This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Terrorism (possible attacks against Western interests, including Western individuals). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Yemen because of the very high threat of terrorist attack. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you're comfortable travelling to Yemen knowing that there is a very high threat from terrorism and you may be caught up in a terrorist attack. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Yemen, you should exercise extreme caution. If you are already in Yemen and concerned for your safety, consider departing.

We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against Western interests, including Western individuals, in Yemen. During March and April 2008, there have been several attacks targeting Western interests in Sana'a. An explosive device detonated near the Yemeni headquarters of a Canadian oil company on 10 April 2008. Four days earlier, three explosions occurred at a housing compound for foreigners in the al-Hadda area in south-western Sana'a. On 18 March 2008, two people were killed and numerous others were injured, including children, in a mortar attack near the United States Embassy and a school in Sana'a. The US Embassy has ordered the departure of non-emergency staff and family members and advised its employees to avoid hotels, restaurants and tourist areas and to strictly limit time spent in public places until further notice.

Four gunmen attacked a convoy of foreign tourists in Wadi Dawan in Hadramaut province, 300 kilometres east of Sana'a, on 18 January 2008. Three people were killed and three others injured.

A group claiming to be an international terrorist organisation continues to issue statements pledging to continue attacks against all Westerners in the Arabian Peninsula. In past statements, international terrorists have called for attacks in the Gulf region against Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.

On 9 July 2007, an improvised explosive device was found in Aden. On 20 May 2007, one person was killed and another injured by explosions targeting Yemeni government buildings in central Sana'a. There were a number of attacks against Yemeni government targets in April 2005. Other attacks have targeted oil industry infrastructure and facilities. Further attacks are likely and could occur at anytime anywhere in Yemen.

Marib province: We strongly advise you not to travel to the Marib province because of the very high risk of terrorist attack. If you are in this region, you should consider leaving.

On 9 August 2007, terrorists armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades attacked a power station and military and government targets in Marib province. A day earlier, security forces killed four terrorists during a raid near Marib City. Seven foreign nationals and two Yemenis were killed and seven others were wounded when a suicide bomber drove a car into a convoy of tourist vehicles at an ancient temple 100km east of Sana'a in Marib province on 2 July 2007.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Targets include areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, cafes, fast food and retail franchises, schools, places of worship, embassies and diplomatic interests, buildings housing international corporations, outdoor recreation events, private and public transport, transport, government and military infrastructure, oil industry facilities, tourist areas, markets and shopping centres.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Political and economic developments in Yemen and the region may prompt large demonstrations.

You should avoid protests and demonstrations throughout Yemen as they may become violent.

In the past, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured in stampedes at political rallies in Yemen. Lives have also been lost in election-related shootings.

You should monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.

Saada Province: We strongly advise you not to travel to Saada province in northern Yemen because of the risk of violent civil unrest. Heavy fighting between government and rebel forces in the region ceased after a peace settlement was reached in June 2007, but the situation remains tense. Media reports indicate fighting could resume at any time. If you are in this region, you should consider leaving.

Crime

Despite government efforts to disarm the population, weapons are still readily available within Yemen and the tribes are often heavily armed.

On 23 June 2007, an armed man fired on a group of foreign employees of an US oil company as they disembarked from an aircraft in Shabwa province in Yemen's south-east. One person was killed and a number of others injured. A US warden message issued on the same day recommended travel be avoided to Shabwa and neighbouring Marib provinces. US embassy travel to these areas has been cancelled.

There is a risk of kidnapping in Yemen, including on the Aden/Taiz/Sana'a highway, and in the provinces of al-Jawf, Abyan, Saadah, Dharmar, Amran, Marib and Shabwa. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped by tribesmen with grievances against the Yemeni government. The most recent incident occurred in August 2007

Armed car-jacking has occurred in many parts of the country.

Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching, is rare but does occur. Credit card fraud, such as skimming, also occurs.

Unaccompanied women can be vulnerable to harassment.

Local Travel

Unclear and unheeded traffic laws, excessive speed, roaming animals and pedestrians are the cause of many road accidents.

Unexploded munitions, including landmines, are a danger in the central highlands and in the southern and eastern regions, particularly around Aden.

Travel outside major cities should only be undertaken as part of an organised tour with military escort.

Foreigners wanting to undertake independent travel outside Sana'a are required to apply for permission from the Ministry of Tourism.

Avoid travelling after dark. Do not leave your vehicle unattended due to the risk of explosive devices being left in, on or near it.

Drive with your vehicle's doors locked and windows closed due to the risk of car-jacking.

Women should take care when travelling alone, particularly at night. You should pay attention to your immediate surroundings and exercise judgement.

You should seek the advice of the Yemeni authorities before entering Yemeni waters or ports. Many areas are sensitive from a security or territorial point of view.

There is a high risk of piracy in the coastal areas of Yemen. See our travel advice on shipping and ports for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The monsoon season is from June to September, sometimes resulting in flooding.

Sand storms and dust storms also occur.

Yemen is in a seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. Yemen does not have an extensive ATM network, while credit cards and travellers' cheques are not widely accepted.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Childwise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Yemen, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are range from imprisonment and/or fine to death.

Homosexuality is illegal. Penalties for acts of sodomy range from imprisonment to death.

The death penalty can also be imposed for murder and some terrorism-related offences.

Some offences, including consuming alcohol in public, slander and adultery, are punishable with corporal punishment (lashing).

It is illegal to photograph government buildings, military personnel and installations, including airports and equipment, and other sensitive infrastructure. Military sites are not always clearly marked or defined.

Preaching religion other than Islam in public (except in churches) and attempting to convert Muslims is illegal.

There are restrictions on the sale of alcohol and pork. Customs authorities at border entry points will confiscate these products and in some cases travellers have been detained at borders because of the smell of alcohol on their breath.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child
sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

There are strict Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Yemen. Any disrespect for Islam will cause great offence. You should be modest in both your dress and behaviour. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Women are advised to wear a headscarf and cover their arms and legs, while men should avoid wearing shorts or unbuttoned shirts.

Non-Muslims may not enter mosques in Yemen.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Public displays of affection may cause offence.

It is generally unacceptable for unmarried couples to live together. Hotels may refuse accommodation to couples unable to provide proof of marriage.

Dual Nationality

Yemen does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Yemeni dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

Australian/Yemeni dual nationals may be required to complete national service obligations if they visit Yemen. For further information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Yemen before you travel.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa conditions change without notice. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Yemen for the most up to date information.

If you are arriving from a country infected with yellow fever, you will be required to present a valid yellow fever certificate to be granted entry into Yemen,

If a traveller's passport contains evidence of entry to Israel, or another country's border crossing points with Israel, entry to Yemen will be denied.

Local customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the import or export of items such as alcohol, firearms, pornography and antiquities.

Children under 18 years must have their father's permission to leave the country, regardless of the status of their parents' marriage and who has been granted custody.

Women in Yemen can be subjected to strict family controls and may be prevented from leaving the country. A Yemeni husband may legally prevent his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities in Yemen is limited and very basic outside the major cities of Sana'a and Aden. Private health care facilities generally require payment at the time of treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, or for complex procedures, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities could be necessary. Medical evacuation costs would be considerable.

Malaria occurs throughout Yemen, except for areas above 2,000 metres. Chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria have been reported. Other insect-borne diseases (including filariasis and leishmaniasis) are common. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, measles, schistosomiasis, polio and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to have vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The altitude in the Sana'a region can cause problems for travellers, particularly those who suffer from lung, heart or chest problems.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Yemen. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Saudi Arabia:

Australian Embassy
Abdullah Bin Hozafa Al-Shami Avenue
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966 1) 4887788
Facsimile: (966 1) 4887973
Website: http://www.saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au

The working week is Saturday to Wednesday, in accordance with local practice.

If you are travelling to Yemen, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.