Yemen Travel Risk

Do not travel in Yemen due to risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines.

Do not travel to Yemen for any reason, including the island of Socotra. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen due to the safety risks.

Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.

Terrorism

The Department of State re-designated Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in March of 2025.

• Other terrorist groups also plan and carry out attacks in Yemen. These include Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target:
• Public sites
• Places of worship
• Transportation hubs
• Markets
• Government buildings and facilities

Do not travel to Socotra Island or any part of Yemen. Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra.

• They offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid "visas."
• These companies put tourists in danger and legal jeopardy.
• Only the Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen

FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions.

If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.

See Safety and security for more information.

UK government support

Support 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 British Embassy services in Sana’a are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn.

The UK government cannot help British nationals leaving Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place.

FCDO 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.

If 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.

If you’re a British national in Yemen and need help from the UK government, you can call FCDO on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Yemen

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Yemen.

The 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.

Western 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:

• hotels and supermarkets
• transport routes
• oil and gas infrastructure
• government buildings
• gatherings
• airports and transport hubs

Attacks 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.

Methods of attack have included:

• attacks by militants
• firearm assassinations
• kidnappings
• improvised explosive devices and car bombs left in buildings and roadways
• suicide attacks

Daesh-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.

Terrorist kidnap

There is a very high and constant threat of kidnap across Yemen.

Al-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.

Kidnaps have occurred at various times of day and in a wide variety of locations, including:

• public places in the capital
• cars while travelling
• victims’ accommodation

Kidnapping attempts often involve the use of force and have ended in the death of several victims.

All 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.

The 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.

Risk level

YEMEN - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Yemen, including the Island of Socotra, due to the volatile security situation in the region, armed conflict, terrorist attacks, and kidnapping.

If you’re in Yemen, you should leave the country if it’s safe to do so. Commercial options to leave the country are extremely limited and may be suspended without notice.

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance in Yemen is extremely limited.

Tensions in the Middle East

The security situation remains volatile due to ongoing military activity in the region.

Military activity in the region may cause travel disruptions including flight cancellations.

Filming, taking photos and online sharing of images of military installations, activity or damage could lead to severe penalties pursuant to the enforcement of local laws and regulations across the region.

Prepare contingency plans that don’t rely on the Government of Canada’s assistance for departure.

You should:

• be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times
• be prepared to shelter in place if instructed to do so
• ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up to date
• monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
• sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important additional information, specific to your location

Situation in the Middle East: Information for Canadians in the region

也门风险等级为红色（极高风险）。

外交部提醒中国公民近期暂勿前往也门，已在当地的人员和机构尽快撤离或转移至安全地区。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。