Travel Summary

• The situation in Yemen remains volatile with reports of continuing unrest and violent clashes. We advise against all travel to Yemen and strongly urge British nationals to leave now by commercial means (see list of airlines). If you do not leave the country now while some commercial carriers are still flying it is extremely unlikely that the British government will be able to evacuate you or provide consular assistance. Our current ability to provide any consular assistance is very limited.
  
  
• The threat of an escalation of violence and disorder remains. British Nationals who have left Yemen are advised not to return. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.
  
  
• There is a threat of kidnap by armed tribes, criminals and terrorists in Yemen. UK and Western nationals are potential targets for these groups and successful ransom negotiations concluded recently by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) could encourage more kidnappings. There is a strong possibility that any hostage captive in Yemen could be sold to AQAP.  The threat to Westerners is further heightened by the current security situation and AQAP’s evolving presence in the south is likely to lead to a situation more conducive to kidnappings.
  
  
• If you decide to travel to Yemen against our advice, you are strongly advised to regularly reassess your security arrangements and consider carefully when planning movements throughout the country.  The provision of close security protection is extremely important for those working in and moving around Yemen.  But this in itself does not remove the threat – a number of those who have been kidnapped include individuals who had security arrangements in place.
  
  

• We advise all British nationals to avoid high profile venues such as international hotels and other places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as landmarks, places where large crowds gather, embassies, government ministries and military establishments.
        

• Nine civilian demonstrators were killed during clashes with the security forces in Sana’a on 24 December 2011. Clashes in Taiz escalated in November 2011, with more than 20 protestors killed and many more injured. You should avoid demonstrations and be particularly vigilant in public places.
  
  
• Routes in and out of Sana’a and the other major cities may be blocked and airports closed or inaccessible at little or no notice.
  
  
• If you choose to remain in Yemen against our advice, you should make your own security arrangements for the duration of your stay and remain in regular contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
  
  
• If you have not registered with the British Embassy, we urge you to do so immediately by e-mailing consularenquiries.sanaa@fco.gov.uk or calling +967 1308 114. Alternatively you can call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office switchboard on +44 (0)20 7008 1500 and ask to speak to the team handling Yemen Consular issues. If you are aware of others who have not registered, please urge them to do so.
  
  
• All British nationals should maintain a heightened level of vigilance and keep a low profile at all times, observing the strictest of security measures, and avoid any unnecessary travel. In the event of a further deterioration of the situation, evacuation options are likely to be limited.
  
  
• Full passport services have been temporarily withdrawn from the British Embassy in Sana’a. You should read the General - Passports and Visas section of this travel advice if you have submitted an application for a British passport, if you need to submit a new application, or if a dependant needs to submit an application for a UK visa.
  
  
• If you require urgent consular assistance or help with existing passport applications please call +967 1308 114.  For urgent assistance outside of office hours please call +44 (0) 20 7008 1500.
  
  
• There have been violent clashes in the Hasaba area of Sana’a since late May and reports of armed gangs and random gunfire across Sana’a. You should be particularly vigilant in public places. If in any doubt, remain indoors.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism and specific methods of attack are evolving and increasing in sophistication.  We believe that terrorists continue to threaten further attacks including in Sana’a, Aden and other urban areas. No part of Yemen should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts.
  
  
• The UK Government has stopped the movement of all air cargo where such items are known or believed to have originated in Yemen and moving into or through the UK. See Safety and Security - Air Travel.
  
  
• Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.  On 23 October 2009, two British nationals were taken hostage while sailing in the Indian Ocean.  New Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the Indian Ocean was published in February 2011. It cautions against all but essential travel by yacht and leisure craft on the high seas (more than 12 nautical miles from shore) in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and part of the Indian Ocean. See Safety and Security - Sea Travel.
  
  
• You should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.