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International Travel > Learn About Your Destination > Yemen International Travel Information
Updated to reflect additional information on terrorism and security.
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. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.
The Department of State has designated Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. Other 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 reduced overall levels of violence continue following the April 2022 truce, 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 have departed from Aden and Sana’a to multiple destinations in the region. Contact airlines and travel companies directly for the most current information on flights departing Yemen.
Companies outside of Yemen have misrepresented the security situation on the Yemeni island of Socotra. They offer tourist visits, including by facilitating unofficial and invalid "visas." Only the sovereign Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas. Companies that arrange such visits are putting tourists in danger, including legal jeopardy. While security conditions may be less volatile than on the mainland, the U.S. government has no presence and no way to assist 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:
Must be valid for six months at time of entry.
One page per entry stamp.
Yes. Must be obtained at Yemeni embassies and consulates abroad.
None required.
Unknown.
Unknown.
The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended operations on February 11, 2015, and therefore cannot provide consular services 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 YemenEmergencyUSC@state.gov. 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.
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Yemen for information on U.S.-Yemen relations.
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorism, kidnappings, detentions, civil unrest, armed conflict and landmines. The Department urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Yemen and urges U.S. citizens currently 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.
Yemen has imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on anyone with a known HIV infection. One requirement to obtain an entry visa to Yemen is a medical certificate issued by an authorized official body confirming you are free from infectious diseases. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Yemen.
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 FBU.Jerusalem@SSA.gov.
Terrorism: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets.
For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Since September 2014, the Houthis, who control Sana’a and other areas of northern Yemen, have detained U.S. citizens, including those with dual Yemeni-U.S. citizenship. Reports say that U.S. citizens are targeted just because they are U.S. citizens. It does not matter how long they have been in Yemen or if they have connections with rebel groups, local businesses, or humanitarian organizations.
During their detention, which can last for years, U.S. citizens are not allowed to contact their families. They also cannot receive visits from U.S. consular personnel or international humanitarian organizations. The U.S. government has very limited ability to help U.S. citizens in detention. There has been no U.S. diplomatic presence in Yemen since the Houthis took over Sana’a.
In addition to the risk of detention by rebel groups, U.S. citizens in Yemen face other dangers. These include ongoing conflict, terrorist activity, and kidnappings for ransom. Violence, armed conflict, and artillery shelling continue in many areas of the country. Yemen remains very unstable and dangerous.
Ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden should be on high alert. Tensions in the region increase the risk of damage to ships from missiles, projectiles, or waterborne explosive devices. Piracy is also a threat in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean. There have been many pirate attacks in waters near Yemen in recent years. The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) warns that regional tensions have increased the risk of maritime attacks by extremists in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandeb.
MARAD 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.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance also pose a risk. 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 assistance from local authorities. Foreigners are frequently the target of kidnapping and carjacking, particularly when traveling outside of urban areas.
Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Yemen. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.
GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
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 or 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 in 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.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.
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 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 U.S. Department of State 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.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
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:
LGB 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 LGB 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 may not be as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
See our Travelers with Disabilities page.
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.
For emergency services in Yemen, dial 199. Please note that operators are not likely to speak English.
Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas.
See our Health Abroad page for more information.
The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Yemen Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Yemen.
Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
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.
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.
Traffic Laws: Traffic laws in Yemen are rarely enforced. Drivers frequently ignore traffic laws, particularly late at night. Yemeni law mandates right-hand driving, but some drivers occasionally use the left side of the road. Speed limits are generally not enforced, but speed detectors are present in some areas. Additionally, bribery is not uncommon among local officials.
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.
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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