Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions.
\n\nIf you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.
\n\nSee Safety and security for more information.
\n\nSupport 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 British Embassy services in Sana’a are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn.
\n\nThe UK government cannot help British nationals leaving Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place.
\n\nFCDO 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIf you’re a British national in Yemen and need help from the UK government, you can call FCDO on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
\n\nThe US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.
\n\nSince July 2026, the Houthis have launched air strikes against Saudi territory and Saudi shipping vessels in the Red Sea. There is an ongoing risk of further military escalation, including in Yemen and the Red Sea, which could occur at short notice.
\n\nBritish nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Yemen’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Yemen set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Yemeni Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Yemen, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter Yemen.
\n\nApply for a visa through the Yemeni Embassy in the UK.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Yemen guide.
\n\nIf you visit Yemen for more than 14 days, you must register your passport with the Yemen immigration authorities after you arrive.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Yemen. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nImport and export of local currency is illegal. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies, but you must declare amounts higher than 3,000 US dollars. Export of foreign currencies must not exceed the amount imported.
\n\nThere are not many ATMs outside of Sana’a. US dollars in cash is the most easily convertible currency.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Yemen.
\nThe threat is heightened where Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State-Yemen have tribal connections and in the governorates of Abyan, Marib, Hadramawt and Shabwah.
\n\nWestern and Houthi interests in Yemen remain a feature in AQAP propaganda, and AQAP views westerners and Houthi as legitimate targets for attacks. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
\n\nAttacks targeting or affecting British nationals of Yemeni origin cannot be ruled out. Attacks against Yemeni security forces and Houthis are on the rise throughout the country.
\n\nMethods of attack have included:
\n\nDaesh-Yemen has conducted multiple terrorist attacks across the country, including Aden, Sana’a, Ibb, Hodeida and al-Bayda. So far this has been focussed on Houthi, security forces and the Yemeni government but western interests are highly likely to be regarded as targets.
\n\nThere is a very high and constant threat of kidnap across Yemen.
\nAl-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) propaganda has called for continued kidnapping of westerners. However, armed tribes and criminal groups have also carried out kidnaps in the past. There is a high risk that such groups would sell any hostages on to AQAP, who have murdered a number of hostages.
\n\nKidnaps have occurred at various times of day and in a wide variety of locations, including:
\n\nKidnapping attempts often involve the use of force and have ended in the death of several victims.
\n\nAll British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, NGOs, humanitarian aid workers, journalists, business travellers, and long-term residents. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nThe long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to terrorist hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
\n\nThe political and security situation in Yemen remains uncertain and volatile.
\n\nSince April 2022 a de-facto ceasefire has remained in place between the Houthis and the Yemeni government. On 23 December 2023, the UN announced that the Houthis and internationally recognised government of Yemen had committed to a ceasefire. However, sporadic incidents continue to occur along frontlines and the security situation remains volatile. Due to ongoing hostilities in the Red Sea, there is a heightened state of alert across Yemen and widescale conflict may resume at short notice. In February, in response to US and UK airstrikes, the Houthi authorities designated the US and UK as ‘hostile states’.
\n\nAs a result, we strongly advise against all travel to Houthi controlled areas. The risk of attack to British nationals also extends to areas under Yemeni government control.
\n\nReports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances raise concerns. The Houthis have arrested opponents, including politicians, journalists, academics and activists. British nationals have also been detained by Houthis in the past, including aid workers working for NGOs.
\n\nRegularly reassess your security arrangements and carefully plan your movements if travelling within Yemen. Avoid keeping the same routine by changing routes you use and keeping a low profile at all times. Follow health and security advice given by Yemen authorities and security experts before any travel in the country. Always check routes in advance and do not advertise your plans on social media. Military weapons are readily available and may be used by criminals and terrorists or in security operations. The risk of crime, such as carjacking, robbery or extortion, is widespread throughout the country.
\n\nTribal disputes over land are common and may involve the use of weapons. The Houthis and other militias run extra-judicial detention centres and arbitrary detention is widespread. Following recent events in the Red Sea there is an especially high risk of British nationals being detained.
\n\nYemen is an Islamic country with Islamic law. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country and you should check this before you travel. During this time, do not:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nMen and women must wear loose-fitting clothing that covers down to the elbow and reaches below the knees. You should also:
\n\nDo not drink alcohol in public.
\n\nTaking pictures in or around military sites is likely to result in arrest and arbitrary detention. British consular services will not be able to offer support in this situation.
\n\nDo not take pictures of people without their consent.
\n\nConsensual same-sex relations are illegal in Yemen, with penalties including fines, corporal punishment, imprisonment and the death penalty.
\n\nIn January and February 2024, criminal courts in northern Yemen reportedly sentenced 20 individuals to death for homosexuality. A further 26 were sentenced to flogging and prison terms of between 6 months and 10 years on charges of ‘spreading immorality’ and ‘immoral acts’.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nYou must get permission from the General Authority for Antiquities before exporting or removing antiques from Yemen. It’s illegal to remove or sell Yemeni antiques without permission.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Yemen, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nDriving standards are poor and mountain roads are dangerous. Avoid all road travel outside the main cities at night. Landmines from the current and previous conflicts are a risk on Yemen’s roads. Make sure to go with an experienced guide if you’re travelling off well-used tracks.
\n\nAccess routes in and out of major cities may be closed or blocked. Always check the road is open before starting your journey.
\n\nThere is a severe shortage of fuel in Yemen.
\n\nYemen’s airspace is currently controlled by Saudi-led coalition forces. Prior permission from the coalition must be obtained before flying.
\n\nThe conflict extends to Yemeni territorial waters off the Red Sea and the Bab-Al Mandab Strait. Houthi forces present an ongoing risk to all shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab-Al Mandab Strait due to the potential for misidentification and miscalculation by Houthi forces.
\n\nPiracy in the Gulf of Aden continues to be a threat. For more information and advice, see piracy and armed robbery at sea.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nTropical cyclones sometimes affect parts of the country. Monitor local and international weather updates.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nyour destination can provide the healthcare you may need
\nyou have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 191 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nDue to the current conflict, emergency services may not be able to respond. It may be better to make your own way to hospital if you can. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Yemen, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Yemen. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities, particularly away from the main towns and cities, are poor. Make sure that you have adequate travel health insurance and access to funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAs a result of the conflict, emergency services in Yemen have severely limited capacity and are highly unreliable.
\n\nAmbulance: 191
\n\nFire: 191
\n\nPolice: 199 or 194
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"getting-help","title":"Getting help"}],"reviewed_at":"2026-07-31T09:35:27Z","updated_at":"2026-07-31T09:35:27Z"},"document_type":"travel_advice","first_published_at":"2013-02-19T00:00:00+00:00","links":{"available_translations":[{"api_path":"/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/yemen","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/yemen","base_path":"/foreign-travel-advice/yemen","content_id":"73891fe3-3a92-4c2e-a1a6-b63f00186ce8","document_type":"travel_advice","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-07-31T09:35:27Z","schema_name":"travel_advice","title":"Yemen travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/yemen","withdrawn":false}],"ordered_related_items":[{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","base_path":"/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","content_id":"dd34d3a4-56bd-4cf5-b821-d76f9d997153","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2025-09-24T10:41:27Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","base_path":"/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","content_id":"aad65646-964d-4f68-ac22-5bc6c8281336","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2022-08-30T23:00:00Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Support for British nationals abroad","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","base_path":"/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","content_id":"5d8baf93-7631-11e4-a3cb-005056011aef","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-06-05T15:27:25Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"Foreign travel checklist","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/world/yemen","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/world/yemen","base_path":"/world/yemen","content_id":"c23e1a00-12fe-4e38-b7ad-b30b2ccf8e50","description":"Services if you're visiting, studying, working or living in Yemen. Includes information about trading with and doing business in the UK and Yemen.","details":{"internal_name":"UK help and services in Yemen","notes_for_editors":"","visible_to_departmental_editors":false},"document_type":"taxon","links":{},"locale":"en","phase":"live","public_updated_at":"2018-02-13T09:38:43Z","schema_name":"taxon","title":"UK help and services in Yemen","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/world/yemen","withdrawn":false}],"organisations":[{"analytics_identifier":"D1315","api_path":"/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","base_path":"/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","content_id":"f9fcf3fe-2751-4dca-97ca-becaeceb4b26","details":{"acronym":"FCDO","brand":"foreign-commonwealth-development-office","default_news_image":{"high_resolution_url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de4e90e0710be0354d7/s960_fcdo-main-building.jpg","url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de48fa8f5490aff83b4/s300_fcdo-main-building.jpg"},"logo":{"crest":"single-identity","formatted_title":"Foreign, Commonwealth