Current Events

In the governorates Marib and Shabwa, increasingly tribal tensions are taking place. For this reason, non essential travel to these governorates is being discouraged.

De security situation in Sana’a is under pressure because of several undefined terrorist attacks. On the 17th of September, the American embassy in Sana’a faced a severe terrorist attack. 18 People were killed, amongst whom six suicide terrorists. On the 30th of April, an explosion took place in the vicinity of the Italian embassy. Although this attack was claimed by a terrorist organization, the sincerity of this claim is questionable. On the 6th of April, a terrorist attack took place at the Hadda-compound in Sana’a. The Hadda-compound is located at the residential quarter Hadda in Sana’a. At the compound, mainly employees from the American embassy and oil companies are residing. On the 18th of March, a comparable attack took place at the American embassy.

In several governorates in the south of Yemen (Abyan, Dhale, Aden, Lahj) demonstrations against the Yemeni authorities are currently taking place. In some cities, these demonstrations resulted in clashes between demonstrators and Yemeni security forces.

On the 18th of January 2008, two Belgian tourists were killed when their tourist convoy was attacked in the Hadramout governorate.

On 2 July 2007 a suicide attack was committed near the city of Marib. The attack, aimed at Spanish tourists, was the first deadly attack aimed at tourists in Yemen.

Since 2004, a conflict takes place between government authorities and the local, religiously inspired Houthi-movement in the northern province of Saadah. Now and then, this conflict escalates severely, most recently in early 2007.  In June 2007 a ceasefire agreement was reached between the authorities and the Houthi-movement. In February 2008, the agreement was confirmed again and reconfirmed in July 2008. Despite the agreement, sporadic new outbreaks of violence cannot be excluded.

Also in other parts of the country as well as in Sana’a, violence related to the conflict in Saadah cannot be excluded. There are no indications that this violence would be directed at foreigners.

The Yemeni government is committed to protect foreign visitors from violence. For a period of four years, there were no reports of kidnappings or carjackings in which foreigners were targeted. Between August 2005 and September 2006 new kidnappings of tourists and UN employees have taken place in the provinces of Shabwah and Marib. On the 6th of May, two Japanese tourists were kidnapped for a short period nearby the Old Dam in Marib. The basis for this conflict was a tribal dispute. These kidnappings were resolved peacefully within a relatively short period of time and all foreigners were released unharmed. New kidnappings cannot be excluded. Also employees of oil compagnies in tribal areas face a higher risk of being kidnapped.

General

Travellers are advised to make use of the services of a reputable Yemeni travel agency, which will arrange for a travel permit and police escort whenever necessary. This advice is valid for all travels within Yemen.

In Yemen, gunfights between rival tribes, families and the authorities occur regularly. The Yemeni authorities may impose restrictions on travelling by road in areas that are considered unsafe, inter alia because of such gunfights.

In some areas landmines were laid during the 1994 civil war many of which have not yet been localised and destroyed. Also for this reason, travellers should not leave the main roads or only do so under the guidance of a reputable travel agency or experienced guide.

Sexual contacts with minors are strictly prohibited according to Yemeni law. The Yemeni authorities apply a strict prosecution policy and when convicted, heavy penalties will be imposed.

Crimes regarding sexual contacts with minors who are committed abroad, could also lead to legal prosecution in the Netherlands.

Serious crime

No threat.

Terrorism

Considering the tensions in the region and the increased risk of terrorist attacks, all Dutch citizens in Yemen are advised to exercise vigilance. This advice applies in particular when visiting public places which are frequently visited by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and tourist attractions or other venues which might be associated with American of British interests. This advice is valid both for the ‘big’ cities as Sana’a, Aden and Taiz as for the rural areas.

Dangerous Areas

Early 2007 the conflict in the Northern border province of Saadah escalated again. Although the conflict seems over travel to both the city and the province of Saadah is currently discouraged. The Yemeni authorities will also not permit such travel. In the governorates Marib and Shabwa, increasing tribal unrest is taking place. Non-essential travel to these governorates is discouraged.

Travellers are currently strongly recommended to exercise vigilance in entire Yemen.  All travellers must comply with local government regulations regarding travel throughout Yemen.  In case of doubt, travellers are advised to contact the Embassy before considering travel to or through these areas.

Information on the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Sana’a:

Address                              : off 14 October Street, near Al-Qimmah School, Hadda, Sana’a

Opening hours                     : 08:00 AM – 15:30 PM

Telephone                           : +967-1-421800

Fax                                     : +967-1-421035

Telephone duty Officer          : +967-71745555