Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Yemen.
Yemen Status
DISRUPTION
Travel to Yemen is severely affected by armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping risks, landmines and unpredictable security conditions. Commercial flights remain limited, road and border conditions can change without warning and multiple governments advise against all travel to Yemen.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Severe travel warnings
The United States places Yemen at Level 4: Do Not Travel. The United Kingdom also advises against all travel to the entire country because of unpredictable security conditions.
Flights are extremely limited
Yemen is not completely cut off by air. Limited commercial services continue from airports including Aden, but the network is far smaller and less reliable than in countries with normal aviation operations.
Aden Airport
Aden International Airport continues to handle some international services. Flights can nevertheless be delayed, cancelled or changed because of security conditions and airspace restrictions.
Sana’a Airport
Sana’a International Airport has experienced repeated conflict-related disruption. Its runway was struck in July during an attempt by Yemeni government forces to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing.
Airspace restrictions
Aircraft operating in Yemeni airspace are subject to special restrictions and authorization requirements. Security developments can affect aviation with little warning.
Saudi Arabia border
The Yemen-Saudi Arabia border region is extremely sensitive. Severe security warnings apply on both sides because of armed conflict, terrorism and missile and drone activity.
Oman border
The Oman-Yemen border also carries severe security warnings. Travellers should not assume that an overland route provides a reliable alternative to air travel.
Road travel
Road travel can be dangerous because of armed conflict, checkpoints, roadblocks, poor road conditions and landmines. Routes into and out of major cities can close without warning.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping and hostage-taking remain significant risks. Foreign nationals can be particularly vulnerable.
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Maritime travel is also affected by the conflict. Security risks remain in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden.
Visa requirements
Foreign visitors require a visa to enter Yemen. Travellers should obtain the appropriate visa before attempting to enter the country.
Consular assistance
Several foreign governments have suspended normal embassy operations in Yemen. Emergency assistance for their citizens can therefore be extremely limited or unavailable.
Latest Travel Changes
Regional conflict remains active
Security conditions remain highly unstable. Since July, renewed attacks involving Yemen and Saudi Arabia have increased the possibility of further military escalation.
Saudi-Yemen hostilities have increased
Houthi forces have launched missiles and drones towards Saudi territory and shipping, while military strikes have also occurred inside Yemen.
Sana’a airport affected by conflict
Sana’a International Airport’s runway was struck in July during a confrontation over an Iranian aircraft attempting to land, demonstrating how quickly civilian aviation can be affected by military developments.
Some Aden flights continue
Despite the severe security environment, Yemen is not under a complete aviation shutdown. Scheduled Yemenia services continue on some routes from Aden, including international connections.
Official warnings remain at their highest level
The U.S. advisory remains Level 4: Do Not Travel, while the UK continues to advise against all travel to Yemen.
Before You Travel
Multiple governments advise against all travel to Yemen because of the country’s security situation.
Do not assume that the existence of a scheduled commercial flight means conditions at the destination are stable or that onward travel will be possible.
If you have an essential reason to travel, verify your flight directly with the airline immediately before departure because schedules can change with little notice.
Check visa and entry requirements directly with the relevant Yemeni authorities or embassy before attempting to travel.
Overland travel through Saudi Arabia or Oman should not be treated as a reliable alternative to flying because both border regions carry severe security warnings.
Foreign governments have extremely limited ability to provide consular assistance or evacuation from Yemen.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.