Yemen

Do not travel to Yemen, including the island of Socotra due to the ongoing civil and international conflict. There's extreme political and security instability.

Despite truce agreements, the security situation in Yemen remains highly unstable and unpredictable.  Truce agreements may be violated or terminated at any moment, which may escalate the security situation and levels of violence.

Military operations are taking place in Houthi controlled areas in response to attacks by Houthi militants on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and attacks on Israel. The Houthis continue to target and attack ships transiting the Red Sea and surrounding waters, including the Gulf of Aden. 

On 23 May 2024, the Australian Government listed Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code). Under Division 102 of the Criminal Code, it is an offence to be a member of, associate with members of, participate in, train with, or provide support to, a terrorist organisation. These offences are punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment.

There may be limited government control over parts of the country.

Violent jihadist groups have a strong presence in some parts of Yemen. Terrorist groups in Yemen remain a serious threat and continue to plan and conduct attacks.

Terrorists have staged repeated attacks against Yemeni Government interests and civilian targets. Foreign interests continue to be prime terrorist targets.

Locals and foreigners, including UN staff, aid workers, and employees of non-government organisations (NGOs), have been the targets of arrest, kidnapping, terrorism and assassination.

Tribal fighting over land and other causes is common. Local tribes are heavily armed and may use weapons, including in major cities.

There are landmines in some areas of the country, including Hudaydah city. These have killed civilians.

Some regional countries also have a military presence in Yemen.

Following years of conflict, there's been a breakdown in government and public services, including power and water supplies. It has impacted the supply of goods and services across the country. Medical services and supplies are extremely limited and may not be available in some areas.

Food insecurity and a deteriorating economic situation may worsen due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Transport options to leave Yemen are very limited, and roads may be closed at any time without notice.

Most people in Yemen do not speak English.

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Yemen. It may be difficult for the Australian Government and the Embassy in Riyadh to provide emergency consular or passport services. The Embassy of Australia in Riyadh is not able to provide assistance with evacuation or repatriation to Australians in Yemen.

Travel disruption

Terrorism and civil unrest have severely disrupted air travel and other means of leaving the country.

Most international flights have been suspended. Limited commercial flights to and from Yemen have operated out of Aden, Seiyun (Hadhramaut) and Sana'a to different destinations in the region. Flights may be disrupted at any time with little notice.

The conflict has damaged airport and sea port infrastructure.

You may not be able to get enough food, water or medical care.

If you're in Yemen despite our advice, you should consider leaving if it's safe to do so.

If you can't leave, take shelter in a safe place. Keep a low profile and explore all available options to leave.

Routes in and out of Yemeni cities and ports may become blocked at short notice. Follow the advice from local authorities or trusted security experts before trying to leave by road.

Electricity outages

Electricity supply throughout Yemen is unreliable, and power outages are common. Power outages can last for hours.

Opportunistic criminal acts and mass protests can occur during power outages.

Businesses such as petrol stations that are reliant on government-supplied electricity or without backup electricity generators may temporarily suspend operations during power outages.

Consular assistance

There's no Australian Embassy or Consulate in Yemen, and it may be difficult to provide emergency consular or passport services to Australians in Yemen. Our ability to provide consular and passport assistance 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.

If you need to renew your passport while in Yemen, contact the Embassy of Australia in Riyadh to check whether you're eligible for a mailed-in application.

Australian officials have been instructed not to travel to Yemen because of security concerns.

If you enter the country or remain despite our advice:

• keep in contact with family and friends
• don't travel alone or at night
• check routes before you travel
• don't put your travel or other plans on social media
• if travelling in a vehicle, lock doors and keep windows closed at all times
• work with only reliable, registered and authorised organisations and travel agencies
• don't carry large amounts of cash or display signs of wealth
• follow instructions from local authorities

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

There's a very high threat of kidnapping throughout Yemen, including in urban and rural areas.

Terrorists in Yemen have kidnapped locals and foreigners in recent years, including UN staff, aid workers and journalists. Some foreign hostages have been killed, and some may have been sold to terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda in the Arabia Peninsula (AQAP) and Daesh (ISIS).

Terrorist groups, tribal groups and criminal gangs kidnap foreigners, including Australians. Tribal groups and gangs sell victims to terrorist groups.

Kidnappers often ask for large ransom payments to release captives.

Terrorist attacks

There's a very high threat of terrorism throughout Yemen.

Terrorist targets include:

• Yemeni Government interests, including infrastructure, seaports and airports, security force bases, government Ministries, and surrounding areas
• security patrols and parades
• Houthi interests
• places of worship
• foreign interests    
• tourist attractions, embassies, diplomatic vehicles, international businesses and organisations, and hotels
  other locations where foreigners might be

Foreign officials, business travellers, tourists and foreign residents have also been targets.

Terrorists can launch attacks in all parts of Yemen. Foreigners have been attacked in urban and regional areas. 

Terrorists have attacked oil facilities and kidnapped international aid and oil workers. They may be planning more attacks on oil infrastructure and other organisations, including aid organisations in Yemen.

Attacks and assassinations by car bombs, drones and gunfire have occurred. These can occur anywhere in Yemen. If you decide to remain in Yemen despite our advice, you should:

• get professional security advice and liaise with trusted contacts
• adopt strict security procedures and explore reliable resources to protect yourself
• be aware of your surroundings
• be extremely cautious and keep a low profile at all times
• carefully consider the need for any travel
• monitor local and international media for up-to-date information on the local situation
• consider keeping your next of kin informed by your welfare

All Australians are at risk, regardless of occupation, ethnic or religious background, location or length of stay.

Always be alert. Avoid posting your photos and geographic locations on social media while in Yemen. Vary your routines and make sure patterns in your behaviour and movement aren't obvious to anyone watching.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

Demonstrations and protests

Demonstrations and protests can take place at any time and place. Even peaceful events can turn violent without warning.

Protests and demonstrations may affect your ability to travel by road. During demonstrations, roads, highways, and other routes, including to and from the airport, may be blocked. Security checkpoints may be deployed in or around the areas of demonstrations and protests.

Important dates and political anniversaries can motivate violence and civil unrest. Mass protests may occur over power and water outages and can turn violent. Roads may be blocked by local authorities and protesters.

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, you should:

• avoid major events because violence could happen
• not go to any demonstrations, protests or political rallies and leave affected areas as soon as it's safe
• stay away from crowds because they can often turn violent

Be careful around Friday prayers, mourning, and religious anniversaries and festivals, and stay indoors.

Carefully monitor local media for safety and security risks, including significant political events that may increase tensions. Follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Weapons are readily available in Yemen, and tribes are often heavily armed.

Violent and organised crime is widespread in Yemen. Police response times are poor. Local law enforcement's ability or willingness to respond to serious crimes may be limited or non-existent.

Armed carjacking has occurred in many parts of the country. Drive with your doors locked and windows up at all times.

Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and credit card fraud, such as skimming, may happen. Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, electronic items or other valuables.

Don't display signs of wealth or bring large amounts of cash to Yemen. Exchange currency at official exchange stores only.

To protect yourself against petty theft:   

• keep a close eye on your belongings
• leave valuables in a safe place and carry only what you need
• do not post photos on social media of your valuables
• secure your passport and other travel documents

If you're female, take extra care when dealing with strangers or people you've just met. Be especially wary about accepting rides or invitations. Women travelling alone can be harassed and should take care, especially at night.

In Houthi-controlled areas (central and northern Yemen), authorities may seek to detain women participating in community and leadership activities or women travelling without a male guardian.

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Piracy 

There's a significant threat of piracy and armed robbery in Yemeni waters, the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

Pirates have attacked vessels and held foreigners hostage for ransom in the Gulf of Aden.

Attractive targets for pirates include:

• commercial vessels
• pleasure craft
• luxury cruise liners

You should remain out of the designated High-Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom. Check with the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa).

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information

• Piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

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:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family
• seek local advice before entering affected areas

If despite our advice you plan to travel to Yemen, you will need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian travel insurance policies will not cover you for travel to Yemen, including the Island of Socotra. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including hospital stays and 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 or get involved in any commercial disputes.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

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.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave. Explore support resources prior to travel. Search for and consider carrying a list of local doctors and hospitals before your travel. 

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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.

Some medicines may not be available in Yemen, and there may be shortages of other medicines.

Some skincare products and e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in Yemen, such as Cannabidiol (CBD) oil. CBD oil or products are illegal in Yemen, even if they're for medical or recreational purposes. It's a serious crime to carry illegal drugs or CBD oil or products in Yemen. Punishment can result in imprisonment and deportation.

For more information or to check if your medication is legal in Yemen, please contact and check with your nearest Embassy or Consulate of Yemen prior to your departure.

Local authorities may detain or deport travellers for:

• carrying medication to treat HIV/AIDS or hepatitis
• testing positive for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis - see Health

Always take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry your medicine in its original packaging and a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor that states:

• your name
• the medicine's brand and scientific (chemical) name
• the prescribed dosage and the duration of treatment, and
• that it's for your personal use.

More information:

• Medication

Respiratory system risks

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 the Sana'a region can cause problems, especially for those who suffer from lung, heart or chest problems.

Insect-borne diseases

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:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• measles
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• polio (poliomyelitis)
• rabies
• diphtheria
• diarrhoea

Severe 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 spread mainly through contaminated drinking water or food. In addition to cholera, other contagious diseases are circulating in the country.

To stay safe:

• avoid drinking tap water. Drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• don't eat ice cubes
• avoid raw or undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

The current conflict has made it difficult to access full medical services across the country.

The standard of medical facilities and services is generally poor and is of an even lower standard in rural areas. Ambulance and emergency services are inadequate and are often not available or accessible, particularly in rural areas.

You must pay upfront if you're treated in private healthcare facilities. Most hospitals accept cash payments only.

You may need to be medically evacuated for serious illness, an accident, or complex procedures. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and difficult to organise. Check your insurance policy and contact your insurance provider for assistance.

The electricity supply throughout Yemen is unreliable, and power outages are very common. Public and private hospitals that don't have backup power generators sometimes temporarily suspend operations during power outages.

If you're in a rural area and become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to main cities or internationally. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Keep local emergency numbers and local contacts with you at all times.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

There's no Embassy or Consulate of Australia in Yemen. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Yemen is extremely limited, including if you're arrested or jailed.

Get professional legal advice if you're involved in local legal matters. This includes criminal, business or family law, divorce, child custody and child support.

It's illegal to give birth out of wedlock. Sentences can include imprisonment or the death penalty. Yemen does not recognise children born outside marriage and does not issue birth certificates for children born outside marriage.

Buying or removing Yemeni antiquities is illegal without a permit from the relevant local authorities.

In Yemen, both men and women should dress modestly in public.

Be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Marriage

If you wish to marry a Yemeni national, your partner will first need approval from the Government of Yemen. Check current requirements and timeframes directly with the relevant local authorities or contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate of Yemen.

Drugs

Punishment for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs is severe. Penalties include fines, jail or the death penalty.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Serious offences

Authorities can detain you without charge if you're suspected of committing an offence.

You may have to wait months for legal help or for a court appearance while authorities investigate.

Trials are held under Islamic law and procedures.

People convicted of serious offences can face:

• long jail sentences
• heavy fines
• deportation

Penalties for some offences are severe and can carry the death penalty. These offences include:

• murder
• robbery
• arson/explosion
• endangering transport and communications
• adultery
• prostitution
• same-sex relationships
• abandoning the Islamic religion
• promoting religions other than Islam

Some crimes are punishable by lashing and imprisonment. These include drinking alcohol in public, slander and adultery.

Get permission before taking photographs of people, especially women and children.

It's illegal to take photos of:

• government buildings
• military personnel
• military installations
• airports
• equipment
• other sensitive infrastructure

Military sites aren't always clearly marked or defined.

Preaching or promoting a religion other than Islam in public, except in churches, is illegal. Attempting to convert Muslims is illegal.

Preaching non-Islamic religions in Yemen, even to non-Muslims, may be perceived negatively by local people and may raise the attention of radical and extremist groups. Consequences could be severe and could result in assaults or death by such groups or other local religious organisations or individuals.

Restrictions apply to the sale or possession of alcohol, pornography 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.

LGBTQIA+ laws

Yemen doesn't recognise or allow same-sex marriages and rights. 

Same-sex relationships are illegal, and sentences can include imprisonment or the death penalty.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Yemen. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. Avoid dressing inappropriately, eating, drinking or smoking in public or around people who are fasting. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Dress and behaviour standards

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.

Women should wear a headscarf and cover their arms and legs. Men should not wear shorts or unbuttoned shirts.

Other local customs

Non-Muslims may not enter 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 officially married.

Yemen doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen and enter Yemen using a non-Australian passport, you can only leave Yemen with the passport you used to enter.

If you're in Yemen, it may be difficult for us to provide you with emergency consular services.

Dual nationals may need to complete national service if they visit Yemen.

If you have any enquiry related to dual nationality, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Yemen before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

We advise against all travel to Yemen, including the island of Socotra.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Yemen for the latest details.

Australians are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Yemen.

Some private tourist companies located outside Yemen may be offering tourist visas and flight packages to the Island of Socotra in Yemen. Ensure that you obtain a visa from the legitimate Yemeni Government. Please contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate of Yemen for details.

If you're trying to leave Yemen, check exit requirements with local immigration authorities before you book your ticket.

Contact your airline and/or travel agent for their schedules and how to purchase tickets. 

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, seaports and airports may close at short or without prior notice. Check with local authorities before travelling to the border. Check our travel advice for Saudi Arabia and Oman, which share land borders with Yemen.

Regardless of the purpose and duration of stay, persons with known HIV infection are not allowed to enter Yemen.

Local authorities may detain and deport travellers for: 

• carrying medication to treat HIV/AIDS or hepatitis 
• testing positive for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis

You may be denied entry to Yemen if your passport has an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by a border office with Israel.

Check with your airline for the latest information on the airline's own boarding requirements.

Women can be subject to strict family controls and may be stopped from leaving the country.

In Houthi-controlled areas, a decree has been issued that women, including female aid workers, may only travel if accompanied by a male guardian ('Mahram'). This includes women travelling between Houthi-controlled areas and when travelling outside Yemen via Sana’a International Airport. An exemption may be granted in limited circumstances. These restrictions may also apply in non Houthi-controlled areas.

A Yemeni husband may legally stop his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality.

Children under 18 must have their father's permission to leave the country. It doesn't matter what the status of their parent's 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.

Forced marriage and the marriage of girls under the age of eighteen is common in Yemen. Australian girls/women, including dual nationals who travel to Yemen, may become victims of forced marriage. Local authorities may not be in a position to provide protection or support to victims of forced marriage or women suffering from domestic violence and abuse.

Sharia (Islamic) courts have jurisdiction over custody cases involving Muslim parents. When custody disputes arise, and a custody case is before the local court, the local court may impose a travel ban on the child/children. In line with the Consular Services Charter, the Embassy of Australia cannot intervene in court proceedings and private and/or legal matters, including family and custody disputes. Seek advice from a competent local lawyer.

A travel ban can be imposed against individuals even without a court order. In this case, the Embassy of Australia cannot assist, as outlined in the Consular Services Charter.

Validity

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 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.

Authorities may not let you enter or exit Yemen if:

• you're travelling on an emergency passport
• the name and/or photo in your passport are different from how you present

Lost or stolen 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:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by Yemen. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of Yemen before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Yemeni Rial (YER).

Banking facilities are limited.

ATMs are rare outside Sana'a. It's difficult to exchange Australian dollars in Yemen. US dollars in cash is the most easily convertible currency. Exchange currency at official exchange stores only. You may need to use cash for most transactions in Yemen. Most places, including hotels and hospitals, do not accept payment via bank or credit cards.

Yemen has rules about the amount of currency you can bring in and take out. Currency limits can change. Check details with your nearest Embassy or Consulate of Yemen prior to your travel.

Receiving international transfers in Yemen may be challenging, as some providers have suspended money transfer services to Yemen.

If you travel to Yemen against our advice, you should regularly assess your security arrangements and carefully plan your movements. Security precautions and arrangements may not remove the security threat in Yemen. Many areas are sensitive from a security or territorial point of view. If you travel against our advice, you should:

• be proactive and remain alert to your surroundings at all times
• not travel alone within and between cities and only use safe and secure transportation
• not draw attention to yourself and keep a low profile
• delete any sensitive photos and comments from your devices, as well as comments on social media that may be seen as against Islam or Palestine, or supportive of Israel, as these may be considered controversial or provocative by local extremist or radical groups.
• secure your belongings, and leave copies of important documents in a safe place or with your family
• carry as little currency as possible and do not display signs of wealth
• know who to call in an emergency
• keep your friends and family updated

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.

Petrol and diesel may be limited and unavailable sometimes without prior notice by local authorities.

Hiking

Unexploded weapons and munitions, including landmines, are a major hazard. They're found in the central highlands and the western, southern and eastern regions, especially around, but not limited to, Aden, Lahij, Ad Dali, Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Ma'rib, Shabwah and Ta'iz and in Sa'ada province.

Road travel

Travelling by road in conflict areas or on mountain roads is dangerous. Don't consider it without expert local advice. Public transportation is unsecure and unreliable. Access routes in and out of major cities may be blocked or closed. Roadblocks and checkpoints may be set up without warning. The majority of roads in the country are single carriageway. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Many vehicles are in poor condition and there is a severe shortage of fuel. Driving standards are poor and road traffic rules are often ignored. Pedestrians, especially children, and animals can be a hazard in both rural and urban areas. 

Other potential risks may include landmines and unexploded ordnance from previous and ongoing conflicts, including in some rural areas and areas where there is conflict. Landmine locations may not be marked.

Avoid all road travel outside of the main cities alone and at night.

If you plan to drive:

• check your insurance covers you
• learn local traffic rules and behaviour, and always wear a seat belt
• always remain alert as drivers may drive on the wrong side of the road, at dangerous speeds, and may not always follow local traffic rules
• know what to do in case of an incident or accident
• follow the speed limits
• do not cross any red traffic lights
• always keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• stay alert, especially when driving at intersections and at night
• remain alert as drivers may drive on the wrong side of the road and don’t follow traffic laws

You’ll need a valid Australian driver's licence and an International Driving Permit to drive in Yemen. Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited and carries severe penalties including fines, imprisonment and deportation.

Shared taxis are common in Yemen. Private taxis are also available in major cities and at airports. Negotiate taxi fares in advance. It may not be safe to use local taxis. Seek advice from local authorities and trusted contacts.

Boat travel

Do not travel to Yemen, including the island of Socotra, due to the security situation. There is extreme political and security instability.

Military operations are occurring in Yemen and the Red Sea in response to attacks by Houthi militants on ships transiting the Red Sea and surrounding waters, including the Gulf of Aden. If you travel to Yemen despite our advice, seek guidance from authorities before entering Yemeni waters or ports.

Due to the current conflict and tensions in Yemen and the region, ships and boats sailing in or around Yemeni waters could be at high risk of being targeted by missiles, projectile, or waterborne explosive devices. 

There are reports of sea mines planted in the southern Red Sea near ports and drifting sea mines near the border with Saudi Arabia.

Keep a safe distance from the FSO Safer supertanker, moored approximately 4.8 nautical miles off Yemen’s Red Sea coast near Hodeidah Port, which is at risk of exploding or sinking.

Air safety

The security situation in Yemen 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.

More information:

• Air travel

Emergency services may not be available or reliable.  Don't rely on them.

Check with local authorities for the emergency contact numbers you may need in the city of your stay. Emergency contact operators may not speak English.

Depending on what you need, you should contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

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 very limited outside of cities and large towns. Internet services are available but are poor and do not cover most areas of the country. Internet services are very unreliable on mobile networks and internet connection is generally weak.

Communications and iInternet services may be disrupted at any moment and without prior notice.

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 are 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 Embassy of Australia in Riyadh, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Australia on +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 from Australia.

Embassy of Australia, Riyadh

Abdullah Bin Hozafa Al-Shami Avenue
Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Phone: +966 11 2500 900
Fax: +966 11 2500 902
Email: consular.riyadh@dfat.gov.au
Website: saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au
X: @AusAmbKSA
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.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

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