A typical Governments warning and other Yemen Warning Or Danger Tips

Canadian Government Warning
SAFETY AND SECURITY

There exists heightened tensions in Yemen, together with increased threats globally from terrorism. Since April 2005, there have been a number of grenade attacks in Sana'a against Yemeni government forces. On September 15, 2006, two oil installations near Ma’rib and al-Mukalla were attacked in simultaneous terrorist operations.

On July 19, 2005, the Government of Yemen announced the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies. A number of civil unrest incidents have occurred since the announcement. Westerners may be targeted and there is a possibility that the unrest may escalate. Avoid leaving vehicles unattended. In the event that you have to do so, carefully inspect both the interior and exterior upon return to detect any attached devices or suspect packages nearby. Treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. If you notice anything unusual, contact your sponsor or employer, or call the Yemeni police immediately. Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by the Yemeni authorities.

The level of risk to foreigners in Yemen is high. Vehicle hijacking is common. Yemeni authorities have increased security throughout the country, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Remain vigilant, do not show signs of affluence, and ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secured. Kidnappings of foreigners, mainly by disgruntled tribesmen, have occurred in the past. In most cases, these have been resolved peacefully, although there have been fatalities.

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Canadian Government Warning about local travel

LOCAL TRAVEL

Driving habits, poorly maintained vehicles, unclear and unheeded traffic laws, excessive speed, roaming animals, and pedestrians pose hazards. For security reasons, travelling along routes outside cities should be avoided. Should you need to do so, you should drive in convoy and during daylight hours. Advise friends or employer of your route as well as expected time of arrival and destination. Travellers should not use the Aden-Taiz-Sana'a highway. Anti-personnel mines and unexploded munitions remain a danger in the southern and eastern areas of the country, particularly around Aden, and the central highlands.

There is no rail service. You should avoid city buses and use only officially marked taxis after pre-negotiating fares. Car hires with chauffeurs are advisable. You should travel by air between major cities.

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Because of tribal tensions in certain areas as well as kidnappings in the past, a travel permit is needed to travel to most places other than Wadi Dhahr and Sana'a. The travel permits dont cost anything and they can be arranged by your hotel in most cases. Independent travel is not possible (according to the hotels) and it doesnt look like it will change anytime soon but I heard mixed reports from travellers saying it is possible if you go to the Tourist Police (dar al Hamd Hotel off Az Zira'ah st in Sana'a). The main places travellers are stongly advised to not go are the al Jawf region, the Sa'da region as well as areas around Ma'rib and the Saudi border. If you manage to travel alone you will need a lot of photocopies (around four or five a day) due to so many checkpoints.

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Some places in Yemen require a police escort and they usually charge about 2000 to 3000 YR. The Sana'a to Ma'rib road as well as Sa'da require them but Shaharah no longer requires them. Aden to al Mukalla also requires the assistance of the police. You can check with any travel agent or with your embassy for information. Generally speaking, these roads are problematic and kidnapping does occur. My driver to Shaharah told me that one week before I arrived he accompanied 3 Austrians to Ma'rib and they were kidnapped. They ended up unharmed but he had to wait four days while the governments negotiated a release. Be careful and use common sense.

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