Yemen

Yemen is a place of incredible scenery, striking Islamic architecture, bustling souks, and peaceful mosques, lush valleys and epic mountains, and running throughout it all the Arab world's warmest, most hospitable people.

The capital Sana'a embodies the two faces of Yemen. There is the modern city with upmarket tourist facilities, and the old city with its Grand Mosque and distinctive multi-story buildings crafted in clay. Sana'a is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world and has much to offer visitors. Take in the view of the old city from the roof of the Taj Talha hotel, enjoy the old souk for a sense of what life is like without malls, and be spellbound by the magnificent 700 year-old Great Mosque.

Aden, the second largest city, is a port dating from Biblical times. It has a more cosmopolitan, liberal air than Sana'a and makes for an interesting visit. Other cities worth exploring are Shibam, known as the Manhattan of the Desert, and the garden city of Rawdha.

Certain sights are common no matter where you travel: most men carry rifles, and all men carry distinctive ritual curved daggers. The latter is really the essential souvenir for visitors - choose yours carefully and don't pack it in your hand luggage when you fly home! The other site you'll get used to seeing is qat, the mildly narcotic leaf that men of all ages chew while reclining in the shade, socialising and drinking tea.

Yemen's most incredible attraction, however, is the Socotra archipelago, with over 700 species of wildlife and plants unique to the islands. Known as 'the other Galapagos', this is a place of unique beauty and scientific fascination, with a distinct tribal culture that thrives intact after thousands of years.

To the Romans, the country of Yemen known as Arabia Felix, the 'fortunate land' on account of its fertile fields. To it's Biblical ancestors this was the land of milk and honey, a place of great significance. Today it is a shame that a few high profile incidents such as the 2001 bombing of the US Embassy have shaped public perception of this country more so than its plethora of extraordinary attractions and warmly welcoming people. Visit soon for an experience of a lifetime.

Climate

Yemen has a desert climate. The west coast is not and humid while the east is very hot, dry and prone to dusty conditions. The mountainous regions are temperate and can get very cold in the evenings. The best time to visit is from March to May, and over September and October when the weather is slightly cooler. Avoid visiting during the month of Ramadan (around September and August depending on the year).

Money

The unit of currency is the Yemeni riyal (YR), divided into 100 fils. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Travellers Cheques are difficult to change outside major towns. ATMs are not in operation.

Passport Visa

The government of Yemen refuses entry to both holders of Israeli passports, and those who have Israeli entry or exit stamps in their passport. Authorities in Yemen have stopped issuing visas upon arrival for foreign nationals from various countries in an effort to increase security measures due to concerns that extremists were entering Yemen to receive training to carry out attacks. Visitors to the country will now be required to apply for visas from a Yemeni diplomatic office in their country of residence. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after date of departure. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
• British nationals must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after date of departure. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
• Canadians must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after date of departure. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
• Australians must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after date of departure. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
• South Africans must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after date of departure. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
• Irish nationals must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after date of departure. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
• New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after date of departure. A visa is required and must be applied for in advance.

Health

Medical and health care facilities are good in Sana'a and Aden, but virtually non-existent in the country side. Travellers should be up to date on common vaccinations like cholera, typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis, before travelling to Yemen. Avoid swimming in rivers as bilharzias may be present. Avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency repatriation, is strongly advised.

Embassy Consulates

• Yemen Embassy, 2319 Wyoming Ave. N.W., Washington DC: +1 (202) 965-4760
• Yemen Embassy, 57 Cromwell Road, London: +44 (171) 584-6607.
• Yemen Embassy, Island Park Drive, Ottawa: +1 (613) 729-6627.
• Yemen Embassy,13 Culgoa Circuit, ACT: +61 (2) 629-01679.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Sana'a: (967) 1 755-2000 Ext. 2153 or 2266.
• British Embassy, Sana'a: (967) 1 308-100.
• Canadian Consulate, Sana'a: (967) 1 208-814.
• Consulate of South Africa in Yemen, Sana'a: (967) 1 224-051.