23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
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Do not travel to Yemen, including the island of Socotra.
Do not travel to Yemen due to:
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Don't travel to Yemen because of the ongoing civil and international conflict. There's extreme political instability.
Violent jihadist groups have a strong presence in some parts of Yemen.
Terrorists have staged repeated attacks against Yemeni Government interests and civilian targets. Western interests continue to be prime terrorist targets.
Government forces, Houthi and other groups continue to fight in most parts of the country.
Tribal fighting over land is common. Tribes may use weapons, including in major cities
Countries in the region continue to conduct airstrikes. Some also have a military presence in Yemen.
The drawn-out, ongoing conflict has led to a severe breakdown in government services. It's also affected the supply of staple goods across the country.
There's a very high threat of kidnapping throughout Yemen.
Terrorists have kidnapped foreigners in recent years.
Kidnappings occur in:
In December 2014, a US citizen and a South African citizen died during a rescue attempt.
Terrorist groups, tribal groups and criminal gangs all kidnap foreigners, including Australians. Tribal groups and gangs sell victims to terrorist groups.
Kidnappers often ask for large ransom payments to release their captives.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
More information:
Terrorism and civil unrest have severely disrupted air travel and other means of leaving the country.
Most international flights have been suspended.
The conflict has damaged airport infrastructure.
You may not be able to get enough food, water or medical care.
If you're in Yemen despite our advice, leave now.
If you can't leave, take shelter in a safe place. Keep a low profile and explore all available options to leave.
Follow the advice from local authorities or trusted security experts before trying to leave by road.
There is no Australian Embassy or Consulate in the Yemen, therefore we are unable to provide emergency consular services to Australians in Yemen. Our ability to provide other consular help is extremely limited. In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Australia on +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas, or 1300 555 135 from Australia.
Australian officials have been instructed not to travel to Yemen for now because of security concerns.
Both the US and UK governments have recalled their diplomatic staff and suspended embassy operations.
If you enter the country or remain despite our advice:
There's a very high threat of terrorism throughout the country.
Terrorists target:
Foreign officials, business travellers, tourists and foreign residents have also been targets.
Embassies, diplomatic vehicles, international businesses and organisations, and hotels are also targets.
Terrorists can launch attacks in all parts of Yemen. Attacks against foreigners happen in urban and regional areas. Nowhere is safe from violence.
Terrorists have attacked oil interests and kidnapped foreign oil workers. They may be planning more attacks on oil infrastructure in Yemen.
If you decide to remain in Yemen despite our advice:
All Australians are at risk, regardless of occupation, ethnic or religious background, location or length of stay.
Always be alert. Keep a low profile and vary your routines. Make sure patterns in your behaviour and movement aren't obvious to anyone watching.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.
Demonstrations and protests
Important dates and political anniversaries can motivate violence and civil unrest.
Significant civil unrest occurs around days related to the reunification of North and South Yemen. This includes Unity Day on 22 May.
If you're in Yemen despite our advice:
Be careful around Friday prayers and stay indoors.
Monitor the media for safety and security risks. This includes important political events that may increase tensions.
Protests and demonstrations may affect your ability to travel by road.
More information:
Weapons are easily available, and tribes are often heavily armed.
Armed carjacking has happened in many parts of the country. Drive with your doors locked and windows up at all times.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching rarely happen.
Credit card fraud, such as skimming, happens.
Women travelling alone can be harassed and should take care, especially at night.
Yemen experiences severe weather.
The monsoon season is from June to September. Flooding can occur.
Sandstorms and dust storms can happen.
Yemen has earthquakes and active volcanoes.
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
If a natural disaster happens, follow the advice of local authorities.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. Be aware that most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept Australian or other health insurance. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
You'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Yemen.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Yemen. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Always carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor saying:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Yemen.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
Due to the current and on-going conflict in Yemen, it may not be adequately prepared to care for COVID-19 patients and contain the spread of the virus.
More information:
Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported in Middle Eastern countries, including Yemen.
Countries outside the Middle East have also reported cases from returning travellers.
The altitude in Sana'a region can cause problems, especially for those who suffer from lung, heart or chest problems.
Malaria is common, except in areas above 2000m.
Chloroquine-resistant strains have been reported.
Other insect-borne diseases, such as dengue, filariasis and leishmaniasis are common.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes happen. Ensure all your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.
A major cholera outbreak has intensified since late April 2017. Cholera is mostly spread by contaminated drinking water or food. In addition to cholera, other contagious diseases are spreading in the country.
To stay safe:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
The standard of medical facilities is poor.
The current conflict has made it difficult to access medical services.
You need to pay up-front if you're treated in private health care facilities. Most hospitals may accept cash payments only.
For serious illness, an accident or complex procedures, you may need to be medically evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. It can also be difficult to organise.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. here is no Australian Embassy or Consulate in Yemen, therefore we are unable to provide emergency services to Australians in Yemen.
Get professional legal advice if you're involved in local legal matters. This includes family law, divorce, child custody and child support.
Be aware of your rights and responsibilities.
Punishment for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs is severe. Penalties include fines, jail or the death penalty.
More information:
Same-sex relationships are illegal.
Penalties for acts of sodomy range from jail to death. See LGBTI travellers
The death penalty can also apply for murder and some terrorism crimes.
Some crimes are punishable by lashing. These include drinking alcohol in public, slander and adultery.
It's illegal to take photos of:
Military sites aren't always clearly marked or defined.
Preaching religion other than Islam in public, except in churches, is illegal.
Attempting to convert Muslims is illegal.
Restrictions apply to the sale of alcohol and pork. Customs authorities at border entry points will confiscate these products.
In some cases, authorities have detained travellers at borders because of the smell of alcohol on their breath.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from around mid April to mid May 2021. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public or in front of people who are fasting.
There are strict Islamic codes of dress and behaviour. Any disrespect for Islam will cause offence. Be modest in your dress and behaviour. Take care not to offend. If in doubt, get local advice.
Wear a headscarf and cover your arms and legs if you're a woman. Don't wear shorts or unbuttoned shirts if you're a man.
Non-Muslims may not go into mosques.
Public displays of affection may cause offence.
It's generally unacceptable for unmarried couples to live together.
Hotels may not allow couples to stay unless they can prove they are married.
Yemen doesn't recognise dual nationality.
If you're a dual citizen, and enter the country using a non-Australian passport, even limited consular services may not be available.
Dual nationals may need to complete national service if they visit Yemen.
If you're a dual national, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Yemen before you travel.
More information:
Australians are required to obtain prior visa to enter Yemen. A printed negative COVID-19 (PCR) test certificate taken no more than 72 hours before travel to Yemen is also required.
We advise against all travel to Yemen, including the island of Socotra.
If you're trying to leave, check exit requirements with local immigration authorities before you book your ticket.
Contact local airlines for their schedules and how to purchase tickets. Tickets can take weeks to issue. You may be charged administrative fees.
Flights could be delayed or cancelled at short notice. Check with your airline before travelling to the airport.
All land borders with countries neighbouring Yemen, sea and air ports may close at short or without prior notice. You should check with local authorities before travelling to the border. You should also monitor Travel Advice for Saudi Arabia and Oman that have land borders with Yemen.
Women can be subject to strict family controls and may be stopped from leaving the country.
A Yemeni husband may legally stop his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality.
Children under 18 years must have their father's permission to leave the country. It doesn't matter what the status of their parents' marriage is or who has custody.
Single parents or adults travelling alone with children may need documentation. You may need evidence of parental responsibility before you're allowed to leave the country with children.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Yemeni Rial (YER).
ATMs are very rare outside Sana'a. US dollars in cash is the most easily convertible currency.
If you travel to Yemen against our advice, you should regularly reassess your security arrangements and carefully plan your movements. Many areas are sensitive from a security or territorial point of view.
You may need permission from local authorities to travel outside Sana'a and some other cities.
Authorities may close access to certain areas without notice.
Unexploded weapons, including anti-personnel landmines, are a danger. They can be found in the central highlands, and in the southern and eastern regions, especially around Aden and in Sa’ada province.
Travel by road in conflict areas is dangerous. Don't consider it without expert local advice. Access routes in and out of major cities may be blocked or closed. Driving standards are poor and mountain roads hazardous. There is a severe shortage of fuel.
Other potential risks to may include landmines and unexploded ordnance from the previous and on-going conflicts including in some rural areas and areas where there's conflict. Landmine locations may not be marked.
Avoid all road travel outside of the main cities at night.
Get advice from authorities before entering Yemeni waters or ports.
There's a high threat of piracy in coastal areas.
Pirates have attacked different types of vessels in and around Yemen’s waters and the Gulf of Aden.
Pirates use motherships to attack shipping further than 1000 nautical miles (1850km) from the coast of Somalia.
All types of vessels are targets for Somali pirates. This includes commercial vessels, pleasure craft such as yachts and luxury cruise liners.
Use extreme caution anywhere near these waters.
More information:
The security situation remains volatile. There's widespread disruption to air travel and other departure options.
The safety record of airlines in Yemen is not available. There is no data about how well local planes are maintained. This lack of transparency raises concerns about airline safety.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Yemen's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Emergency services may not be available or reliable. Don't rely on them.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 191.
Call 191.
Call 194.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
The phone network is unreliable and limited outside of cities and large towns. Internet services are available but are very unreliable on mobile networks.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Yemen, therefore the Australian government and Embassy in Riyadh is unable to provide emergency services to Australians in Yemen.
The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular help to Australians in Yemen is extremely limited.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the Australian Embassy in Riyadh, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Australia on +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas, or 1300 555 135 from Australia.
Abdullah Bin Hozafa Al-Shami Avenue
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 11 2500 900
Fax: +966 11 2500 902
Email: Reg.riyadh@dfat.gov.au
Website: saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @AusEmbRiyadh
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AusEmbKSA
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
The working week is Sunday to Thursday.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia
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