YEMEN

What one should know before going to Yemen

Independent Travel Overview

Yemen — mysterious, raw, and deeply authentic — is one of the least visited countries in the world. From the surreal alien-like landscapes of Socotra to the ancient skyscrapers of Shibam, it offers experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.
But it’s not a typical travel destination. Due to ongoing conflicts, independent travel is not possible in most regions. Only a few areas — such as Socotra and parts of Hadhramaut — are accessible to foreigners, and only with careful planning.

Where Can You Travel in Yemen?

✅ Socotra Island

Safest and most accessible part of Yemen
Known for unique biodiversity (Dragon’s Blood Trees!)
Ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers

✅ Hadhramaut Region (Eastern mainland)

Home to UNESCO-listed Shibam
Remote valleys like Wadi Doan feature dramatic desert landscapes
Accessible via Seiyun, Mukalla or Aden airports (requires local permits)

❌ Avoid: Sana’a, Marib, Saada, and areas under military or rebel control

Dress Code in Yemen

👕 Men:

Long pants only (shorts are inappropriate in public)
T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts are fine — no sleeveless tops
Avoid flashy or tight clothing
No military-style or camouflage outfits
Stick to neutral, non-bright colors

🧕 Women:

Headscarf (hijab) expected in all public spaces
Loose-fitting clothes covering arms and legs
An abaya (black cloak) is highly recommended in mainland Yemen
Bright colors, tight or sheer clothing should be avoided
No need for niqab (face covering), but acceptable if you choose to wear it
On Socotra, dress code is more relaxed, but shoulders and knees should still be covered

👣 Footwear and general:

Sandals are okay, but no beachwear in cities or villages
At the beach or in hotel pools: modest swimwear only
Respectful attire goes a long way toward positive interactions with locals

Visas & Transport

Traveling to Yemen requires some planning, as flights are limited and often managed in cooperation with local tour operators. Below are the most reliable and realistic options depending on your final destination. All flights to and from Yemen are operated exclusively by Yemenia Airlines.

There are several airports in Yemen with international and domestic connections. Each has unique advantages depending on your destination:

Say'un International Airport (GXF)
Best for: Starting your Mainland Yemen adventure
International flights:

Cairo (CAI): Every Saturday, Tuesday & Thursday
Jeddah (JED): Every Friday

Domestic connections:

Aden (ADE): Every Saturday

Al-Rayyan Airport, Mukalla (MKX)
Best for: Coastal access to Hadhramaut and Wadi Do’an
International flights:

Dubai (DXB): Every Friday (round trip), Monday (departure only)
Cairo (CAI): Arrivals Friday, departures Sunday
Jeddah (JED): Every Saturday

Domestic connections:

Socotra (SCT): Every Sunday
Aden (ADE): Friday to Sunday (Monday arrivals only)

Aden International Airport (ADE)
Best for: Access to Aden City and broader Yemen
International flights:

Dubai, Cairo, Jeddah: Frequent (some daily)
Amman, Riyadh, Addis Ababa, Mumbai, Djibouti, Kuwait, Mogadishu, Nairobi: Weekly

Domestic:

Seiyun, Al-Rayyan, Al-Ghaydah, Socotra

Socotra Airport (SCT)
Best for: Direct access to Socotra Island
International flights:

Abu Dhabi (AUH): Tuesday & Friday (Air Arabia)
Domestic:
Aden: Sunday & Thursday
Mukalla: Every Sunday

Important Tip:
If you’re visiting both mainland Yemen and Socotra, start in mainland Yemen first and then fly domestically to Socotra. This way, you only need a mainland visa, and Socotra does not require a separate visa for domestic arrivals.

Transport inside Yemen

No public transport
4x4 private cars with local drivers are essential
Fuel shortages may occur in remote areas
Expect checkpoints — always carry passport and permits

Currency & Costs

Currency:
The official currency of Yemen is the Yemeni Rial (YER). However, due to ongoing economic instability, currency values can fluctuate significantly between regions and over short periods of time. In practice:

In Hadhramaut and Socotra, the Yemeni Rial is widely used and accepted.
Cash is king — credit cards and international bank cards do not work in Yemen. There are no functioning ATMs for foreigners.
Bring US dollars (preferably new, crisp $100 bills) and exchange them locally for rials as needed. Small denominations of USD can also be helpful in some situations.

Exchange Rates:
The exchange rate varies depending on the city and current market conditions. As of now, $1 USD may equal anywhere between 1,000 and 1,400 YER, but this can change rapidly. Your local guide will assist with money exchanges at trusted places.

Costs on the Ground:
Yemen remains a relatively affordable destination for travelers. Most major expenses are already included in the tour package (accommodation, transport, meals, entrance tickets, etc.). However, here are estimated costs for personal spending:

Meals outside the tour package:
Local eateries: €4–6 per meal
Seafood restaurants in coastal towns: €8–12
Full dinner in a nice local restaurant: €10–15
Souvenirs & shopping:
Handmade jewelry: €10–30
Scarves, fabrics, traditional hats: €5–15
Local honey: €10–20 per jar
Spices and small gifts: €2–10

Tipping:
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. It’s customary to tip porters, hotel staff, and your local guide/driver if you’re satisfied with their service. Suggested amount:

Local guide: $5–10 per day
Driver: $3–7 per day
Hotel staff / restaurant service: a few USD or YER as a kind gesture

Important Reminder:
Due to sanctions and lack of banking infrastructure, you won’t be able to withdraw money or use cards in Yemen, so calculate your cash needs carefully before entering the country.

Connectivity & Practical Tips

Internet & SIM

Limited or no mobile coverage in most regions
Socotra: only patchy 2G or local Wi-Fi in some hotels
Local SIM cards require ID, sometimes not available for foreigners

Health & Safety

Basic medical care only
Bring all essential meds with you
Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is highly recommended

Photography

Always ask permission before photographing people
Do not take photos of military or police infrastructure

Language

Arabic is the only widely spoken language
Very limited English outside of guides

⚠️ Security Note

Independent backpacking is not safe nor feasible in mainland Yemen
All movement requires planning, permits, and local coordination
Avoid all spontaneous or unplanned travel within Yemen’s mainland
Socotra is currently the only region with stable tourism activity

Electricity

Voltage: 220V
Frequency: 50 Hz
Plug types: Primarily Type G (British 3-pin plug), but in some places also Type A/C/D (used in parts of the Middle East and Asia).
It’s strongly recommended to bring a universal travel adapter with surge protection.
Power outages are common in Yemen, especially outside major cities.
Most hotels and guesthouses used during the tour have backup generators, but power cuts may still occur.
Charging tip: Charge your devices when you have power, and consider bringing a power bank for reliability during excursions or in rural areas.

Yemeni Cuisine

Yemeni food is rich, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition — a true highlight of any visit.

Main staples: Dishes often feature lamb, chicken, rice, lentils, beans, and freshly baked flatbreads.
Signature dish:
Saltah – a hearty meat stew with fenugreek froth, often served bubbling hot in a stone bowl.
Mandi – slow-cooked meat (often lamb or chicken) served over fragrant rice, cooked in a tandoor-style oven.
Vegetarians welcome: Many traditional meals include vegetarian-friendly options, such as fassolia (beans), lentil soups, vegetable stews, and fresh salads.
Bread lovers’ paradise: Expect warm flatbreads like mulawah or tameez served with nearly every meal.
Spices & sauces: You’ll encounter zhug (a spicy green chili sauce), cumin, turmeric, coriander, and black lime — subtle but bold flavors.
Sweets & drinks: Try bint al-sahn (honey-drizzled buttery bread), and enjoy traditional Yemeni tea spiced with cardamom and cinnamon.
Coffee culture: Yemen is the birthplace of coffee. Be sure to sample authentic qahwa, often served with dates or nuts.

Meals are a social ritual — often eaten from a shared dish while seated on cushions. This communal style reflects Yemeni hospitality and connection.

Alcohol & Smoking

Alcohol:
Yemen is a conservative Islamic country where the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited by law.

Alcohol is not available in shops, hotels, or restaurants.
Bringing alcohol into the country is forbidden and may result in confiscation or legal penalties at customs.
Even in private, alcohol consumption is not culturally accepted, and travelers are strongly advised to respect local laws and norms.

Smoking:

Cigarette smoking is common among Yemeni men and socially acceptable in many public spaces, especially in outdoor cafes or on the street.
Women smoking in public, however, is rare and may draw unwanted attention.
Shisha (waterpipe) is less common than in neighboring Arab countries but can occasionally be found in some urban cafes.
Smoking is not permitted indoors in hotels or official buildings unless a designated area is clearly marked.

As a visitor, it's important to be respectful of local customs, especially in conservative settings like villages or religious sites.

Qat (also spelled khat) is the leaf of the Catha edulis plant, widely used in Yemen for its mild stimulant effect. Chewing qat is deeply embedded in Yemeni culture and daily life.

What is it?

Qat contains natural stimulants that produce effects similar to caffeine or nicotine — increased alertness, reduced appetite, and a mild sense of euphoria.

When and how is it used?

Most Yemenis chew qat in the afternoon, often in social settings. It’s considered a traditional and communal activity — friends, family, and colleagues gather to chat, debate, or listen to music while chewing qat.

Will tourists be invited to try it?

Sometimes, yes — locals may offer qat as a cultural gesture. Participation is always optional and there is no pressure to join.

Legal status:

Qat is fully legal and socially accepted in Yemen. However, do not attempt to take qat out of the country — it is strictly banned in most other countries, including the U.S. and the EU. Carrying qat across borders can result in serious legal consequences.

Good to know:

Qat chewing can cause dry mouth, so it’s common to drink lots of water during a session. Some people may experience difficulty sleeping afterward — it’s best avoided late in the evening.

Important Notes & Travel Tips

Water & Hygiene
Drink only bottled water, which is widely available. Avoid ice and raw vegetables in areas where hygiene may be uncertain.
Bring wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and personal hygiene items, as these may not always be available in remote areas.

Physical Condition
The tour includes walking, short hikes, and some uneven terrain. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Good walking shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen are essential.

Communication with Locals
Yemenis are known for their hospitality and warmth. A smile and a respectful attitude go a long way. Be curious and open — this journey is as much about human connection as it is about landscapes and history.

Luggage
Soft, flexible luggage is preferred over hard-shell suitcases, especially for loading into 4x4 vehicles.
Pack light but smart: include both warm clothes (for desert nights) and lightweight clothing (for hot days).

Best Time to Travel

The ideal time to visit Yemen is during the cooler months from October to March. During this period:

Temperatures are more comfortable, especially in the Hadhramaut region and coastal areas like Mukalla. Expect:
Daytime: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
Evenings: 10–20°C (50–68°F), cooler in the mountains
Rainfall is minimal, allowing smooth travel even in remote valleys
Visibility is excellent for photography and scenic views

Avoid the summer months (June–August), especially if traveling inland, as temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) and humidity is high along the coast.
If you're planning a visit to Socotra Island (not included in this tour), October–April is also the best season — avoiding the windy monsoon season which affects travel logistics.

Join our Tour to Yemen

YEMEN
16-22 January 2026

A 7-day journey through Yemen’s hidden heart — from mudbrick skyscrapers to sacred valleys.
Traveling with a small group, guided by locals, with all logistics handled for a seamless and safe experience.

Find more

Write to me: vladas@spacetravel.lt