Yemen: Overview

Travel Warning: Bomb Attacks

The security situation in Yemen is unstable and travellers should exercise extreme caution, especially in areas frequented by foreigners. A double car bombing outside the US embassy in San'a in September killed 16 people. Five people were killed in an explosion at a post office in north-western Yemen in July. On March 18, a mortar attack on a school near the American Embassy in Sana'a killed one person and injured several others. An ambush in Hadramout in January resulted in the deaths of two tourists and injuries to four others, while in June 2007 a suicide bombing killed several people, including seven tourists in Ma'rib, 170km (110mi) east of Sana'a.

Ongoing fighting between the government and Shia rebels in the Sa'dah region in the north, and incidents of foreigner kidnappings, means travellers need to be well informed before visiting Yemen.

Travellers should monitor news services for any developments and respect any local advice regarding unsafe areas.

severity: High-level alert