It's a must see destination.

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It includes new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Terrorism (death of UK citizen in suspected car bombing in Aden further underlines our existing very strong advice that Australians should depart Yemen immediately). The overall level of the advice has not changed

Summary

Safety and Security

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

In late May and early June 2011, the security situation in Sana’a deteriorated further with fighting between armed militias resulting in numerous casualties. Diplomatic vehicles were fired upon. These events heighten the risk of a spread of violence in Yemen and a break down in law and order, not only in Sana’a, but in other major cities.

Routes in and out of Sana’a and the other major cities may be blocked and airports closed or inaccessible with little notice.

The US State Department has ordered non-essential US diplomats to leave Yemen due to the deterioration in the security situation. We advise all Australians to depart Yemen as soon as possible by commercial means while it is still possible to do so. Further violence is highly likely in coming days.

We strongly advise you not to travel to Yemen because of the deteriorating security situation and the ongoing violent clashes which have caused a large number of casualties and many deaths.

Protests in Yemen, 2011

All Australians should make plans to depart Yemen immediately:

On 28 February 2011, we advised Australians that they should consider leaving Yemen as soon as possible due to increasingly violent clashes and unrest. On 14 March 2011, we strongly advised all Australians in Yemen to depart because of the ongoing deterioration in the security situation and continuation of violent clashes causing a large number of casualties.

Following Friday prayers on 18 March 2011, a significant number of protestors were killed and injured in clashes around University Square in Sana’a. A State of Emergency was declared by Yemeni authorities on 30 March 2011 and remains in place

The security situation has significantly deteriorated since negotiations between the President and the opposition broke down in late May. Some military units have defected to support the anti-government protestors. It is unclear whether the security forces will be able to maintain law and order and there is a risk of open conflict between elements of the security forces and of a breakdown in law and order.

Violent clashes throughout Yemen continue

Since mid-February 2011, there have been daily protests throughout Yemen that have become increasingly violent during clashes between pro and anti-Government groups. Political protests continue across Yemen, including in Sana’a, Aden, Ibb, Hadramaut and Taiz. A significant number of deaths and injuries have been reported during these clashes.

The security environment in Yemen is likely to continue to deteriorate, potentially causing the airports at Sana'a and Aden to close at any time. Australians should depart Yemen while commercial options are available.

The security environment throughout Yemen continues to deteriorate. Further violent protests are likely in coming weeks.

You should take particular care in the period surrounding Friday prayers due to the risk of further violence and unrest in all parts of Yemen.

Advice for Australians remaining in Yemen:

If, despite our strong advice that you make plans to depart immediately, you decide to remain in Yemen, you should avoid all protests and demonstrations and remain indoors wherever possible. You should also stay in touch with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra or the Australian Embassy in Riyadh (see below under Where to Get Help for details). You should continue to avoid locations known to be frequented by foreigners.

Australians who remain in Yemen should ensure they have appropriate personal security measures in place. Australians in Yemen should also prepare a contingency plan to enable departure from Yemen in the event of a sudden further deterioration in the security environment. Protests and demonstrations may also affect your ability to travel by road. As a precautionary measure, you should ensure you have adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, cash and medications and that your documentation remains up to date. You are responsible for ensuring that your contingency plan is regularly reviewed and is appropriate for your personal circumstances.

Australians remaining in Yemen should be aware that, in the event of a further deterioration, our capacity to assist in evacuations will be severely constrained. Because Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Yemen, we ordinarily rely upon officials from other countries to assist Australians in distress. Due to the deterioration in the security environment, many embassies in Yemen are operating with reduced staff. In the event of any further increase in civil disorder or breakdown in law and order, the capacity of the Australian Government to arrange for your evacuation from Yemen will be greatly constrained. Due to lack of infrastructure, geographic constraints and the very high risk of terrorist attack in Yemen, options for evacuation from Yemen are extremely limited. These factors underpin our very strong advice that Australians should depart Yemen immediately while commercial options are available.

Australians in Yemen should be aware that in 2010 and 2011 insurgent groups opposed to the Government of Yemen carried out an increasing number of violent attacks in Yemen. These attacks have occurred mainly in the north of Yemen, particularly in Sa’ada, and in the south. These attacks have primarily been focused on the interests of the Government of Yemen. You should be aware that insurgent attacks could take place in any part of Yemen and that Australians could be caught up in violence directed at others.

Avoid all demonstrations and protests: Political and economic developments in Yemen and the region may prompt large demonstrations. You should avoid protests and demonstrations throughout Yemen as they may become violent. Since the beginning of 2009, there has been an increase in demonstrations in the south of Yemen, including Aden and Abyan.

In the past, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured in stampedes at political rallies in Yemen. Lives have also been lost in election-related shootings. You should avoid all political rallies and demonstrations as they may turn violent.

Significant dates and political anniversaries can act as a catalyst for violence and civil unrest. Events associated with the reunification of North and South Yemen (such as the period surrounding Unity Day on 22 May) have in the past seen significant civil unrest and clashes should be avoided as further violence could occur. Australians in Yemen should monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks, including significant political events that may inflame existing tensions.

Sa’ada Province: Official military operations by Yemeni Government forces against Al-Houti rebels in Sa’ada have ended, but hostilities could resume at any time and civil unrest continues. Air strikes, heavy artillery and anti-personnel mines were used in the conflict. Clashes were reported in parts of Amran and Al Jawf provinces. The conflict has led to hundreds of thousands of civilians seeking refuge in neighbouring regions. This may place a strain on the supply of essential services.

High threat of kidnapping in Yemen: There is a high threat of kidnapping in Yemen, including on the Aden/Taiz/Sana'a highway, and in the provinces of al-Jawf, Abyan, Sa’ada, Dharmar, Amran, Marib, Sana’a and Shabwah. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped by tribesmen with grievances against the Yemeni Government.

Four foreigners were reported kidnapped in Yemen in 2010. While all were released without harm, recent kidnap incidents have ended with tragic consequences. For example, nine foreigners were kidnapped in Sa’ada in June 2009. The bodies of three foreigners were found several days later. Two children kidnapped at this time were released only in May 2010. The identity of those responsible is not known.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers paying ransoms increases the risk of further kidnappings.

Terrorism

We advise you not to travel to Yemen because of violent civil unrest and the very high threat of terrorist attack.

Be aware of the ongoing high threat security environment: Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you're comfortable travelling to Yemen knowing that there is a very high threat from terrorism and you may be caught up in a terrorist attack. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Yemen, you should exercise extreme caution, avoid, where possible, all locations known to be frequented by foreigners and maintain a low profile at all times. You should seek advice from professional security consultants on your safety and security arrangements.

Australians intending to travel to Yemen should be aware that violent anti-Western terrorists are based in many parts of the country and have demonstrated a capacity to launch attacks in all parts of Yemen. These groups have also demonstrated their continuing intent to cause mass civilian casualties, particularly among Westerners. Yemen-based terrorists are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methodology, scale of operations and ambition to maximise harm to Westerners. These groups have also claimed responsibility for a number of terrorist plots outside of Yemen in which their sole objective was to inflict civilian casualties. The presence of these groups in Yemen poses a very high threat to the safety and security of Australians.

Australians in Yemen should be aware that any identifiable Western interest could be targeted for attack. Further terrorist attacks are highly likely and could occur at any time anywhere in Yemen with little or no warning. In this highly dangerous and unpredictable environment, Australians should adopt strict security procedures and carefully consider the necessity of all travel against the very high risk of terrorist attack. Australians of all backgrounds should consider themselves to be a potential target for attack, regardless of location or length of stay in Yemen, occupation or ethnic or religious background. You should remain vigilant at all times and ensure that you vary your routines to ensure patterns in behaviour and movement do not become apparent to observers.

Statements by Yemeni-based terrorists in 2010 and 2011 indicate a continuing intent to attack Westerners and Western targets. An increase in violent incidents over the past year has demonstrated the ongoing very high threat of terrorist attack in all parts of Yemen, including in Sana’a.

Due to security concerns, U.S. Embassy employees have been advised to exercise caution when visiting restaurants, hotels, or tourist areas in Sana’a. You should also be aware that the US Embassy has suspended all non-essential travel outside of Sana’a by Embassy staff.

Recent terrorist attacks involving Western interests: A number of attacks against Westerners and Western interests have occurred in Yemen in recent years. Foreign tourists are particularly vulnerable to terrorism in Yemen. Attacks against tourists have increased in urban and provincial areas and are expected to continue to do so, including in Sana’a and Hadramaut provinces where a number of tourist attractions are located.

Recent examples of attacks on Westerners and Western interests include:

• On 20 July 2011, a UK citizen was reportedly killed in a suspected car bombing in Aden.

• On 15 December 2010, a vehicle belonging to Westerners was targeted by an explosive device while in the Haddah district of Sana’a. Following this incident, the US Government warned its citizens of the need to remain vigilant on personal security issues and to avoid areas where attacks have occurred in the past.

• On 6 October 2010, a British Embassy vehicle was targeted in a terrorist attack. A number of individuals were injured, including one UK national.

• On 6 October 2010, a French national working in Yemen was shot and killed.

• On 26 April 2010 the UK Ambassador’s vehicle was attacked by a suicide bomber in Sana’a. The UK Government subsequently warned its nationals in Yemen to avoid high profile venues such as international hotels and other places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

• On 15 March 2009, four foreign tourists were killed by a suicide bomber in Shibam, southern Hadramaut, and a suicide bomber targeted a convoy carrying foreigners close to Sana'a International Airport.

• On 17 September 2008, an attack on the US Embassy in Sana'a killed 17 people. The group claiming responsibility for the attack has also threatened to target British, Saudi and Emirati missions in Sana’a.

• On 10 April 2008, terrorists launched attacks against the headquarters of a Canadian oil company in Sana’a.

• On 10 April 2008, the Italian Embassy in Sana’a was attacked.

• On 6 April 2008, a residential compound in Sana’a that catered to foreigners was attacked.

• On 18 March 2008, a mortar attack was launched near the US Embassy and a school in Sana’a.

• On 18 January 2008, two Belgian nationals and a Yemeni were shot dead, and four other Belgians seriously injured, in an incident in Hadaramaut.

Possible terrorist targets: Terrorists may be planning suicide attacks against Yemeni and foreign interests, including foreign officials, embassies, diplomatic premises and vehicles, and hotels. Terrorists may also be planning attacks on oil infrastructure in Yemen. Several attacks against oil interests and kidnappings of foreign oil workers were reported in 2010. Further such incidents could occur in any part of Yemen.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Targets include areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as hotels, clubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, fast food and retail franchises, schools, places of worship, embassies and diplomatic interests, foreign residential compounds, international organisations, outdoor recreation events, public and private transport, including convoys, Yemeni government interests, security, police and military infrastructure and personnel, oil industry facilities, tourist areas and attractions, markets and shopping centres.

Due to the very high risk of terrorist attack, Australians who decide to visit Yemen should, where possible, avoid these locations. No location in Yemen should be considered immune from violence.

Yemeni Government interests: Yemeni Government interests are routinely targeted for attack by terrorists. Australians in Yemen should exercise extreme caution near facilities and installations belonging to the Yemeni authorities, including deployments of security forces.

Threats to Western interests exist across the Arabian Peninsula: Terrorists have continued to issue statements pledging to launch further attacks against all Westerners in the Arabian Peninsula. In past statements, these terrorists have called for attacks in the Gulf region against Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. The terrorist group responsible for these statements is believed to have a significant presence in Yemen.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in ourGeneral Advice to Australian Travellers.

Crime

Despite government efforts to disarm the population, weapons are still readily available within Yemen and the tribes are often heavily armed.

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

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is rare but does occur. Credit card fraud, such as skimming, also occurs.

Unaccompanied women can be vulnerable to harassment. Women should take care when travelling alone, particularly at night.

Local Travel

Unclear and unheeded traffic laws, excessive speed, roaming animals and pedestrians are the cause of many road accidents. For further advice, see our bulletin onOverseas Road Safety.

Unexploded munitions, including landmines, are a danger in the central highlands and in the southern and eastern regions, particularly around Aden.

Travel outside major cities is not encouraged and should only be undertaken as part of an organised tour with military escort.

Foreigners wanting to undertake independent travel outside Sana'a are required to apply for permission from the Ministry of Tourism.

Avoid travelling after dark. Do not leave your vehicle unattended due to the risk of explosive devices being left in, on or near it.

You should seek the advice of the Yemeni authorities before entering Yemeni waters or ports. Many areas are sensitive from a security or territorial point of view.

Piracy: There is a high risk of piracy in the coastal areas of Yemen. There have been attacks by pirates against all forms of shipping in and around Yemen’s waters and the Gulf of Aden. Pirates have been using motherships to attack shipping further than 1,000 nautical miles (1,850km) from the coast of Somalia.

All forms of shipping are attractive targets for Somali pirates, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (yachts etc) and luxury cruise liners. We strongly advise Australians to maintain a high level of vigilance and to exercise extreme caution when anywhere near these waters.

See ouradvice to Australians travelling by sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on itswebsite.

Airline Safety

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The monsoon season is from June to September, sometimes resulting in flooding.

Sandstorms and dust storms also occur.

Yemen is subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from theHumanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Yemen does not have an extensive ATM network. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are not widely accepted.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia'sCivil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If yourpassport is lost or stolen overseas, report itonline or contact the nearestAustralian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

For general information and tips on travelling with children, see ourTravelling Parents brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartravellerChildren's Issues page,Child Wise and theNational Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Yemen, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from theConsular Services Charter.

Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. See also Information for Dual Nationals below.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are range from imprisonment and/or fine to death.

Homosexuality is illegal. Penalties for acts of sodomy range from imprisonment to death.

The death penalty can also be imposed for murder and some terrorism-related offences.

Some offences, including consuming alcohol in public, slander and adultery, are punishable with corporal punishment (lashing).

It is illegal to photograph government buildings, military personnel and installations, including airports and equipment, and other sensitive infrastructure. Military sites are not always clearly marked or defined.

Preaching religion other than Islam in public (except in churches) and attempting to convert Muslims is illegal.

There are restrictions on the sale of alcohol and pork. Customs authorities at border entry points will confiscate these products and in some cases travellers have been detained at borders because of the smell of alcohol on their breath.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

There are strict Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Yemen. Any disrespect for Islam will cause great offence. You should be modest in both your dress and behaviour. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Women are advised to wear a headscarf and cover their arms and legs, while men should avoid wearing shorts or unbuttoned shirts.

Non-Muslims may not enter mosques in Yemen.

The Islamic holy month, Ramadan, is expected to begin on or around 1 August 2011 and finish on or around 29 August 2011. During Ramadan, Australians travelling to Muslim countries and countries with significant Muslim communities should take great care to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. For more information see ourRamadan 2011 travel bulletin.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Public displays of affection may cause offence.

It is generally unacceptable for unmarried couples to live together. Hotels may refuse accommodation to couples unable to provide proof of marriage.

Dual Nationality

Yemen does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Yemeni dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

Australian/Yemeni dual nationals may be required to complete national service obligations if they visit Yemen. For further information, contact the nearestEmbassy or Consulate of Yemen before you travel.

OurTravel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visas are no longer granted on arrival in Yemen. Visa conditions change without notice. Contact the nearestEmbassy of Yemen for the most up-to-date information.

If you are arriving from a country infected with yellow fever, you will be required to present a valid yellow fever certificate to be granted entry into Yemen,

If a traveller's passport contains evidence of entry to Israel, or another country's border crossing points with Israel, entry to Yemen will be denied.

Local customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the import or export of items such as alcohol, firearms, pornography and antiquities.

Children under 18 years must have their father's permission to leave the country, regardless of the status of their parents' marriage and who has been granted custody.

Women in Yemen can be subjected to strict family controls and may be prevented from leaving the country. A Yemeni husband may legally prevent his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Health Issues

On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced it had moved to a post-pandemic period in response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The virus is expected to remain as a seasonal influenza virus and local outbreaks may occur. For more information see theWHO website.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensivetravel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and ourTravelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities in Yemen is limited and very basic outside the major cities of Sana'a and Aden. Private health care facilities generally require payment at the time of treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident or for complex procedures, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities could be necessary. Medical evacuation costs are considerable.

Malaria occurs throughout Yemen, except in areas above 2,000 metres. Chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria have been reported. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue, filariasis and leishmaniasis) are common. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.

Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, measles, schistosomiasis, polio and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to have vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The altitude in the Sana'a region can cause problems for travellers, particularly those who suffer from lung, heart or chest problems.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including some in the Middle East. For a list of these countries, visit theOIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions, see ourtravel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Yemen. Our ability to provide consular assistance is limited. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Saudi Arabia:

Australian Embassy
Abdullah Bin Hozafa Al-Shami Avenue
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966 1) 4887788
Facsimile: (966 1) 4887973
Website:www.saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au

The working week is Saturday to Wednesday, in accordance with local practice.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.

If you are travelling to Yemen, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can registeronline or in person at anyAustralian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

Smartraveller is provided by theAustralian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Copyright |Disclaimer |Privacy