It is advised against all but essential travel to the Governorates of Sa'dah, Ma'rib, al Jawf, Shabwah and Hadramaut due to the threat of terrorism and tribal violence. On 18 January 2008, two Belgian tourists and two Yemeni nationals were murdered in the Governorate of Hadramaut. Visitors should take all the necessary steps to protect their safety, and should make sure that they have confidence in individual security arrangements. Visitos should maintain a high level of vigilance in public places and exercise caution, particularly outside urban areas.

There have been disturbances in Aden which have resulted in closures of the Aden-Sana'a road. These have been short-lived but any travellers intending to travel by road should check that the road is open before starting any journeys.

There is a high threat from terrorism and evidence that terrorists may target Western, including British, interests in Yemen. There have been a number of attacks and further attacks cannot be ruled out. In July 2007, a suicide car bomb killed eight Spanish tourists and two Yemenis in Ma'rib and explosives were found in Aden. On 20 May 2007, there were a series of small explosions in central Sana'a targeting Yemeni government buildings, resulting in a number of fatalities and casualties.

On 15 September 2006, oil installations near Ma'rib and al-Mukalla were attacked in simultaneous terrorist suicide operations that resulted in several casualties. On 5 November 2007, Ras Issa oil pipeline in the Sirwah district of the Governorate of Ma'rib was hit in a tribal attack.

British nationals visiting or resident in Yemen should consider whether their personal security arrangements are adequate. Travellers should be particularly vigilant in places frequented by foreigners.

There have been a number of kidnappings of European nationals since mid-2005, including in the governorates of Ma'rib, Shabwah and ‘Amran. The last incident took place near Habban in the governorate of Shabwah, on 10 September 2006. Extreme caution is advised when travelling outside major cities in Yemen.

Those wishing to travel to the governorates north of Sana'a or to Hadramaut will need prior permission from the Yemen Tourist Police. Those travelling on essential business to Ma'rib should travel with a Yemeni military escort and consider not stopping in Ma'rib city itself or its surrounding sites.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel