Americans In Yemen: Is Travel Still Possible?

Yemen is a country with a rich history and diverse landscapes, from the coastal areas along the Red Sea and Arabian Sea to the beautiful island of Socotra. However, it is important to note that the country has been plagued by conflict and security concerns, making it a potentially dangerous place for travellers, especially Americans.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Yemen, recommending that Americans do not travel to the country due to the high risk of terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines. The U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, suspended its operations in 2015, and the U.S. government currently has limited capabilities to provide emergency services to American citizens in Yemen.

Despite the risks, some adventurous travellers still consider visiting Yemen. This article will explore the topic of Americans travelling to Yemen and provide information about the current situation in the country.

The US government's position on travel to Yemen

The US Embassy in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, suspended its operations in February 2015. As a result, the US government currently has limited capabilities and is unable to provide emergency services or consular assistance to US citizens in Yemen.

The US Department of State warns of severe risks due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines. Terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates, continue to plot and carry out attacks throughout the country. Additionally, there is a high threat of kidnapping and detention, especially for dual US-Yemeni citizens.

The ongoing civil war in Yemen, which began in 2014, has caused severe destruction to critical infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities. This has led to limited access to electricity, clean water, and medical care in affected areas. The conflict has also disrupted the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, such as food, medicine, and water, by organisations trying to help.

Furthermore, the deterioration of health services has resulted in the re-emergence of infectious diseases such as cholera, polio, and measles, with limited availability of medicine and medical treatment.

The US government advises that US citizens in Yemen should depart the country immediately if it is safe to do so. Commercial flights are available from Aden and Sana'a to multiple destinations in the region.

For those who decide to travel to Yemen despite the advisory:

• Make contingency plans to leave the country without relying on US government assistance.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Be extremely vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Understand that you are responsible for your safety and that local authorities may not be able to provide significant assistance.

The security situation in Yemen

The presence of landmines throughout Yemen poses a significant risk to civilians. Additionally, there is a very high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, with terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates actively operating in the country. These groups frequently target public sites, transportation hubs, markets, and local government facilities. Foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, are at a high risk of kidnapping and detention by terrorists, criminal elements, or non-government actors. Employees of foreign organizations are also at risk of attacks or kidnapping.

The weak government institutions and ongoing civil unrest have led to a breakdown in law enforcement, with local authorities unable to effectively respond to serious crimes. As a result, violent crime and organized crime are widespread in Yemen. Foreign nationals are frequently targeted by criminals, especially when traveling outside of urban areas. Carjacking, robbery, and extortion are common, and weapons are readily available to both criminals and terrorists.

The political and security situation in Yemen remains uncertain, with a de-facto ceasefire in place between the Houthis and the Yemeni government since April 2022. However, sporadic incidents and tensions along frontlines persist, and the security situation can deteriorate rapidly. The ongoing hostilities in the Red Sea have further heightened tensions and increased the risk of widescale conflict resuming at short notice.

Due to the extremely volatile security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a suspended its operations in February 2015, and the U.S. government is currently unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Yemen, recommending that U.S. citizens do not travel to the country due to the high risks of terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines.

The safety of Yemeni transport

The US Department of State has designated Yemen as a Level 4: Do Not Travel country, and the US Embassy in Sana'a has been closed since February 2015. The US government is therefore unable to provide emergency services to US citizens in Yemen. The Yemeni government has also imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions, requiring a medical certificate confirming freedom from infectious diseases to obtain a visa.

Yemen's transportation infrastructure is poor, with only 6,200 kilometres of paved roads out of a total of 71,300 kilometres. Traffic laws are rarely enforced, and drivers frequently ignore them. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in immediate imprisonment. Yemeni law mandates right-hand driving, but this is not always followed, and speed limits are rarely enforced. There is also a notable risk of bribery among local officials.

Yemen has 57 airports, 17 of which have paved runways, and five of which are international. However, due to the risks posed to civil aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).

There is no railway network in Yemen, despite several proposals.

Yemen's main ports are Aden, Al Hudaydah, Mukalla, and Mocha. The International Maritime Bureau reports that offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden are high-risk for piracy, and hijackings and attacks by the Yemeni Navy on boats suspected of illegal smuggling are common. The Commandant of the US Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Yemeni ports, and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels arriving in US ports after visiting Yemen.

In cities, public transport is available in the form of minivans and small buses, which do not follow regular routes. Shared taxis (bijou) are also common, and private taxis can be found in major cities and at the airport. Inter-city buses operate between all major cities and large towns and are a cheap way to travel. However, visitors are required to produce travel permits at checkpoints in each town.

The safety of Yemeni accommodation

Yemen is a beautiful country, with green mountains, deserts, mud-brick villages, ancient ruins, and centuries-old traditions. However, it has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015, and the country has had a significant Al Qaeda presence. Therefore, it is important to take extra precautions when it comes to accommodation in Yemen.

Firstly, it is crucial to have a trusted local guide and fixing team who are well-connected and know the local police and military in each region you visit. They should also have contingency plans in case things go wrong. These people will be your first line of defence and you will rely on them to help and protect you, as foreign governments may not be able to provide much assistance.

In terms of specific accommodations, it is recommended to stay in private apartments rather than hotels, as they offer more privacy and security. Having an additional team member for security in a separate lead car is also advisable.

For women travelling to Yemen, it is important to follow the local dress code by wearing a black abaya (a body-covering loose black robe) and niqab (a full-face veil with only the eyes visible). This is not just a matter of respect for the local culture, but also for your safety, as women in southern Yemen typically dress in this manner.

For men, the traditional Yemeni outfit includes a fouta (a cloth man-skirt) and sometimes a headscarf.

When it comes to communication, it is essential to have a local SIM card to stay connected and informed about the security situation. Additionally, carrying a satellite communicator, such as a Garmin InReach+, can provide an extra layer of safety by allowing you to send text messages, emails, and Facebook messages from anywhere outdoors.

Finally, it is crucial to have an emergency extraction plan in case things go wrong. This includes knowing the borders and having the necessary visas, as well as having a contact in a neighbouring country who can assist with tickets and transport if needed. Carrying a second or duplicate passport, or having dual citizenship, can also be advantageous in an emergency.

The safety of Yemeni food and water

Yemen is one of the world's most water-scarce countries, and its groundwater resources are being depleted at twice the rate they are being replenished. This is due to a combination of factors, including climate change, rapid population growth, and the irrigation of water-intensive crops such as qat. The depletion of groundwater resources has a direct impact on agricultural production, as the sector accounts for 90% of water withdrawal in the country.

The lack of access to safe drinking water and reliable sanitation facilities has led to an increased risk of bacterial diseases, such as cholera, which spread to 19 governorates and affected 53,000 people in 2016. Overall, about 14.5 million people in Yemen lack access to safe drinking water, and only one-third of the population is connected to a piped water network.

The water crisis in Yemen has been further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, which has disrupted agricultural systems and public services, including health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors. The displacement of people due to the conflict has also put additional strain on the limited water resources.

To address the water situation in Yemen, interventions have been made by organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). FAO has implemented projects to improve water use efficiency and promote sustainable water management practices. UNICEF has provided access to safe and sustained drinking water to millions of people through various activities, including water trucking, installation of water distribution points, and expansion of water supply systems to IDP camps.

Despite these efforts, the water situation in Yemen remains precarious, and more collaborative and strategic interventions are needed to address the complex and huge water problem in the country.

Frequently asked questions