Al Ghaydeh is a coastal town, a scenic drive away from the Surfeet border crossing with  Oman . Al Ghaydeh’s main industry of course, is fishing. Al Ghaydeh is a good place to spend your first night if coming from Oman, and to grab any necessary items at the souk from.

Rub al Khali

Yemen’s Rub al Khali, or better known as the Empty Quarter is a deserted region, dotted seldomly by villages and an endless sea of dunes. The Rub al Khali is dived amongst Yemen,  Oman , Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This unforgiving area sees some of Earth’s highest temperatures and most harsh living conditions.

The Empty Quarter is known for its general lawlessness.

See what it was like to spend the night in the  Yemeni Empty Quarter

Wadi Hadhramaut

Where mud-brick villages rise up from the depths of a lush and green canyon that slashes the arid earth that bounds its either side. Wadi Hadhramaut is something of legend– where giants once roamed the earth called Adites, that enjoyed life a little too much. So much so that God sent down a plague of massive ants who ate the Adites alive, ripping them apart limb by limb while violent winds whipped their flesh with sand.

Wadi Hadhramaut is most famous for producing liquid gold– the world’s finest honey, and of course Arabia’s Manhattan in Shibam. 

Wadi Daw’an , a canyon wonderland within the Hadhramaut is probably the most magical and mysterious location within the Yemeni desert, dotted with mud-brick villages that seemingly rise from the depth of earth, some of the most notable being Al Hajarayn,  Haid al Jazil , Sif,  Qarn Majid , and Al Khurayba.  Shibam  is a 2,500-year-old city, known for its 7-8 story mud-brick skyscrapers, the first of their kind. Tarim,

Al Mukalla, Shibam, and Seiyun are other destinations within the region.

Learn more about Wadi Hadhramaut  here

Seiyun is a regional capital of the Hadhramaut and has been so since the 15th century. Al Habshi Tomb, the Sultan’s Palace, and Al Haddad Mosque are just some of the reasons travelers come to Seiyun.

Shibam  is a city with over 2,500 years of history, located in the Wadi Hadhramaut and most well known as the ‘Manhattan of Arabia. Other sites in the city include the Sultan’s Palace, Sheik ar Rashid Mosque, the souq, and the Minbar Museum.

Read more about historic  Shibam

Tarim is a Sufi center in Yemen and served as the Hadhramaut’s capital before Saiyun rose to the occasion. The ramshackle Tarim Souq and the beautiful al Muhdhar Mosque are more than worthy of a visit.

Check out why the  ancient Sufi center of Tarim  is a must-visit on any Yemen itinerary

Wadi Daw’an

Wadi Daw’an is arguably the most impressive area in all of Yemen. Think villages perched impossibly on cliffsides, date groves, beautiful Hadhrami style palaces and homes, and even the village that Mohammed bin Laden hails from.

Check out more on Wadi Daw’an  here

Ma’rib Governorate

Note that as of November 2021 Ma’rib Governorate has seen some fighting and isn’t recommended to visit right now.

Home to the Sabean Kingdom, who ruled the land for over 1,500 years and the alleged home (but not according to the Ethiopians) Bilqis, or known in the west as ‘the Queen of Sheba’. Built on taxes from the passing by incense trade Ma’rib was once an important seat of power in the Middle East, and is one of the oldest cities on Earth.

Nowadays it looks more like a dusty town, but there are a handful of sights to behold. The Ma’rib Dam is probably the most well known, though much of the dam built in the 8th century BC has been dismantled over the years to build the new town.

Old Ma’rib is a sight to see, rising from the landscape surrounding it, with a history stretching back to around 1,500 years before the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. Sadly the last family has left the old city and Old Ma’rib now sits uninhabited.

Mahram Bilqis is a must-see Sabean temple in Ma’rib with 12 meter high columns dedicated to the god of the sun.

The Arsh of Bilqis is another sight to behold in Ma’rib, oft believed to be associated with the legend of the Queen of Sheba, the temple is estimated to predate Bilqis, being nearly 4,000 years old. Archaeologists believe the temple is dedicated to the moon.

Offshore and out of this world, little Socotra sits smack in the Arabian Sea between Yemen and Somalia. Largely regarded as the only safe place to visit in Yemen due to the fact that the Yemeni Civil War has never reached Socotra’s shores.

Socotra is home to some of the highest numbers of endemics in the world, putting it in the ranks of the  Galapagos Islands  and New Caledonia– the most famous of its endemics being the Dragon Blood Tree or Dracaena cinnabari.

After being nearly cut off entirely from the outside world for several years, Socotra is slowly again opening to tourism, though infrastructure on the island is very limited, making it more common among the more extreme and intrepid group of travelers. I’ve visited Socotra a couple of times now, and you can read more about traveling to Socotra  here .

Everything you need to know:  The Socotra Travel Guide

The following destinations are dangerous to access due to fighting and not possible for travelers to even get to owing to the blockade, but I have included them as they are places that were accessible a few years back

Northern Yemen

Founded by Shem, the son of Noah, Sana’a is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Of the few travelers that make it to Yemen these days, most don’t get to see the grandeur of Sana’a due to the danger associated with reaching the city.

Old Sana’a is the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen and with a history that dates back over 2,500 years, and one of the most fascinating places you’ll ever visit. A favorite memory of mine in all my travels was waking up to the song of the Call to Prayer penetrating the air and the golden light shining through the Qamariya windows of my 6th story room, making colorful geometric patterns on the carpet.

Unfortunately, the city including Old Sana’a has suffered some damages from fighting and near-daily airstrikes.

The Bab al Yemen, or gates to the city is best viewed in the late afternoon to get a taste of the frenetic energy of Old Sana’a, with the bustling Souq al Milh, selling nearly everything under the sun nearby. Sana’a is home to countless mosques, but two of the most famed within the Old City are Great Mosque and Qubbat al Bakiriyah Mosque.

Outside the walls of Old Sana’a is the impressive, though controversial al Saleh Mosque. Sana’a is currently under control of the Houthi.

Read more about my time in Sana’a and more in-depth details about the city  here .

What it was like to visit  Sana’a, Yemen

Wadi Dhahr & Dar al Hajar

Wadi Dhahr and Dar al Hajar are the most popular day trip to take from Sana’a. As you climb out of the city the road skirts the edge of the massive canyon where you’ll have sweeping views of the green oases below.

The most prominent feature of Wadi Dhahr is the summer ‘Rock Palace’ of Dar al Hajar. Constructed in 1920 by Imam Yahya as a summer palace the multi-story sandcastle is built atop a protruding rock and even carved down into it.

Built atop Jebel Kawkaban, this citadel sits perched above the village of Shibam (no, not the one famous for its mud-brick skyscrapers), at an elevation of 2,800 meters. Most who visited Kawakaban and Shibam in the past came for trekking.

Al Tawila sits northwest of Sana’a, past Kawakaban and Shiam. The main attraction here is the beautifully terraced fields that tumble down the mountainside from the village.

Al Mawit is just a little further west of Al Tawila and is a large mountain town and is the epicenter of Yemen’s fertile valleys. Al Mahwit is known for its coffee, qat, and tobacco crops.

Al Hajarah is a gorgeous mountain village sitting on a mountain edge, built in the 11th century. Al Hajarah is located about 5 km west of Manakhah which was once known as the Yemeni center of trekking.

is one of the most beautiful villages in all of Yemen, teetering impossibly on a mountain top near the terminus of the Haraz Mountains before they drop off seemingly into the Red Sea.

Ibb makes for a good stopover between Sana’a and Ta’izz. Ibb and its surrounding province receive the most rainfall in all of Yemen, making it one of the greenest regions of the country. The main attraction in Ibb is the market set at the foothills of the Ba’aden Mountains.

Many in Ta’izz have now fled the city due to intense fighting. The Bab al Kabi, serving as the main entrance to Old Ta’izz, as well as the Bab al Musa, are interesting sites, though it’s worth noting that not all of the original wall remains.

Legends point to Aden being the site of the construction of Noah’s Ark. Aden is another one of the world’s oldest cities, estimated at least to the 10th century BC, serving as an ancient trading center. Sites to see in Aden include the National Museum of Antiquities, Sirah Fortress, and the Fish Market.

How To Get To Yemen

Getting to Yemen is a feat all in itself these days. On my first visit, it was as simple as contacting and arranging a trip with a local operator, securing a visa through them, and booking a flight to Sana’a. Now, not so much.

You will still need to contact and arrange your travel to Yemen through an operator, have them secure the visa for you and once in, know that you’re very limited in where you can visit on the ground (except for in Socotra).

As of right now, the only access points into Yemen are via the once per week flight from Cairo to Hadiboh (making a short stop in Seiyun, though they will not allow you to leave the airport as a foreigner) and the Omani border post at Sarfeet/Hawf (intermittently open due to the pandemic).

If you want to visit the island of Socotra, read this post  here  to learn how to get there.

Obtaining a Yemeni Visa

This will need to be taken care of through a local operator as consulates and embassies will not issue visas to tourists wanting to travel to Yemen. If you want to read up on the process of getting a Yemeni visa,  click here .

Safety In Yemen

All foreign governments emphatically warn against all travel to Yemen, which is justified. The country is still actively at war in many areas.

For those that still want to visit despite this, there are ways to do it and mitigate risk by the use of expert fixers and on-the-ground experts.

Bombings, kidnappings, bombings, and airstrikes are pretty common occurrences in the country, in addition to active terrorist groups such as al Qaeda and IS.

Read up on the US and UK advisories for travel in Yemen  here  and  here .

Have Any Questions About Yemen Travel?

Ask your Yemen travel questions in the comments section below.

More Posts from Yemen:

Socotra Travel Guide: The Jewel Of Arabia

Socotra Expedition April 9-16, 2024

8 Day South Yemen Expedition April 13-20, 2024

13 Day Socotra & South Yemen Expedition April 8-20, 2024

The Yemen-Oman Border Crossing

Visiting Sana’a, Yemen, A Travel Diary

Exploring The Sufi Crossroads In Tarim, Yemen

Yemen Travel: Everything You Need To Know

10 Days In Socotra: The Most Alien looking Place on Earth

How To Get To Socotra In 2024

Camping Under The Stars In The Yemeni Empty Quarter

A Journey Through Yemen’s Al Mahrah Region

Where The Wild Things Grow: Socotra’s Firhmin Forest

Socotra Packing List & Prep Guide

Wadi Hadhramaut Travel Guide, Yemen

A Guide To Traveling In South Yemen

A Journey Through Wadi Daw’an, Yemen

Visiting the Outer Islands of the Socotra Archipelago

Wanna Go To Socotra?

Socotra In Photos

Haid al Jazil: Central Yemen’s Most Beautiful Village

The Mud Skyscrapers Of Shibam: The Manhattan Of The Desert

How To Get A Visa For Socotra (Yemen)

Ancient Rock Art in Dahaisi Cave, Socotra

Visiting The Teetering Husn Fort In Qarn Majid, Yemen

Why I Traveled to Yemen in 2014

Socotra Tour: Camel Trekking & Rugged Coastlines

Socotra Archipelago Tour: Outlying Islands & Remote Peaks

6 thoughts on “yemen travel: everything you need to know”.

Yemen did not colonized by british you are wrong. Only aden colonized by british, not even fully but some portions. Other portions were ruled by arabic administrative government and local emirate /state. Ottomans and their egyptian allies tried to invaded it but failed. Historically there many regional emirates/states.

Yemen did not colonized by british you are wrong. Only aden colonized by british, not even fully but some portions, other portions were ruled by arabic administrative government and local emirate/state. Ottomans and their egyptian allies tried to invaded it but failed, its had many regional emirates/states that allied with Ottomans most time.

hi. did you travel with a yemeni tour agency or by yourself?

As mentioned in the section about getting to Yemen and getting the visa, you have to arrange it via a Yemeni operator.

Thanks…but if I go to Socotra with tour operator and I get the visa for 30 days and I still want to travel around the main part of Yemen, can I enter second time with the same visa?

You can arrange to visit both Yemen and Socotra with a local operator. Most tend to have you visit mainland first and then fly to Socotra

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UK announces £160 million aid package for Yemeni women and children

Foreign secretary james cleverly says assistance will go to country's most vulnerable.

Extreme poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen have been made worse by years of conflict. WFP

One million Yemeni women and children are to receive a major boost after Britain announced a new £160 million ($205 million) aid package on Friday.

Following a three-day trip to the Middle East, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the money would see the lives of the “most vulnerable” in the country vastly improved following the recent conflict.

Two-thirds of Yemen’s 21 million population have been designated by the UN in need of humanitarian assistance this year.

Women and children will now receive a range of benefits to assist them after almost a decade of civil war that left 227,000 dead as a result of conflict, famine and lack of healthcare facilities.

The Yemen Women and Children Programme, which will last four years, will deliver primary healthcare, including nutrition, water hygiene, sanitation and reproductive health services.

Mr Cleverly emphasised the funding, which is in addition to £1 billion already given to Yemen by Britain since the conflict began in 2014, demonstrated the UK’s growing partnership with the region.

“The conflict in Yemen continues to cause pain and suffering for millions of ordinary Yemenis, with women and children particularly paying a heavy price,” he said during a trip to Jordan where he met Unicef and other humanitarian workers dealing with Yemen.

“The UK remains committed to tackling the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the new Yemen Women and Children Programme will deliver vital support to the most vulnerable,” Mr Cleverly added.

The healthcare support will seek to reduce deaths and diseases among women and children.

In a statement, the UK's Foreign Office said there was a high level of preventable deaths to mothers and babies in Yemen, with 2.2 million children and 1.3 million pregnant and nursing mothers acutely malnourished.

“Extreme poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen have been made worse by years of conflict,” the statement added.

However, it is hoped that the outlook for all Yemenis will gradually improve after the conflict has not resumed since the UN-brokered truce formally expired in October last year.

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• International
• Human rights internationally

Universal Periodic Review 46: UK Statement on Yemen

The UK's statement at Yemen's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President.

The UK welcomes the delegation and is encouraged by the momentum secured towards a sustainable and long-term peace in Yemen through the formal launch of the UN-led Roadmap in December 2023.

However, for this to be meaningful for all Yemenis, it is vital that prevailing human rights violations and abuses be addressed. This extends to child recruitment and discrimination against women and girls, as well as reports of torture, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, and trafficking of persons.

Aid agencies must also be able to reach vulnerable populations and bolster existing protection provisions.

We have three recommendations to the government of Yemen.

Improve humanitarian access and aid delivery in areas under its control.

Work closely with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen and regional partners, including Saudi Arabia and UAE, to make progress on the UN Roadmap, moving towards an inclusive and sustainable political settlement.

Ensure the meaningful participation of women during the peace process.

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Israel-Gaza latest: Netanyahu issues defiant 'fingernails' comments after Biden warning; who are Israel's main weapons suppliers?

Benjamin Netanyahu vows Israelis are ready to "fight with their fingernails" after Joe Biden said he would halt weapon supplies if the country launched a full-scale offensive in Rafah. However, Israel's leader has stopped short of explicitly saying one would be ordered.

Friday 10 May 2024 13:56, UK

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Officials at the al Aqsa hospital, in central Gaza, say they will run out of fuel in the next 48 hours.

Israel has closed two key border crossings, limiting aid entering the enclave.

And the Government Media Office in Gaza warned that a refusal to open the crossings and allow fuel to be delivered to the health facility would result in the deaths of patients and children, especially the sick and wounded sleeping in intensive care and paediatric departments.

"We call on all UN organisations and international institutions to urgently supply fuel to the al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital before it is too late, and we call for immediate and urgent intervention to supply fuel to all hospitals and rehabilitate and restore them before a humanitarian disaster kills thousands of people," it said in a statement.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said around 110,000 people had now fled Rafah looking for safety as the Israeli forces' bombardment intensifies.

"But nowhere is safe in the Gaza Strip and living conditions are atrocious. The only hope is an immediate ceasefire," the agency said.

As detailed here earlier, UN aid agencies have warned with increasing urgency that the humanitarian operation across the enclave has been crippled.

UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) senior emergency coordinator in the Gaza Strip, Hamish Young, said: "Impossibly, again, it will worsen if humanitarian operations are not revived in the next 48 hours."

Most of those displaced are said to be seeking safety in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah - but these areas lack the basic services required to support civilians who need food, shelter and healthcare, aid teams say.

'As he was telling me where he was going, he started sobbing. Then his children starting crying and then started asking me what to do'

Mr Young described desperate scenes as families were uprooted once again, with "many hundreds of trucks, buses, cars and donkey carts loaded with people and possessions" continuing to stream out of the southern city - with roads to the coastal zone of al Mawasi, where Gazans have been instructed to move to, "jammed".

"People I speak with tell me they are exhausted, terrified and know life in al Mawasi will, again, impossibly, be harder," Mr Young said.

"Families lack proper sanitation facilities, drinking water and shelter. People are making improvised toilets by digging holes in the ground around groups of tents. Open defecation is on the rise.

"One of the fathers told me he had nothing other than bad options to choose from.

"And as he was telling me where he was going, he started sobbing. Then his children starting crying and then started asking me what to do. It's just a tragic situation and there's just nowhere safe in Gaza for children."

A total of 97% of campus demonstrations at US universities over the war in Gaza since mid-April have been peaceful, research has found.

The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED) said data from analysis of 553 demonstrations across the US between 18 April and 3 May showed fewer than 20 resulted in any serious interpersonal violence or property damage

The independent non-profit organisation, which tracks political violence and political protests globally, said that there had been at least 70 instances of forceful police intervention against the protests over the same period.

These included the arrest of demonstrators and the use of chemical agents, batons and other kinds of physical force to disperse protesters.

ACLED said its data indicated nearly half of the campus protests it categorised as violent involved protesters fighting with law enforcement during a police intervention.

Students involved in the protests have issued a range of demands, including calls for their institutions to publicly support a ceasefire in Gaza, divest from Israeli companies and companies that supply Israel's military, and end ties with Israeli universities. 

Police have descended on dozens of campuses to sweep up students in mass arrests.

Police in New York arrested nearly 300 people at Columbia University and City College of New York on 30 April, setting off flash bangs to stun and disorient demonstrators. Two nights later, in Los Angeles, police detained more than 200 people at UCLA.

At schools in Connecticut, Georgia, Texas, New Hampshire and elsewhere, dozens of protesters have been arrested.

Experts on policing caution against drawing conclusions about each police intervention, telling Reuters it was too soon to determine where police may have acted precipitously.

But an early examination of the approach to campus protests suggests police, in many cases, have yet to shed outdated ways of handling large demonstrations, they said.

Despite calls to exclude Israel from this year's Eurovision Song Contest due to the country's deadly war in Gaza, organisers of the event opted to allow the country's participation.

As a result, Eden Golan has become a focus for protests, with demonstrators saying they stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The 20-year-old Israeli singer was surrounded by security as she travelled between the hotel and the contest venue in the Swedish city of Malmo on Thursday.

Footage on social media showed her being loudly booed while she performed during rehearsals earlier this week, amid shouts of "free Palestine". There was also some applause.

Police estimated more than 10,000 people marched through the southern Swedish city yesterday to chants of "Free Palestine" and "Israel is a terror state."

Banners accused Eurovision of being complicit in genocide and called for a boycott of the competition.

Another protest march is planned for Saturday, hours before Golan competes in the Eurovision final against acts from 25 other countries.

Bookmakers say she is likely to finish in the top half of the final competition, decided by a mix of public votes and national music-industry juries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Golan for performing despite "contending with an ugly wave of antisemitism."

"So be blessed, and know that when they boo you, we are cheering you on," he said.

Dwindling food and fuel stocks could force aid operations to grind to a halt within days in Gaza because vital crossings remain shut, forcing hospitals to close down and leading to more malnutrition, United Nations aid agencies have warned today.

Humanitarian workers have sounded the alarm this week after Israel closed the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings for aid and people as part of its military operation in Rafah, where more than one million people have been sheltering after fleeing bombardment in other parts of Gaza.

"For five days, no fuel and virtually no humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip, and we are scraping the bottom of the barrel," said the UNICEF senior emergency coordinator in the Gaza Strip, Hamish Young.

"This is already a huge issue for the population and for all humanitarian actors, but in a matter of days, if not corrected, the lack of fuel could grind humanitarian operations to a halt."

Washington has suspended a shipment of heavy, bunker-busting bombs to Israel - weapons Israeli forces have used in their war against Hamas militants.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has said attacks from Israel have killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians. Israel responded after Hamas launched its 7 October attack - which Israel said killed at least 1,100 people.

Joe Biden also publicly warned Israel for the first time that the US would withhold arms supplies if Israeli forces carry out a threatened assault on the city of Rafah, given this could endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians there.

The US has long been by far the largest arms supplier to its closest Middle East ally, followed by Germany - whose strong support for Israel reflects in part atonement for the Nazi Holocaust - and Italy.

Two countries, Canada and the Netherlands, have halted arms shipments to Israel this year over concerns they could be used in ways violating international humanitarian law - causing civilian casualties and destruction of residential areas - in Gaza.

Most of Gaza's dead from Israeli bombardments and ground offensives have been civilians, international rights groups say. Israel claims it does not target civilians, accusing Hamas militants of hiding among them, which the militants deny.

Here are some details of Israel's key weapons suppliers.

United States

The suspended arms delivery to Israel consisted of 1,800 2,000-pound (907-kg) bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs worth tens of millions of dollars, according to US officials.

The decision arose amid concerns about the "end-use of the 2,000-pound bombs and the impact they could have in dense urban settings (like Rafah)...," one US official said.

However, billions of dollars worth of US arms remain in the pipeline for Israel, including tank rounds and munitions that convert dumb bombs into precision weapons, although the approval process has slowed, senator Jim Risch, top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said yesterday.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken has stopped short of concluding in a pending, highly critical report to Congress on Israel's conduct in Gaza that it has violated the terms for its use of US weapons, it has been reported (see 8.03 post)

In 2016 the US and Israel signed a third 10-year Memorandum of Understanding covering the 2018-2028 period providing for $38bn (£30bn) in military aid, $33bn (£26bn) in grants to buy military equipment and $5bn (£4bn) for missile defence systems. 

German defence export approvals for Israel rose nearly tenfold to €326.5m (£281m) in 2023 compared with 2022 as Berlin treated permit requests as a priority after the 7 October attacks that triggered the war.

However, since the start of this year, as international criticism of Israel's war in Gaza mounted, the German government appears to have approved considerably fewer exports of war weapons to Israel. Deliveries worth just €32,449 (£28,000) have so far been allowed, the economics ministry said on 10 April in response to a query in parliament from a left-wing lawmaker.

A foreign ministry source told Reuters yesterday that Italy had halted new export approvals since the start of the Gaza war.

"Everything stopped. And the last orders were delivered in November," the source said.

Under Italian law, arms exports are banned to countries that are waging war and those deemed to be violating international human rights.

Britain is not one of Israel's bigger suppliers. Unlike the US, Britain's government does not give arms directly to Israel but rather licences for companies to sell - often components into US supply chains, such as for F-35 jets.

Last year, the UK granted export licences to sell at least £42m of defence equipment to Israel - mainly munitions, unmanned air vehicles, small arms ammunition and components for aircraft, helicopters, and assault rifles.

Some left-wing opposition parties have called on the government to revoke the export licences in the face of Gaza's soaring death toll, and to publish the legal advice used to reach the assessment that arms exports could continue. 

As we have been reporting here today, the US has warned Israel it will stop supplying heavy arms if the country presses ahead with its plan to launch a full-scale offensive in Rafah.

However, despite that move from Israel's strongest ally, the UK has resisted calls to follow suit in withholding the sale of weaponry, with foreign secretary Lord Cameron saying: "We do not have a UK government supply of weapons to Israel, we have a number of licences, and I think our defence exports to Israel are responsible for significantly less than 1% of their total.

"That is a big difference."

That stance has been the focus of significant criticism, with Green Party MP Caroline Lucas saying on X that the government "turning their backs on the mass suffering of innocent people" in Gaza was "a low point".

Last month, the Palestinian health ministry reported at least 485 people had been killed and 4,900 others injured in attacks by Israeli army forces and illegal settlers in the occupied West Bank since last October.

More than 340 attacks were reported on healthcare facilities and workers in the occupied territory during the same period, a ministry statement said.

Hamas, which carried out the 7 October attacks, is not in charge in the West Bank and no hostages are being held there.

There are regular clashes and riots in the West Bank aggravated by Israeli settlers both threatening and inflicting violence on Palestinians if they do not give up their land - which has been condemned by even the strongest international supporters of Israel, like the US.

A report from The Associated Press this morning reveals the depth of despair and helplessness felt by Palestinians in the territory in the face of this violence.

It details charred homes and cars dotting the hilltop village of Duma.

The head of the village council said the trail of wreckage along Duma's main road was the aftermath of a three-hour attack in mid-April that left 15 homes damaged by arson and six residents injured by bullets.

It was one of nearly 800 settler attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October, according to the UN.

The burned remains in Duma also highlight the village's limited resources to clean up and rebuild, let alone defend itself from future incursions, which seem inevitable as gun-toting settlers patrol the area roughly 20 miles north of Jerusalem.

"We as the village of Duma... do not have the power to defend ourselves," said Suleiman Dawabsha, chairman of the village council for this community of more than 2,000 people.

The rampage on 13 April echoed a similar event that took place almost a decade ago. In 2015, three Palestinians from Duma were killed, including an 18 month-old baby, after settlers fire-bombed a home there.

Of the nearly 500 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank, according to the health ministry based in Ramallah, the overwhelming majority have been shot dead by soldiers.

Palestinians in the West Bank have killed nine Israelis, including five soldiers, since 7 October, according to UN data.

Israeli human rights groups blame the far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu for fuelling settler violence by promoting an ideology of total Israeli supremacy in the West Bank.

These groups say the Israeli army doesn't do enough to stop the violence, and even facilitates it in some cases by offering the settlers protection.

The Israeli army said it tries to protect everyone living in the West Bank and that complaints about soldiers are investigated.

In Duma, Ibrahim Dawabsha, a truck driver and father of four, said most of his family hid in the kitchen as settlers launched firebombs and set part of their home ablaze.

"My daughter was at her uncle's house, there was no one there," he said.

"What they [might] do to her I don't know."

As reported here a little earlier, the UN General Assembly is due to vote today on a resolution that would grant new "rights and privileges" to Palestine and call on the Security Council to "favourably" reconsider its request to become the 194th member of the United Nations.

And ahead of that vote European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Spain, Ireland and other EU member countries planned to recognise a Palestinian state on 21 May 21.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in March that Spain and Ireland, along with Slovenia and Malta, had agreed to take the first steps towards recognition of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, seeing a two-state solution as essential for lasting peace.

Asked on local Spanish radio station RNE if 21 May was when Spain, Ireland and other EU countries would recognise a Palestinian state, Mr Borrell said yes, mentioning Slovenia as well.

"This is a symbolic act of a political nature," he said.

"More than a state, it recognises the will for that state to exist."

He added that Belgium and other countries would probably follow.

Previously, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares had said the decision on recognition had been made, although he did not give a date.

The Conservative government has resisted calls for the UK to recognise a Palestinian state, although foreign secretary David Cameron has said this could potentially happen before Israeli-Palestinian talks on a two-state solution concluded.

He said in February that official recognition "can’t come at the start of the process, but it doesn't have to be the very end of the process."

The United States has warned Israel that it will hand a strategic victory to Hamas if it carries out plans for an all-out assault on Rafah.

The warning came as Joe Biden said he would pause more offensive military assistance to Israel if it pushed ahead with the operation in a city where more than one million civilians are sheltering, after being forced to flee from other parts of Gaza.

"Our view is any kind of major Rafah ground operation would actually strengthen Hamas's hands at the negotiating table, not Israel's," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said.

"We believe that they have put an enormous amount of pressure on Hamas and that there are better ways to go after what is left of Hamas in Rafah than a major ground operation."

He warned more civilian deaths in Rafah from an Israeli offensive would give more ammunition to Hamas's "twisted narrative" about Israel.

Talks in Cairo aimed at securing a six-week ceasefire to allow for the release of some hostages and a surge of food and aid to civilians in Gaza are continuing, Mr Kirby added.

But CIA director Bill Burns and other delegations to the talks left Egypt yesterday without a deal.

It was reported that Hamas formally accepted a ceasefire deal that would see it release all the remaining hostages in exchange for the war ending.

However, Israel said its core demands were not met in the proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, and that it would not agree to a full withdrawal of its forces or a permanent ceasefire.

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Foreign Office updates Turkey travel advice as UK tourists told 'leave the area'

T he UK Foreign Office has updated its advice for holidaymakers travelling to Turkey. The government advises against travel to specific parts of Turkey, while tourists visiting safe-to-travel areas have been warned to be wary of certain crimes and given guidance on how to keep themselves safe.

Turkey is one of the UK's favourite holiday destinations after Spain, attracting nearly four million British tourists in 2023. Many are drawn by its stunning beaches and mountain ranges, delicious cuisine and fascinating cities - but holidaymakers should always follow official travel advice when jetting off abroad.

The British Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. It also advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hikkari Province. People who travel against the government's advice could see their travel insurance invalidated.

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Other areas most popular with holidaymakers including Istanbul, Antalya and Bodrum are generally considered safe for travel, however the Foreign Office has warned travellers about political demonstrations and crimes including pickpocketing and food and drink spiking and staying safe when using transport.

The government updated its travel advice for Turkey on May 1 to include information on health, wildfires, crime, outdoor activities and adventure tourism. See below for a round-up of the government's current travel advice...

Terrorist attacks and protests

Tourists have been told to 'stay aware of their surroundings at all times' due to a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.

Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul and anyone visiting these areas has been urged to keep up to date on local news reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. Attacks could happen on places visited by tourists including public buildings, places of worship, airports and large public gatherings.

Conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to heightened tensions and occasional demonstrations can happen in cities and may become violent, the Foreign Office warned. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protests and tourists have been warned to avoid all demonstrations and 'leave the area' if one develops.

Holidaymakers have also been urged to be wary of recent crime trends in major tourist areas. Street robberies and pickpocketing are common so travellers should keep their personal belongings secure. There have also been cases of drink and food spiking, so tourists are advised to always buy their own drinks and keep sight of them - and be wary of any strangers who approach you asking to change money, try to take you to a restaurant or nightclub or offer you food or drink.

British consular staff in Turkey received 42 reports of sexual assault including rape in 2023 and most cases happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas. Crimes were often committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel workers, so people in these situations have been warned to 'be extra vigilant'.

Accepting lifts from strangers can also be dangerous. The Foreign Office urges holidaymakers to find a registered taxi and to note down the registration number before entering.

Outdoor activities

Brits taking part in outdoor activities should check that adequate safety precautions are in place, particularly when doing extreme sports. The Foreign Office says: "Only use reputable operators. Make sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for all activities you do."

Specific travel insurance is needed to cover quad biking and insurance sold by hire companies usually only provides third party insurance. If the vehicle is damaged, tourists are likely to be charged and may face arrest if they do not pay. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets and failure to do so may invalidate your insurance. If police catch you not wearing a helmet, you can be fined and have your licence taken away.

The government's latest advice also includes warnings about wildfires, which happen frequently in Turkey during the summer. It reads: "You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Barbecues are prohibited in these areas. If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities."

Planning your next trip? Travel Republic is currently offering up to 67% off the cost of package holidays Turkey. Luxury suitcase brand Antler has also reduced the price of its Ryanair , Jet2 and TUI-approved Brixham Cabin Bag from £170 to £102 in the sale.