YEMEN TRAVEL GUIDE
Yemen is a country of contrasts, of past and present, where people still live in medieval times of the Arabian Nights but are gradually waking up to the fact that there is a vast and excitingly different world outside their vision or knowledge. Despite the lack of resources and recurrent political crises that have prevented the growth of tourism, Yemen is a very exciting country to visit. It is the land of the Thousand and One (Arabian) Nights and the land of the Queen of Sheba. Due to its insularity, Yemen has an unusual cultural heritage acquired over a period of 3000 years of recorded history. There are no holiday resorts in Yemen, western-style hotels are few and many of the country’s remarkable places are inaccessible, yet for the adventurous nothing is impossible, and it is worth making that effort.
Sadly current travel advice is that you should not travel to Yemen under any circumstances. The country is embroiled in a civil war and the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. No part of Yemen is safe from violence.
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YEMEN QUICK FACTS
Capital: Sanaa
Currency: Yemeni rial (YER)
Area: 527,970 km²
Population: 28,5 million (2018)
Language: Arabic
Religion:Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shi'a) 97%
Electricity: 220/50Hz (UK plug)
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YEMEN
YEMEN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 1 Jan New Year’s Day.
- 1 May Labor Day.
- 22 May National Unity Day.
- 26 Sep Revolution Day.
- 14 Oct National Day.
- 30 Nov Independence Day.
(Also, Maulid an-Nabi, Western Christian and Orthodox Easter, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Al Hijrah, Ashura)
FESTIVALS IN YEMEN
BEST TIME TO VISIT YEMEN
It is generally not safe to travel to Yemen at this time due to ongoing conflict and insecurity in the country. The U.S. Department of State advises against all travel to Yemen, and many other countries have similar travel advisories in place. It is not possible to accurately predict when it will be safe to visit Yemen. If you are planning to visit Yemen, it is important to stay up to date on the latest developments in the country and to follow the guidance of local authorities and the U.S. Department of State.
Yemen has a hot, arid climate with two main seasons: a dry season and a wet season.
- The dry season, which lasts from October to May, is characterized by hot, dry weather and very little rainfall. Temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F) during this time of year, and the air is often dry and dusty.
- The wet season, which lasts from June to September, is characterized by warmer temperatures and higher humidity, as well as more frequent rainfall. This is the monsoon season in Yemen, and the country can receive significant amounts of rain during this time of year, especially in the coastal and mountainous regions. Despite the increased rainfall, temperatures during the wet season can still reach 35°C (95°F) or higher.
YEMEN WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Yemen is a largely arid sub-tropical country where temperature depends primarily on elevation, and, in the coastal areas, is determined by distance from the sea. Mean temperatures in the highlands range from below 15°C in winter to 25°C in summer, and in the coastal lowlands from 22.5°C in winter to up to 35°C in summer. Rainfall regimes differ in the highlands and in coastal areas, with relatively little rainfall received in the center of the country. The annual frequency of rain days increases with elevation, with the mean number of wet days showing a strong decline from west to east. Coastal areas receive 80% of the annual rainfall during the winter months, while rainfall in the highlands follows two distinct rainy seasons: the saif (April-May) and the kharif (July-September).
YEMEN TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MARCH
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
APRIL
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MAY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
DECEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
HOT MONTHS:
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MODERATE MONTHS:
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COLD MONTHS:
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WET MONTHS:
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DRY MONTHS:
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SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN YEMEN
HIKING & CYCLING IN YEMEN
BEACH OPTIONS IN YEMEN
SURFING IN YEMEN
KITESURF IN YEMEN
Kitesurfing spot details and weather
HEALTH RISKS IN YEMEN
Be aware of possible health risks in
Yemen
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
YEMEN TRAVEL COSTS
It is not safe to travel to Yemen at this time due to ongoing conflict and insecurity in the country. The U.S. Department of State advises against all travel to Yemen, and many other countries have similar travel advisories in place. As a result, it is not possible to accurately estimate the cost of travel to Yemen at this time. If you are planning to visit Yemen, it is important to stay up to date on the latest developments in the country and to follow the guidance of local authorities and the U.S. Department of State.
YEMEN TRAVEL TIPS
If you do decide to travel to Yemen despite the travel advisories, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to ensure your safety. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Stay informed: Keep track of news and developments in the country, and be aware of the current security situation.
- Follow local laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs, and make sure to follow them while you are in Yemen.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and stay away from areas where there is ongoing fighting or instability.
- Take necessary precautions: Be sure to take necessary precautions to protect yourself, including wearing appropriate clothing, avoiding travel at night, and carrying enough water and supplies.
- Have a plan: Make sure you have a plan in place in case of an emergency, and make sure someone knows your itinerary and how to contact you.
It is always important to be aware of the risks and to take necessary precautions when traveling to any destination, and this is especially true when traveling to a country with ongoing conflict and instability.
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF YEMEN
Yemen is a country located in the Middle East, on the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the east, and the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea to the south.
The main regions of Yemen are:
- Aden: Aden is the largest city in Yemen and the country's former capital. It is located in the southwestern part of the country, on the Gulf of Aden. Aden is known for its historical sites, including the Old City, which is home to the Tawahi Castle and the Aden National Museum.
- Sana'a: Sana'a is the capital of Yemen and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is located in the western part of the country, at an altitude of 2,300 meters (7,500 feet). Sana'a is known for its ancient architecture, including the Great Mosque, which dates back to the 7th century.
- Taiz: Taiz is the second largest city in Yemen and is located in the southwestern part of the country. It is known for its historical sites, including the Taiz Fort and the Al-Qahira Castle.
- Al-Hudaydah: Al-Hudaydah is a port city located on the Red Sea, in the western part of the country. It is known for its beaches and the Al-Hudaydah Cultural Center, which hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
- Marib: Marib is a city located in the central part of the country. It is known for its ancient history and the Marib Dam, which is one of the oldest dams in the world.
- Hadhramaut: Hadhramaut is a region located in the eastern part of the country. It is known for its desert landscapes and the ancient city of Shibam, which is home to the "Tower of the Moon," a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Al-Mahrah: Al-Mahrah is a region located in the eastern part of the country, on the border with Oman. It is known for its natural beauty, including the Socotra Archipelago, which is home to a number of unique plant and animal species.
If you do decide to travel to Yemen despite the travel advisories, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to ensure your safety. Here are a few things that you might consider doing if you visit Yemen:
- Explore the ancient city of Sana'a: Sana'a is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and it is known for its ancient architecture, including the Great Mosque, which dates back to the 7th century.
- Visit the Marib Dam: The Marib Dam is one of the oldest dams in the world and is located in the central part of the country. It is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its cultural and historical significance.
- See the Socotra Archipelago: The Socotra Archipelago is a group of islands located in the eastern part of the country, on the border with Oman. It is known for its unique plant and animal species, and is a popular destination for nature lovers.
- Visit the city of Aden: Aden is the largest city in Yemen and is located in the southwestern part of the country, on the Gulf of Aden. It is known for its historical sites, including the Old City, which is home to the Tawahi Castle and the Aden National Museum.
- Explore the ancient city of Shibam: Shibam is an ancient city located in the eastern part of the country, in the region of Hadhramaut. It is known for its "Tower of the Moon," a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a popular tourist destination.
It is always important to be aware of the risks and to take necessary precautions when traveling to any destination, and this is especially true when traveling to a country with ongoing conflict and instability.
WHAT TO EAT IN YEMEN
emeni cuisine has a strong focus on rice, wheat, and bread. One popular dish is saltah, which is a stew made with meat (usually lamb or chicken), vegetables, and a spice mixture called hawaij. Saltah is often served with flatbread called lahoh. Another traditional dish is fahsa, which is a stew made with beans, meat, and vegetables. Other common ingredients in Yemeni cuisine include lentils, chickpeas, and a variety of vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Some popular Yemeni dishes to try include:
- Kabsa: a dish made with rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a variety of spices
- Mandi: a dish made with rice and meat that is cooked in a tandoori oven
- Bint al-sahn: a dessert made with honey, butter, and flour
It is also common to find a variety of grilled meats and vegetables in Yemen, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables.
LGBTQ IN YEMEN
WHERE TO STAY IN YEMEN
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