Travel Advisory
Level 4Do Not Travel
Do not travelin Yemen due to risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines. Do not travel to Yemen for any reason, including the island of Socotra. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen due to the safety risks. Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Terrorism The Department of State re-designated Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in March of 2025. Other terrorist groups also plan and carry out attacks in Yemen. These include Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target: Public sites Places of worship Transportation hubs Markets Government buildings and facilities There is high risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Yemen. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas. Unrest A civil war continues in Yemen. Yemen faces instability and the Houthis have repeatedly clashed with Yemeni government forces. The Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against Yemeni government personnel, as well as civilians and infrastructure across the country since July 2026. The Houthis have also targeted infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb. Do not rely on significant assistance from local authorities. Foreigners are frequently targets of kidnapping and carjacking, especially outside of urban areas. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Military conflict has destroyed basic infrastructure like housing, medical facilities, schools, and utilities. This makes it hard to get electricity, clean water, and medical care. Humanitarian groups face obstacles in delivering food, medicine, and water. Crime Violent and organized crime is common in Yemen. Local law enforcement may not be able or willing to respond to serious crimes. Health Medical services for routine and emergency procedures in Yemen are limited and poor. There is a re-emergence of diseases like cholera, polio, and measles which are spreading in Houthi-controlled areas. Medicine and medical supplies are hard to find. Adequate medical treatment for routine and emergency procedures is often not available. If you decide to travel to Yemen: Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information. Visit the CDC's Travel Health page for the latest information. Kidnapping U.S. citizens, especially dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens, are at high risk of kidnapping and detention in Yemen. Young U.S. citizens may be kidnapped or trafficked for forced marriage. Family members in the United States or Yemen are often involved in these kidnappings. The Houthis control Sana’a. They have detained U.S. citizens without cause, including some with dual citizenship. U.S. citizens have faced difficulty and delays when trying to leave Yemen. Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime. Landmines Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Yemen. Their location is often not marked or easy to recognize. Socotra Island Do not travel to Socotra Island or any part of Yemen. Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra. They offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid "visas." These companies put tourists in danger and legal jeopardy. Only the Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas. The U.S. government cannot help U.S. citizens in Socotra. Aviation safety Limited commercial flights are available from Aden to other airports in the region. Sana’a International Airport is closed for commercial flights as it is frequently the target of attacks due to its illicit use by the Houthis. Check with airlines and travel companies for the latest flight information. Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) prohibiting operations within the Sana’a Flight Information Region (FIR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices. Maritime travel Due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen territorial waters, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory. For more information, mariners and passengers planning travel to Yemen should check the following: U.S. Maritime Advisories U.S. Maritime Alerts Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons The U.S. Coast Guard determined Yemeni ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Yemeni ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.
Full advisory on travel.state.gov →Updated: 2026-10-22T20:00:00-04:00
