Yemen remains a country plagued by significant risks, making it extremely unsafe for travel. The U.S. Department of State strongly advises against any travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015, leaving the U.S. government unable to provide emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens within the country.
Ongoing Threats and Instability
The security situation in Yemen is highly volatile. The Department of State has designated Ansarallah (the Houthis) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. Other terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates, actively plan and execute attacks throughout the country. These attacks can occur with little to no warning, targeting public areas, transportation hubs, markets, and government buildings.
Alt: War-torn building in Sana’a, Yemen, illustrating the impact of the ongoing conflict and security risks.
The risk of kidnapping and detention by terrorist groups, criminals, and other factions is a serious concern. Foreign workers and employees are particularly vulnerable. The ongoing civil war further exacerbates the dangers. Although a truce in April 2022 led to a reduction in violence, instability and clashes persist, particularly along front lines in central Yemen. Travelers cannot expect substantial assistance from local authorities. Kidnapping and carjacking targeting foreigners are frequent, especially outside urban centers.
Breakdown of Infrastructure and Essential Services
The prolonged military conflict has devastated Yemen’s essential infrastructure. Housing, medical facilities, schools, and utilities have suffered extensive damage, resulting in severe shortages of electricity, clean water, and adequate medical care. Humanitarian organizations face significant challenges in delivering essential food, medicine, and water to those in need. The widespread presence of landmines throughout Yemen poses an additional and potentially deadly threat.
Prevalence of Crime and Health Risks
Violent and organized crime is rampant in Yemen. Local law enforcement agencies are often unable or unwilling to respond effectively to serious crimes. Moreover, Yemen’s healthcare system is severely compromised. Diseases such as cholera, polio, and measles are re-emerging and spreading, particularly in Houthi-controlled regions. Medicine and medical supplies are scarce, and access to adequate medical treatment is often unavailable.
Alt: Yemeni medical worker assisting a patient, reflecting the challenges and limited resources within the country’s healthcare system.
Specific Risks to U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens, especially those holding dual U.S.-Yemeni citizenship, face a heightened risk of kidnapping and detention in Yemen. There have been reports of U.S. citizens, particularly young individuals, being kidnapped for forced marriages, often involving family members in both the United States and Yemen. The Houthis, who control Sana’a, have detained U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, and imposed difficulties and delays on their attempts to leave the country.
Furthermore, some companies operating outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of Socotra Island, offering tourist trips with unofficial and invalid “visas.” These companies expose tourists to significant danger and legal repercussions. Only the Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas, and the U.S. government is unable to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Socotra. Therefore, travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen is strongly discouraged.
Travel Advisories and Safety Measures
Due to the risks to civil aviation operating within or near Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). Similarly, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or near Yemeni territorial waters. The U.S. Coast Guard has also 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 after visiting ports in Yemen.
If You Decide to Travel to Yemen Despite the Risks
Despite the clear and present dangers, should you decide to travel to Yemen, it is crucial to take the following precautions:
- Visit the Department of State’s website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Make comprehensive contingency plans for leaving the country without U.S. government assistance.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
- Establish a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets, and funeral wishes.
- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones to ensure they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned.
- Maintain constant awareness of your surroundings.
- Develop a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
- Create a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization to facilitate monitoring of your safety and location.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/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, referring to the Traveler’s Checklist.
Conclusion: Yemen is Not Safe for Travel
In conclusion, Yemen remains an extremely dangerous travel destination. The U.S. Department of State’s strong advisory against travel to Yemen reflects the numerous and significant risks, including terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health hazards, kidnapping, and armed conflict. U.S. citizens should heed this warning and avoid all travel to Yemen to ensure their safety and well-being. The lack of U.S. government consular services further underscores the severity of the situation.
