There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Yemen Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Yemen – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Yemeni Rial (YER) £1 ≈ YER 314 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 2/5
Cashless payments are not widely accepted in Yemen, and cash is the preferred method of payment.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: | We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card. |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Yemen. Small tips for restaurant staff, taxi drivers, and hotel service providers are common. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is prohibited in Yemen, and alcohol consumption is restricted to private or licensed locations. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces but is allowed in designated smoking areas. |
| Independence Day (30 November) |
Celebrates Yemen’s independence from British rule |
|---|
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 194 (Police), 191 (Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | Yemen is currently in a state of conflict, making travel highly unsafe. It is not a recommended destination for tourists at this time. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Yemen, Yemen
Climate varies by region: highlands (Sana'a) cool year-round, coast (Aden, Tihama) very hot and humid, Socotra best October to April
Socotra monsoon June to September: strong winds, rough seas, flights and boats often suspended
Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset
Don't miss
- 🏙️ Marvel at the ancient mudbrick skyscrapers of Shibam
- 🏛️ Explore the historic Old City of Sana’a with its unique architecture
- 🌴 Relax on Socotra Island’s surreal beaches and dragon blood trees
- ⛰️ Visit the mountain village of Al Hajjarah in the Haraz range
- ☕ Walk through the colorful markets of Taiz and try local coffee
- 🏰 Admire the view from Dar al-Hajar, the Rock Palace
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Yemen?
What makes Yemen truly remarkable is its incredible preservation of ancient architecture and traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The Old City of Sana'a dazzles visitors with its distinctive multi-story buildings adorned with intricate geometric patterns and stained-glass windows, while the Historic City of Zabid showcases Yemen's importance as a center of Islamic learning and architecture. These living museums offer glimpses into a way of life that has endured through millennia. Beyond the cultural wonders, Yemen's natural landscapes are equally captivating. From the pristine beaches of Al-Mukalla to the dramatic mountains of Al-Hajjar, the country offers breathtaking scenery and biodiversity. Socotra Island, often described as 'the most alien-looking place on Earth,' hosts plant species that evolved in isolation for millions of years. However, it's crucial to emphasize that due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorism risks and severe humanitarian challenges, travel to Yemen is currently not advised by most governments worldwide.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Sana'a
Historic capital perched on a plateau, Sana'a showcases ancient mud‑brick architecture and bustling souks. Narrow alleyways lead to the iconic Al‑Masjid al‑Hanafi mosque, while the city’s vibrant markets offer spices, textiles and traditional crafts daily. -
2
Socotra
A remote, windswept island off Yemen's coast features dramatic rock formations and unique flora. The landscape is more desert than tropical, with cactus-covered terrain and beaches that stay warm year-round for consistent exploration. -
3
Shibam
A fortified city built entirely of mudbrick, Shibam stands as a rare example of vertical urbanism in the Arabian Peninsula. Its narrow streets and multi‑storey towers rise from the desert floor, offering a glimpse into pre‑modern architectural resilience.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Mawlid al-Nabi
-
Eid al-Fitr
-
Eid al-Adha
-
Al-San'a Festival
-
Independence Day
-
Republic Day
-
Islamic New Year
-
Ashura
-
Laylat al-Qadr
-
Ramadan
Knowledge before you go
- Do not travel due to active conflict and terrorism.
- All governments advise against all travel because of civil war, kidnapping risks and infrastructure collapse.
- No commercial flights, hotels or tourist services operate reliably across the country including Socotra.
- Even humanitarian workers face extreme dangers; no consular assistance available anywhere in Yemen.
How to travel to Yemen
As of March 2025, travel to Yemen is strongly discouraged by most governments worldwide due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorism risks and kidnapping threats. Most countries have closed their embassies in Yemen and cannot provide consular assistance to their citizens there. The main international airports in Sana'a and Aden have limited operations, with few commercial flights. Those who absolutely must travel to Yemen typically do so through neighboring countries and with extensive security arrangements. However, it's important to emphasize that there are currently no safe routes into Yemen and most governments explicitly advise against all travel to the country.
Access summary
- Socotra Island: Fly to Socotra Airport (SCT) from Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Aden.
- Sana'a: Fly to Sanaa Int'l Airport (SAH) from Amman, Jeddah.
- Aden: Fly to Aden Int'l Airport (ADE) from Cairo, Jeddah, domestic.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Yemen
Accommodation options in Yemen are extremely limited due to the ongoing conflict. Prior to the crisis, major cities like Sana'a, Aden and Taiz offered a range of hotels from basic to mid-range, with few luxury options. Many hotels have since closed or been damaged. Those still operating face challenges with basic services like electricity and water. Any travel to Yemen would require thorough research on current accommodation options and advance arrangements through local contacts.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Yemen
Transportation in Yemen is extremely challenging due to ongoing conflict and security issues. In more stable times, shared taxis and minibuses (dabaabs) were the primary means of getting around cities, while private taxis provided more direct transportation. For intercity travel, buses and shared taxis connected major towns, though road conditions varied greatly. Water taxis were also available in coastal areas. Currently, movement around the country is severely restricted and dangerous. Many roads are damaged, controlled by different factions or subject to checkpoints. If travel were possible, using a trusted local driver with knowledge of current conditions would be essential.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Yemen are around 72% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to YER) is 2% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Travel to Yemen is extremely dangerous due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping risks and civil unrest. Most governments advise against all travel. If you must go, arrange comprehensive security, avoid public places and stay informed about local developments.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are severely limited with only 50% of health facilities fully functional. Bring all necessary medications as supplies are scarce. Malaria is present in some regions. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is virtually non-existent. Damaged roads, limited transportation options and ongoing conflict make travel extremely difficult for everyone, particularly those with mobility challenges. Most areas lack basic accessibility accommodations.
Tap water
Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Yemen. Bottled water is the safest option but may be in short supply. Water purification tablets or filters are essential, especially outside major cities where clean water access is limited.
Packing recommendations for Yemen
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🔦
Torch
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
covering shoulders and knees
🧪
Water purification tablets
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
for women
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
👛
Cash in multiple currencies
🔋
Spare batteries
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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