Is Tourism Allowed in Yemen?

By Alice Nichols

Yemen is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Red Sea. It has been in a state of conflict for years, with ongoing civil war and political instability that has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. Due to these circumstances, tourism to Yemen is not currently advised.

The Situation in Yemen

Since 2014, Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war between Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government. The conflict has escalated into a regional crisis, with Saudi Arabia and its allies intervening on behalf of the government. The war has resulted in countless casualties and massive displacement of civilians.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS. These groups have carried out attacks Targeting both civilians and military personnel.

Travel Advisories

Due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns, several countries have issued travel advisories warning against all travel to Yemen. The US Department of State, for example, advises against all travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

Impact on Tourism

The conflict has had a devastating impact on Yemen’s tourism industry. Before the war began in 2014, Yemen was known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites such as the Old City of Sana’a – a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, many of these sites have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict.

Moreover, tourism infrastructure such as hotels and transportation have been severely impacted by the conflict. Many hotels have been closed or repurposed as shelters for displaced persons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is not advised to travel to Yemen at this time due to ongoing conflict and security concerns. The situation remains highly unpredictable and dangerous for both locals and visitors alike. Until there is significant progress towards resolving the conflict and improving security, tourism to Yemen is unlikely to resume.

  • Travel Advisory: US Department of State advises against all travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
  • Tourism Industry Impacted: Yemen’s tourism industry has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict and many historical sites have been damaged or destroyed.
  • Conclusion: It is not advised to travel to Yemen at this time due to ongoing conflict and security concerns. Tourism is unlikely to resume until there is significant progress towards resolving the conflict and improving security.

Sources: