yemen tourism board

About Yemen Tourism PromotionBoard (YTPB)

About Yemen Tourism Promotion Board (YTPB):

European Commission study concluded that it is very important to create a tourism promotion board in Yemen, and recommended that the Board should include all tourism-related agencies in both public and private sectors, and to adopt the function of private sector employment system to evade the bureaucracy of the public sector.

On this basis Tourism Promotion Board has been established in 1999 AD, and its main task is the marketing and promotion of the Yemeni tourism product abroad, especially in key-foreign markets through the implementation of the following:

• Participation in regional and international tourism exhibitions:

As a platform for foreign tourism companies gatherings, participation in international tourism exhibitions is considered as one of the most important ways of promoting tourism in Yemen.

During these exhibitions, local tourism companies will have the opportunity to meet their counterparts and make deals, on the other hand, YemenTourism Promotion Board will be able to promotion Yementhroughthe meetings with journalists and media professionals in TV, radio, newspapers... etc., as well as coordinating in programs production and articles writing for the anticipated situation of the country. And since the establishment of Yemen Tourism Promotion Board, it has participated annually in many international exhibitions including:

• EMITT exhibition in Istanbul-Turkey
• BIT exhibition in Milano - Italy
• ITB exhibition in Berlin – Germany
• ATM exhibition in Dubai – UAE
• JATTAexhibition in Tokyo –Japan
• WTM exhibition in London – UK
• MITT exhibition in Russia - Mo
• TopResa exhibition in Paris – France
• BITE exhibition in Beijing – China
• MATTA exhibition in kuala lumpur – Malaysia
• Fitur exhibition in Madrid – Spain
• Advertising in the international TV space channels:

To introduce the Yemeni tourism product worldwide and reach as much people as possible, YTPB has selected some of the best TV space channels in Arab and foreign countries to broadcast tourism promotion sites around Yemen, which included the channels of CNN, BBC, Al-Jazeera,Al-Arabiya, Atlas and some other French, Italian, Spanish and German channels.

• Advertising in the international newspapers and magazines:

As one of the main options YTPB publishes tourism ads in some of the most popular foreign newspapers and magazines to invite people to visit Yemen, among those newspapers and magazines: TTG, World Heritage, Al-Mosafir, Al-Arabi, and Islamic Tourism magazine.

• Monitoring foreign media:

Monitoring foreign media is done by Public Relations firms, thus YTPB can observe the foreign media to follow what is being published about Yemen,especially the negative issues and respond to them.And for those who write positive articles about Yemen, the YTPB expresses its appreciation to them by arranging Fam-trips for them to Yemen.

• Advertising in the local media:

Yemen Tourism Promotion Board publishes advertisements in the local media to raise awareness about the importance of tourism as a vital economical source among the people.

• Hiring public relations firms:

Amongthetasks of Public Relations firms is to negotiate with tour operators to include Yemen in their programs, monitor the media in their countries, arrange activities and events, coordinating tours and facilitate the journalists entry to Yemen.

YTPB has signed many contracts with public relations firms in France, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

• Conducting promotional campaign in Europe:

Yemen Tourism Promotion Board in coordination with Public Relations firms has implemented tourism promotional campaigns and conducted press conferences in some European countries including France, Italy, Germany and UK.

• Producing promotional materials:

Yemen Tourism Promotion Board produces, in different languages, various promotional materials including: brochures, CDs, maps, movies, documentaries, books, gifts … etc.

• Supporting tourism festivals:

Yemen Tourism Promotion Board supports local festivals that aimed toenhanceDomestic Tourism and introduce various tourism products in Yemen to both citizens and foreigners.

• Who we are?
• About Yemen

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• General information
• Governmental site

Publications

• tourist guide

Exhibitions

• Exhibitions lists 2016
• Application 2016

Tourism services

• Travel & Tourism Agencies
• Restaurants
• Shopping Centers
• Money transfer & exchange
• Logistics & Cargo
• Transportation Networks
• Echo & Natural tourism
• Historical tourism
• Adventure tourism
• Spiritual tourism
• UNESCO sites
• Yemen at Glance

Contact us:

• Who we are?
• About Yemen

Useful tips

• General information
• Governmental site

Publications

• tourist guide

Exhibitions

• Exhibitions lists 2016
• Application 2016

Tourism services

• Travel & Tourism Agencies
• Restaurants
• Shopping Centers
• Money transfer & exchange
• Logistics & Cargo
• Transportation Networks
• Echo & Natural tourism
• Historical tourism
• Adventure tourism
• Spiritual tourism
• UNESCO sites
• Yemen at Glance

Yemen Tourism

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• First Online: 29 April 2023
• Cite this living reference work entry

• Khaled Alduais 3  

The Republic of Yemen is located in Western Asia, occupying part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and Oman (Fig. 1 ). Yemen is one of the oldest centers of civilization in the Middle East, occupying 527,970 km 2 (203,850 mi 2 ) and having about 2000 km of coastline with 200 islands. The population is approximately 29.8 million (United Nations 2020 ).

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Euromonitor International. 2013. Travel and tourism in Yemen – industry overview: Country report . London: Euromonitor International.

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Ministry of Tourism. 2010. Annual statistics . Sana’a: Ministry of Tourism.

United Nations. 2020. Yemen. http://data.un.org/en/iso/ye.html . Retrieved 17 Apr 2021.

World Bank. 2020. Yemen’s economic update, April https://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/684451603047324789/pdf/18-mpo-am20-yemen-yem-kcm2.pdf . Retrieved 17 Apr 2021 .

WTTC. 2013. Travel and tourism economic impact . London: World Travel and Tourism Council.

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Arab Tourism Experts Association, Sana’a, Yemen

Khaled Alduais

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School of Hospitality Leadership, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI, USA

Jafar Jafari

School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Honggen Xiao

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Alduais, K. (2023). Yemen Tourism. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_676-5

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Ministry of Tourism Yemen

I represent and I am an adviser for the Ministry of Tourism in Yemen

Yemen Tourism Promotion Board (YTPB): Yemen Tourism Promotion Board (YTPB) was established in 1999, as a result of a study conducted by the European commission focused on ways to develop tourism in Yemen. The study stated that Yemen was very rich in terms of nature and culture tourism. However, the country was not investing and promoting its tourism resources efficiently to attract tourists. The study concluded that it was very important to establish a board to promote tourism in Yemen. It recommended that the board should include all tourism-related agencies in both public and private sectors and adopt the function system of the private sector in order to evade the bureaucracy of the public sector.

http://www.yementourism.com/

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Yemen Tourism Promotion Board

Why choose our destination.

Yemen Tourism Promotion Board (YTPB) was established in 1999, as a result of a study conducted by the European commission focused on ways to develop tourism in Yemen. YTPB supports local festivals that aim to encourage the inbound tourism and present different tourism products in Yemen to citizens and foreigners. Yemen Tourism Promotion Board is located in Sana'a, Yemen. The main task of YTPB is marketing and promoting the Yemeni tourism product overseas, especially in the main foreign tourism markets for Yemen. Yemen has come into significance at times only to fade into general obscurity. Yemen is very diverse. The 7000' mountains of the western half provide a perfect climate for growing some of the finest coffee in the world. Whereas, the northern desert that boarders Saudia Arabia is a barren flat dry hot rocky desert. On the southern coast the fine white sand beaches give way to the clear blue waters of the gulf of Aden. Yemen has adopted an economic policy based on free economy. The market mechanism encourages the private sector giving it a major role in the development of the country’s economy. It is possible to enter the Republic of Yemen through all international airports of Sana’a, Aden, Al Hodeidah, al Rayan and Taiz. You can also inter through the main seaports : , Aden port (the free Zone and it is the biggest port in Yemen) ,Al Hodeidah on the Red Sea, Al Mokha on the Red Sea and Al Mukala on the Arabian Sea.The total area o f Yemen is approximately 555,000 km2, excluding Al Rub al-Khali (The Empty Quarter Desert).

Distance from airport

9.32 mi. from city center

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God the Almighty has endowed Yemen with a diverse and beautiful terrain offering a wide variety of climates and landscapes to its visitor, from plains, high mountains, basins and fertile valleys, to hills, highlands, beaches, and deserts.

This topographic diversity led to unique cultural diversity manifested in the social customs of locals, their clothing, their heritage, in addition to the diversity of the antiquarian output of each region resulting from Yemen’s long civilizational history. This rich heritage positions Yemen as a cultural capital, regionally and internationally.

​Tourism in Yemen is a promising sector, since Yemen is one of the traditional cradles of civilization and possesses a wide variety of natural and historic attractions that make it a tourist landmark. This is evidenced by the diversity of Yemen’s architecture, including architectural models unparalleled in the world.

Yemen’s diverse coastal strip lies along two seas — the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea, and offers magnificent locations for recreation and Scuba diving. Yemen also possesses islands and archipelagos endowed with dazzling natural features.

​The data available on Yemen’s tourism sector indicates an expansion in tourist facilities, bringing the number of hotels at the end of the year 2006 to 1,166. One-star hotels represent more than 50% of the total number of hotels. The average tourist stay is six nights, and the average tourist expenditure per night is $135 US dollars, making Yemen an attractive option for budget travel.

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Yemen Travel Advisory

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 .

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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:

A Journey Through Wadi Daw’an, Yemen

Socotra In Photos

The Mud Skyscrapers Of Shibam: The Manhattan Of The Desert

How To Get A Visa For Socotra (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

Visiting the Outer Islands of the Socotra Archipelago

Wanna Go To Socotra?

Haid al Jazil: Central Yemen’s Most Beautiful Village

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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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

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. 

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