- Destinations
- Middle East
- Yemen
Yemen
Yemen is a place of incredible scenery, striking Islamic
architecture, bustling souks, and peaceful mosques, lush valleys
and epic mountains, and running throughout it all the Arab world's
warmest, most hospitable people.
The capital Sana'a embodies the two faces of Yemen. There is the
modern city with upmarket tourist facilities, and the old city with
its Grand Mosque and distinctive multi-story buildings crafted in
clay. Sana'a is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in
the world and has much to offer visitors. Take in the view of the
old city from the roof of the Taj Talha hotel, enjoy the old souk
for a sense of what life is like without malls, and be spellbound
by the magnificent 700 year-old Great Mosque.
Aden, the second largest city, is a port dating from Biblical
times. It has a more cosmopolitan, liberal air than Sana'a and
makes for an interesting visit. Other cities worth exploring are
Shibam, known as the Manhattan of the Desert, and the garden city
of Rawdha.
Certain sights are common no matter where you travel: most men
carry rifles, and all men carry distinctive ritual curved daggers.
The latter is really the essential souvenir for visitors - choose
yours carefully and don't pack it in your hand luggage when you fly
home! The other site you'll get used to seeing is
qat, the mildly narcotic leaf that men of all
ages chew while reclining in the shade, socialising and drinking
tea.
Yemen's most incredible attraction, however, is the Socotra
archipelago, with over 700 species of wildlife and plants unique to
the islands. Known as 'the other Galapagos', this is a place of
unique beauty and scientific fascination, with a distinct tribal
culture that thrives intact after thousands of years.
To the Romans, the country of Yemen known as Arabia Felix, the
'fortunate land' on account of its fertile fields. To it's Biblical
ancestors this was the land of milk and honey, a place of great
significance. Today it is a shame that a few high profile incidents
such as the 2001 bombing of the US Embassy have shaped public
perception of this country more so than its plethora of
extraordinary attractions and warmly welcoming people. Visit soon
for an experience of a lifetime.
Information & Facts
Climate
Yemen has a desert climate. The west coast is not and humid
while the east is very hot, dry and prone to dusty conditions. The
mountainous regions are temperate and can get very cold in the
evenings. The best time to visit is from March to May, and over
September and October when the weather is slightly cooler. Avoid
visiting during the month of Ramadan (around September and August
depending on the year).
Communications
The international dialling code for Yemen is +967. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). There are internet cafes all over the country.
Post offices are open from 8am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm Saturday to
Thursday. There is good cell phone coverage on the GSM 900 network
and roaming agreements are in place with major international
operators.
Customs
Yemen is an Islamic country and the faith is tightly woven into
the fabric of daily life. As a visitor you should dress
conservatively to avoid causing offence; women should cover their
shoulders and men wear long trousers. Use your right hand when
eating or greeting; the left is considered unclean. Only enter
mosques if invited to do so. Do not take photographs of women or
military personnel and installations. Yemeni people are famously
hospitable and will frequently invite visitors to their homes to
eat, drink and/or chew kat. These are sincere offers typically
without ulterior motives.
Duty Free
It is prohibited to import any firearms, illegal drugs, obscene
books and magazines, and any items of Israeli origin. Travellers to
Yemen over the age of 18 years can import the following without
incurring customs duty: 600 cigarettes or 60 cigars; two bottles of
alcoholic beverages; one bottle of perfume or Eau de Cologne.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts (50Hz). European round
pin attachment plugs are in use.
Health
Medical and health care facilities are good in Sana'a and Aden,
but virtually non-existent in the country side. Travellers should
be up to date on common vaccinations like cholera, typhoid,
tetanus, polio and hepatitis, before travelling to Yemen. Avoid
swimming in rivers as bilharzias may be present. Avoid mosquito
bites by using an insect repellent. Medical insurance, with
provision for emergency repatriation, is strongly advised.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely
spoken.
Money
The unit of currency is the Yemeni riyal (YR), divided into 100
fils. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Travellers Cheques
are difficult to change outside major towns. ATMs are not in
operation.
Passport Visa
The government of Yemen refuses entry to both holders of Israeli
passports, and those who have Israeli entry or exit stamps in their
passport. Authorities in Yemen have stopped issuing visas upon
arrival for foreign nationals from various countries in an effort
to increase security measures due to concerns that extremists were
entering Yemen to receive training to carry out attacks. Visitors
to the country will now be required to apply for visas from a
Yemeni diplomatic office in their country of residence. It is
highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Safety
Yemen is a relatively dangerous country to visit, but the risks
have largely been exaggerated in the media. Westerners typically
receive a warm welcome, but there are sectors of society that are
hostile to non-Muslim visitors. There is an ongoing threat of
terrorism and kidnapping outside of Sana'a, particularly in tribal
areas. Most governments advise against non-essential travel to the
country. Crime rates are low, but petty theft can occur. The police
are poorly paid and ill equipped - don't rely on their
intervention.
Time
Local time is UTC/GMT -4 hours.
Tipping
Tips of 10 to 15 percent of the bill will be appreciated but not
expected by waiters and taxi drivers.