Yemen : Safety by City
Yemen is a country located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Yemen is a country devastated by war and it has had a tumultuous history in the recent past with civil wars raging inside the country.
Though it is a country populated by extremely warm and friendly people and with a lot of things to offer culturally, naturally, and historically, it is still an extremely dangerous destination right now and visitors are discouraged from visiting.
What would be interesting for visitors, putting aside the current unfavorable political situation in Yemen, is the Sana’a – the old city, a mystical site, and at the same time a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can visit and see a bunch of fairytale gingerbread-like houses situated in the streets that are alive with the sound of passers-by.
This is one of the oldest cities in the world.
If you’re a nature lover, the Socotra island is for you – this is a picturesque island untouched by modern man, and home to many unknown and rare species of the world, as well as plants.
Warnings & Dangers in Yemen
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Yemen is currently a very dangerous destination for potential travelers. Governments in several countries have even issued warnings against traveling to this country, for reasons such as terrorism, kidnappings and other types of violent crime. Visiting Yemen can end in you getting seriously hurt or killed.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
The road transportation system in Yemen is extremely limited, with only a small percentage of roads paved. Taxis and public transportation are available but they are often in poor condition and lack safety precautions. Do not travel around Yemen unaccompanied under any circumstance.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Crime levels are high in Yemen and this goes for both petty and violent crime. Expect petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, camera snatching, and other forms of theft. Avoid crowded places, if you must leave your accommodation.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Floods and cyclones are Yemen's worst enemies when it comes to natural disasters. In 2015, the country's fifth-largest city, Mukalla was hit by severe flooding while thousands of people were left homeless.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Violent confrontations like muggings, armed robberies, and kidnappings are regular in Yemen so it is recommended that you take extra care on the streets of this country, avoid dark streets and deserted areas. Bear in mind that risks increase after dark.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Yemen, and the biggest threat is coming to AQAP in a place where they have strong connections and in more isolated areas like Hadramawt and Shabwah. Remain vigilant at all times.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
If you go to Yemen, scams are the least of your problems. However, there are scammers here too, and with them, the risk of you getting crossed over. Double-check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of anyone trying to distract you.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Yemen is not a safe destination for women. Do not go alone anywhere, and keep in mind that it is best not to move around Yemen at all, except if you're in a car with windows rolled up.
So... How Safe Is Yemen Really?
Yemen is an extremely dangerous country, and unless you absolutely have a dire need and necessity to be here, do not venture to Yemen: there is a brutal war raging inside the country at the moment and anyone visiting it could end up injured or dead.
If you are already in Yemen, do everything you can to leave as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
The situation is so serious because the country is split between militants: one is a Shia militant group and the other Al-Qaeda.
Given that the country is divided between militants, you can only imagine the risks you can run into: terrorist attacks, abductions, tribal violence, and general lawlessness are only some of the threats in Yemen.
Statistically, it makes sense that those who are staying in the country for a while have a greater chance of being killed, but groups of tourists aren’t safe either as there are heightened risks of terrorist groups targeting tourists in groups by carrying out suicide bombings and armed ambushes in places frequented by tourists.
You are not safe even in the capital Sana’a, as the country’s law enforcement is generally unreliable.
Refrain from traveling to the San’aa region of northern Yemen, as there is a serious risk of violent civil unrest and political turmoil.
However, traveling to some of the eastern and southern parts of the country isn’t safe either as these are the places where Al-Qaeda is active.
These places are Ma’rib, Shabwah, Hadramaw in the east and Aden, Abyan, Al-Bayda’ in the south.
How Does Yemen Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Yemen | 10 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Canada | 88 |
| Estonia | 82 |
| Albania | 75 |
| Czech Republic | 88 |
| Latvia | 80 |
| Cyprus | 75 |
| Slovenia | 87 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Yemen and if you need one, you will have to acquire one from one of the Yemeni diplomatic missions. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Yemeni rial is the official currency in Yemen. ATMs exist in this country and you can use your credit cards but it is still recommended that you bring cash with you.
Weather
Yemen has subtropical dry, hot desert climate characterized by the lack of precipitation throughout the year, and by high temperatures during summer and a big difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures, particularly in the inland areas.
Airports
Sana'a International Airport is the busiest and the main international airport in Yemen. It is located in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Yemen, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Yemen Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 23 | 23 |
| Low °C | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| High °F | 75 | 77 | 79 | 81 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 73 | 73 |
| Low °F | 43 | 46 | 52 | 54 | 57 | 59 | 61 | 61 | 55 | 48 | 45 | 41 |
Yemen - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Sana’a | 36 |
Nonsense
Kill yourself, nothing here is true except for the war….
I am a tourist who went to Yemen just last month and I cam home loving the adventure, unlike you who never been there….
How could you say that the people are so good and heart-warming when you literally talk shit about them stealing and kidnaping you????
I am ignoring you and I will do the exact opposite and do my best to get back into the country because there is so much more I could see!!
The capital city is very safe including Mukalla and Ibb, not saying that the country is safe, just saying that it is not lawless and that there are cops everywhere, but I am pretty damn sure the pickpocketing and robberies are in every country in the world.
It is not that dangerous, I sometimes even walk at night alone and all I get is people wanting to take a picture with me.
So get all this nonsense away and actually let someone who has been there explain the safety rating.
How safe is there right now i was going to go soon when they open up or is open now so i know
Thank you Elias.
You are absolutely right, its totally safe to room around in all cities in Yemen. I am planning to go there once the travel ban is lifted. Maybe in Sep. I would love to accompany you. Let me know
That yemen is my good place i am sad because is bad
appropriate it
Hello brother
IAM from India
I want to visit yaman Aden city. this month anyone please help me To get visa
I’m scared that all of them are high.
Thank you Elias for sharing your experience, I would like to go and visit some of the islands associated with Yemen, maybe see you There: )
Hello I’m trying to go to YEMEN to be with my husband can USA citizen go there now in 2023 please get back with me
I think its spot on.As of 2020 it was ranked 4th most dangerous country in the world. People can be nice but that dosent mean that its a safe country. Especialy when you have an armed gang threatning to take over Saudi Arbias capital.
My is a Dr he’s in yemen he said that you don’t know when you are going to die someone sent a Rockets in the building next to them and the other Dr were kllled
I do know a doctor there who is scared to death because of the violence because of the war he wants out so bad. He told me he was there to save people but he didn’t think he could save himself. This gentleman is in the far east of Yemen. I know it’s different than other places but I don’t believe any of Yemen is safe.. God help all of the people there and please Lord bring our people home 🙏🙏🙏
Unsafe, but this article is factually incorrect
This is factually incorrect. There aren’t kidnappings, natural disasters, suicide bombings. The militant groups aren’t two terror groups fighting each other, its much deeper than that. Please get your facts straight before spreading misinformation like this.
Stop scare mongering please
The media always exaggerates the situation in Yemen, there’s some trouble in some places between people but not like the way they portrayed it! I came back in January this year it was absolutely safe in Aden and I’m planning to go in December so please stop scare mongering 😔
Dangerous
Why are so many people claiming Yemen is safe?
Fact
The fact is, Because the know better than you do,
Have you been there to say its not? get views of people who actually been there!
Extremely dangerous just like any Muslim country!!
Well that’s not xenophobic or anything. WOW! Not all Muslim countries are unsafe. You sound like an idiot.
I’ve traveled to them alone, as a female, and a Jew.
Hello I’m a us citizen woman soon traveling to Aden Yemen w my future mother in law . I’m Mexican and want to know if it’ll be safe . Please someone let me know
The situation there is safe. I am from the local population. There is nothing and everything is available, but for a citizen, Aden is the safest city in Yemen. There are no pickpockets or scammers, and everything is a lie, even terrorism is not in Aden. I advise you not to visit Shabwa, Marib, Sana’a, Hattu is not safe for its residents.
YEMEN IS GREAT AND INEXPENSIVE. I BOUGHT A TROUT DOG FOR 2 DOLLARS
You… you are lucky to be alive Brittney.
Middle eastern countries are beautiful, whoever wrote it should be a shame of them selves. Currently traveled to middle eastern country and it was a safe, quiet, peaceful trip! Stop being closed minded and visit one. What your being is Islamophobic! What a shame!
Wow very racist!
I was based in Yemen with Hunt Oil Company in the mid-late 90’s.
Fabulous history and wandering around Sana’a for the day before flying home was a real joy. The taxi dropped us off at Bab Al-Yemen and we ventured well into the old city. The locals were so friendly and keen to speak English with us. Oh and the coffee in the little shacks was so nice!
Saying that, when we had to go to the oil plant via Marib, it’s a different story. Marib is like the OK Corral with the army vs Bedouins. We used to get held-up at the infamous Al-Jadn Junction but the drivers knew the passwords to get through unscathed! And then there was the Qat stop before coming down from the mountains to the hot desert plains 😉
I was held-up a couple of times and told to stop working in an area because the oil company hadn’t paid the local tribe in fresh drinking water. That’s generally how the ‘kidnappings’ worked. I knew a guy from another oil company who was ‘kidnapped’ and his only complaint after his 3-day ordeal was that he was given too much Johnnie Walker Whisky!
Oh how Tony BLiar together with George Dubbya Bush have destabilised this entire region.
I just toured all the Muslim countries. None of them are safe for the average American. Obviously if you are Muslim and can blend in looking like a local resident you will have a safer tour/trip than a pale skinned American that has a strong American accent and has no idea how to “blend” in and converse with the local citizens. America can be dangerous but not on the “level” of these countries. At least in America you have a “chance” of survival since other citizens will jump in and help you and the police are not corrupted. In the middle east the police are corrupted and local citizens look the other way when an American is in trouble. There are terrorist’s attacks everyday and kidnappings unlike that frequency in America. These countries need to separate their Religion from reality and stop using Religion as the law to live by and to follow precisely. As we all know Bibles are just books that contain the author’s personal beliefs and most of it can be fictitious.
How bout Malaysia? something in the South East, its peaceful
Replying To A Stupid Assumption
I agree that a number of Muslim countries are not safe but there are still multiple Muslim countries that have tourists there on the daily for example Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. These countries are very popular tourist destinations especially by Americans such as yourself. It is very stupid to make a very large racist assumption that isn’t accurate whatsoever. You need to stop making large statements based on your beliefs. Comparing a third world country to a first world country is idiotic as there are so many differences between the two and its just not quite fair to compare it like that. Also stating something like ” in the middle east ” is too general, you need to be specific if your going to make such an assumption. Get your facts straight. Yemen for example has been through so much war and corruption where as America a first world country has not. So, why is America still a crime filled place with school shootings occurring, Homicides, Human trafficking, Rape/Sexual Assault, Robbery and so much more in a country where it’s “safe” in your words and America is not corrupted such as Yemen a war filled country.
My friend is still missing there. Dr. Benjamine rainey.i miss him.tim c
He was in.yemen
At hospital.he was beat up . stabbed..robbed.hr told.me from there ..a dr was suppose to help.him get out of there from hospital .he.never made air flight home to.orlando.kissismi area .tell me it’s safe.ha.saudia arabia .is dangerous.tr
Stop spreading the ignorance Justin
You clearly didn’t visit any Muslim country if you say they are unsafe. I lived in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as a teacher and felt safer there than in most major American cities. Syria, Yemen and most of Iraq are obviously not as safe due to armed conflict, but to say Dubai, Kuwait City, Muscat, Amman, Beirut, Manama and Doha are dangerous is ridiculous. Stop spreading your ignorance and hate.
even indonesia is very very safe, u dont need to lock the door when u sleep
NOT A REVIEW
Clearly, people don’t know the difference between freedom and safety.
India to yeman
Dear all, I also go todelhi to yeman, aden next month some urgent work, is anyone advise when flights will be operational.
I HATE YEMEN
I HATE YEMEN! YEMEN SAFETY IS EVEN LOWER THAN 10. IT IS -0. I ALWAYS SEE DANGER IN YEMEN. I AM BORN IN YEMEN, AND I ALWAYS GET ROBBED, MUGGED, SCAMMED, AND SHOT BY RUDE PEOPLE. I AM DARK-COLORED, AND I TRY TO BE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE, BUT THOSE BAD GUYS KEEP RUINING MT EXPERIENCE. THERE ARE ALSO EXTENSIVE NATURAL DISASTERS THAT I HATE. NEVER EVER GO TO YEMEN, OR YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE THINGS THAT I EXPERIENCED. INSTEAD, GO TO CANADA.
I LOVE Yeman
In my Experience… Yeman is good… S off course there is a problem… Same like other country.. Am a lady.. Am working there.. From 2013…that local people are so nice.. They fear for god… They respect women…am walking alone… On street. In night times… Never feel fear… Its.. Safe country… I love yeman
I’m from Yemen
I’m from Yemen but live in California now and reading the above article made me laugh and upset at the same time. The article couldn’t be further from the truth. Everything stated beside the war is absolutely false. I have friends and family who live in California and travel back and forth to Yemen every year.
Great place. Clean, good economy
Dangerous country
The only people here saying Yemen is safe are people who live there or muslims that blend in so people don’t let them fool you in saying it’s safe. for every other profile you are far from safe. and don’t listen to the argument of that they know better because they been there all the news and journalist and so on that rate this country in the top of most dangerous know about what they speak and I rather believe all of them.
I am living in Yemen since 1996 ans its absolutely amazing. And Janice will never find me here!
Safe for women, as myself, just co-operate if asked to strip down a bit!
I went as an observer on behalf of the Egyptian Consul-General as a woman, was shocked at the absence of females in public places, I got to know the reason later when I saw a draped woman in a bus, in which some Yemeni militia with small arms climbed up, combed the bus for suspicious, and I got to know, the don’t harm women, their only demand is some touches, they got her to stand up, pulled down some of her waist clothes, spat his hands, and gave a gentle sensuous rub to her foreparts, she shuddered and gasped and then let her go after smelling her down. When it was my turn, they knew somehow I was not Yemeni, so they uttered some shit, and just fondled my tits, and smelled them. One of them apologised when I was getting down…
Overall safe for women!
Don't
If you can conform to Sharia and follow the advice of other Westerners who have been there you may survive the trip.
Nothing is worse than afghanistan or iran.
How could anything be worse or more embarrassing than a taliban government? I’m not going to travel there. I bet everyone saying yay go there is either retarded, confused, a citizen trying to paint a nonexistent picture, one of the bad guys themselves, or all of the above. It is possibly one of the most dangerous places to live either stay home and live,find a safer country to vacation to,or go there and risk death.
Yemen is dangerous
The reviews that say it’s safe are most likely fake i wouldn’t go there i never been and never will i don’t have the money to go there but even if i did i’d fly to Norway or Iceland and move to one of those places. The food they eat there might not be that great but it’s way better than dying. I never even tried their foods. I’d be afraid to ever set one foot in Yemen. Do yourself a favor and stay in a safe country. Make your visit to a country a safe one.