Yemen is awe-inspiring in every sense of the word. Simply reading through the Lonely Planet’s “Destination at a Glance” inspires serious travel-envy. With a fascinating history that dates back to 1200 BCE, there is no shortage of truly incredible sites (fun facts: Noah once called Yemen “the land of milk and honey,” and the Queen of Sheba is believed to have called Yemen her home). There are four UNESCO World Heritage sites, each more wondrous than the last (Old Walled City of Shibam [AKA “Manhattan of the Desert”], Historic Town of Zabid, Old City of Sana’a [also Yemen’s modern capital] and the Socotra Archipelago). The sights of the country are often called otherworldly, and the claim couldn’t ring truer – some things in Yemen simply can’t be found anywhere else in the world (for example, in the Socotra Archipelago, 37% of 825 plants, 90% of reptiles and 95% of snails are endemic).
But against these wonders, the region faces extremism and violence. Travel is strongly discouraged by the US government “due to terrorist activities and civil unrest,” and other countries, like the United Kingdom, have issued similar warnings against travel to/from Yemen. Still on board? Travel is complicated, with flights canceled randomly, piracy in the surrounding seas and roads rough at best (and unnavigable at worst). Up for the adventure? Get ready for the trip of your life.
Safety and commons sense will be the name of the game here. Stay away from spontaneous demonstrations and areas that are restricted to tourists (they’re blocked off for a reason). Consider enrolling in Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP) before you leave. According to its website, STEP is “a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.” This is especially useful when traveling to countries like Yemen, where embassies are not adequately staffed and officers’ movements are restricted, which may not allow for help in case of an emergency.
Safe and squared away? Your next step is to fully prepare for your travels. First, make sure you are up-to-date on the recommended vaccinations (see the CDC’s recommendations here). Once your travel plans are in place, make sure you have the right paperwork. There are lots of travel restrictions and/or necessary permits required to travel through Yemen (in certain places, tourists cannot even board public transportation). Research and prepare for restrictions ahead of time. For starters, you will need an up-to-date tourist visa and a passport valid for six months at time of entry. Check with local travel agencies for help navigating the various processes.
Speaking of navigating, Yemen’s roads can be unreliable, so consider traveling with a licensed driver or tour guide. Your travels may also be smoother if you’re accompanied by someone familiar with social and geographical territories of Yemen (plus, English-speaking is not the norm, so if you don’t have a good grasp on the Arabic language, it’s good to travel with someone who does).
Finally – and perhaps most importantly – Yemen is a conservative and predominantly Muslim country, so respect and adhere to local customs. Possession/consumption of alcohol is illegal for citizens of Yemen. Do not photograph women, security checkpoints, military installations, or soldiers. If you are a woman, you may want to consider covering your hair for the trip. If you are LGBTQ, keep in mind that homosexuality is still punishable by death in this country. When in doubt, be respectful and ask someone knowledgeable (a tourist guide, a hotel manager, or a friendly local) how to proceed.
While not exactly a relaxing vacation, Yemen can be an unforgettable experience if you understand the risks and prepare correctly. Safe and happy travels!
This article was produced by Mahee Ferlini who writes about music and travel on her website.
