{"id":40469,"date":"2023-03-20T17:24:57","date_gmt":"2023-03-20T15:24:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=40469"},"modified":"2026-02-27T19:36:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T17:36:46","slug":"yemen-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/yemen-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"How to travel to Yemen (mainland) in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-featured-featured-image-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-featured-featured-image-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-featured-featured-image-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Yemen-travel-featured\" class=\"wp-image-40643\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-white-color has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Wanna travel to <\/strong>Yemen <strong>with Against the Compass?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns px-5 mb-0 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-normal-font-size\">Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Yemen on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-link-color has-normal-font-size wp-elements-b39f1223fa28f7bafdcd9786f7645196\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>November 19th to 24th, 2026<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-atc-primary-green-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/yemen-january\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemen is a country which has been taken from a fairy tale, a destination that overawes each and every visitor who is captivated by the mesmerizing architecture that dots the unexpectedly radiant and fertile valleys that comprise the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Local men strolling the streets with their colorful <em>jambiya<\/em> &#8211; traditional dagger &#8211; are the cherry on top that make Yemen such a unique country, because there\u2019s nothing like Yemen; not only in terms of sights, but years of isolation have made Yemen an incredibly raw country, where travelers can still experience Yemeni rural life as it used to be centuries ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditionally grouped in tribes with strong codes of conduct that tend to prevail over the country\u2019s law, their rules dictate that one must protect their guest, with their own life if needed, and treat them like one more member of their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result is a particularly warm and welcoming society whose main aim is always watching over your safety and to feed you with the best honey and Yemeni food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemen is certainly one of the most legendary countries in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this <strong>travel guide to Yemen<\/strong>, you will find the latest, updated info on how to travel to Yemen, including safety, how to get a visa and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0f0\">This guide is for Yemen mainland. For Socotra, check our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/socotra-travel\/\"><strong>travel guide to Socotra<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-guide-Pinterest-1-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-guide-Pinterest-1-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-guide-Pinterest-1-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Yemen travel guide \" class=\"wp-image-40645\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:520px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Yemen travel guide, you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"table-of-contents__title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#18\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Need to know before traveling to Yemen<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#19\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Tours<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#2\">Which regions can you visit?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#3\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#3\">Top experiences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#4\">Is it safe to travel?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#5\">How to get a visa<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#20\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Travel Insurance<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#6\">Best time to visit<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#7\">Useful books for traveling<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#8\">Independent travel<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#9\">How to get to Yemen<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#10\">The country, people and culture<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#11\">Yemeni food and cuisine<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#12\">Solo female traveler<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#13\">Money and prices<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#14\">Transportation<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#15\">Where to stay<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#16\">Internet<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#17\">More Information<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Yemen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=yemen_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is one of the very few that covers travel in Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=yemen_travelguide_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900;font-size:16px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18\">\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\uddea Need to know before traveling to Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemen is a complicated country which is going through an even more complicated conflict, and it\u2019s important to understand what are you getting into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There are 2 Yemens, north and south<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before visiting Yemen, you should know that the country is divided into two separate, big regions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yemen Arab Republic, also known as North Yemen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>People&#8217;s Democratic Republic of Yemen, also known as South Yemen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By the way, the capital Sanaa is in North Yemen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 19th century, North Yemen was under Ottoman rule, while Britain controlled the South.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the Ottoman Empire collapsed in 1918, North Yemen became an independent state, but the British ruled over South Yemen until 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the British withdrawal in 1967, North and South Yemen were two separate UN countries until they unified in 1991, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yemeni_unification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>becoming the Yemen Arab Republic.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">North Yemen is where most issues are happening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a traveler, you need to be aware that, despite the unification, this division is still part of every-day Yemen, both politically and culturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemeni-people-Typically-Yemenis-wearing-a-jabiya-are-from-the-North-908x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemeni-people-Typically-Yemenis-wearing-a-jabiya-are-from-the-North-908x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemeni-people-Typically-Yemenis-wearing-a-jabiya-are-from-the-North-908x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Yemeni people\" class=\"wp-image-40596\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Typically, Yemenis wearing a jambiya are from the North<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>First of all, all the bad things you hear about Yemen, like famine and aerial bombings &#8211; the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/program\/the-stream\/2022\/3\/28\/yemen-why-is-the-worlds-worst-humanitarian-crisis-ignored\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">world\u2019s worst humanitarian crisis<\/a> <\/strong>according to some sources &#8211; are mostly happening in North Yemen, a region today <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2015\/3\/29\/who-are-the-houthis-in-yemen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>controlled by the Houthis<\/strong><\/a>, a militia that belongs to a branch of Shia Islam, who want to take control of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-visit-saudi-arabia-itinerary\/\">Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/strong> is trying to get rid of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\"><strong>Update March 2023: <\/strong>Now that <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Iran%E2%80%93Saudi_Arabia_relations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Iran and Saudi are in peace<\/a><\/strong>, nobody knows what will happen <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Yemen is mostly pro-Saudi, but it\u2019s pretty messy too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>South Yemen on the other hand, is controlled by the Yemeni Government, which is extremely pro-Saudi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the members of the Government do not live there anymore; they are all exiled in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-saudi-arabia-ethical\/\"><strong>Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/a>, leaving the country mostly under the control of the Yemeni Army. It&#8217;s quite a mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make things even more complicated, part of South Yemen is controlled by the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southern_Transitional_Council\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">STC (Southern Transitional Council)<\/a>,<\/strong> a separatist group who want South Yemen to become an independent country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are supported by the United Arab Emirates, who fight against Saudi over power, believe it or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a foreign traveler, North Yemen is today off limits. <em>More on that in the following section.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Whats-happening-in-Yemen-A-separatist-flag-from-South-Yemen-1024x712.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Whats-happening-in-Yemen-A-separatist-flag-from-South-Yemen-1024x712.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Whats-happening-in-Yemen-A-separatist-flag-from-South-Yemen-1024x712.jpg\" alt=\"What&#039;s happening in Yemen \" class=\"wp-image-40599\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A separatist flag from South Yemen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19\">\ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f Tours for Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that independent travel in Yemen is not possible nowadays, like no way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Against the Compass, however tends to always have scheduled group expeditions into Yemen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>November 10th to 17th, 2026 (<em>Socotra<\/em>) \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/socotra-february\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u200b<strong>APPLY NOW<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>November 19th to 24th, 2026 (<em>Yemen<\/em>) \u2013 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>December 1st to 8th, 2026 (<em>Socotra<\/em>) \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/socotra-round-8\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u200b<strong>APPLY NOW<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>December 29th, 2026 to January 5th, 2027 (<em>Socotra<\/em>) \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/socotra-round-8\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u200b<strong>APPLY NOW<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>January 28th to February 3rd, 2027 (<em>Yemen<\/em>) \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/yemen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u200b<strong>APPLY NOW<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>February 9 to 16th, 2027 (<em>Socotra<\/em>) \u2013&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/socotra-round-10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u200b<strong>APPLY NOW<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/yemen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tours for Yemen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/DSC060011-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/DSC060011-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/DSC060011-1024x683.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-56964\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">Which region of Yemen mainland can you visit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you visit North Yemen?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, North Yemen &#8211; and that includes the capital Sanaa &#8211; is practically impossible to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The area is not under the jurisdiction of the Yemeni Government, hence getting the necessary security clearances and permits for going through all the checkpoints is difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Difficult, not impossible, but, even with all the necessary permits, there is a high chance of getting arrested, like happened to a friend of mine who spent one week traveling in North Yemen, until the Houthis decided to lock him up for a week, giving him a very hard time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might bump into a fixer who sells you the yummy, irresistible idea of traveling all the way to Sanaa but in my opinion, this is still a bit sketchy, and my recommendation would be to wait until things calm down a bit more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>I\u2019ll be updating this post as soon as I figure out more about visiting Sanaa.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\"><strong>Fun fact: <\/strong>How many tourists visit Yemen mainland each year? Less than 200 people visit Yemen (mainland) each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you visit South Yemen?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From the western city of Aden all the way to the border with <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-oman-budget\/\"><strong>Oman<\/strong><\/a>, South Yemen comprises around two thirds of the country, but the only place you can visit is a region named Hadramut, the only stable region in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where I traveled to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hadramut is a beautiful, mostly rural region home to jaw-dropping valleys and postcard-like mud-villages often dominated by hypnotic palaces once owned by the local sultans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shibam, a city entirely built of 9-story mud-brick buildings in the middle of the desert, is today a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/192\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a><\/strong> and by far, the highlight of Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hadramut by itself is certainly worth the trip to mainland Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you visit Socotra?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Socotra is a remote Yemeni island, which has unique geology and flora, as well as being home to a Yemeni society with significant cultural differences due to their isolation from Yemen mainland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many years, Socotra has been sort of a hotspot for intrepid travelers looking for some real off the beaten path adventures. The island is used to receiving visitors, so you can find some relatively developed tourism infrastructure run by a few local tour operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Learn more on our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/socotra-travel\/\">Socotra travel guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Visit-Hadramut-Visit-Hadramut-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Visit-Hadramut-Visit-Hadramut-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Visit-Hadramut-Visit-Hadramut-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Visit Hadramut\" class=\"wp-image-40601\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visit Hadramut<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">\ud83d\uded6 Top experiences in Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visiting the mud-brick towns like Shibam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>And I specify towns because this isn\u2019t like the tiny mud villages you may find in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-mali\/\"><strong>Mali<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/sudan-travel-guide-backpacking\/\"><strong>Sudan<\/strong><\/a> but they are actual towns built in the past as caravan cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Shibam-This-is-Shibam-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Shibam-This-is-Shibam-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Shibam-This-is-Shibam-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Shibam\" class=\"wp-image-40603\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is Shibam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shopping in a khat market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to sparing one day for chewing khat, visiting one of the many khat markets with tens of stalls selling all sorts of types and quality of khat is a real highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Khat-in-Yemen-A-khat-seller-788x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Khat-in-Yemen-A-khat-seller-788x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"40605\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Khat-in-Yemen-A-khat-seller-788x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Khat in Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40605\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A khat seller<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Khat-market-Yemen-We-bought-this-badge-for-around-18.-Its-for-2-people-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Khat-market-Yemen-We-bought-this-badge-for-around-18.-Its-for-2-people-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"40607\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Khat-market-Yemen-We-bought-this-badge-for-around-18.-Its-for-2-people-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Khat market Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40607\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We bought this badge for around $18. It&#8217;s for 2 people<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meeting Yemeni people<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With their daggers, traditional clothes, smiles and hospitality, meeting Yemenis are an essential part of any trip to Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-highlights-A-fruit-seller-in-the-market-of-Seiyun.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-highlights-A-fruit-seller-in-the-market-of-Seiyun.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-highlights-A-fruit-seller-in-the-market-of-Seiyun.jpg\" alt=\"Yemen highlights\" class=\"wp-image-40609\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fruit seller in the market of Seiyun<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trekking around Wadi Doa\u2019n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This canyon-shaped valley offers plenty of trekking opportunities through unspoiled villages and spectacular views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Trekking-in-Yemen-This-is-Wadi-Doan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Trekking-in-Yemen-This-is-Wadi-Doan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Trekking-in-Yemen-This-is-Wadi-Doan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Trekking in Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40611\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is Wadi Doa&#8217;n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">\u26a0\ufe0f Is it safe to travel to Yemen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office (FCDO) advises <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\/yemen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">against all travel to Yemen<\/a><\/strong>, including both the Yemeni mainland and Socotra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-advice-Yemen-travel-warning-according-to-the-FCDO.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-advice-Yemen-travel-warning-according-to-the-FCDO.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-advice-Yemen-travel-warning-according-to-the-FCDO.jpg\" alt=\"Yemen travel advice\" class=\"wp-image-40613\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yemen travel warning according to the FCDO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I have done <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/category\/safety-travel\/\"><strong>safety analysis<\/strong><\/a> for several countries &#8211; only from a tourist perspective &#8211; and my answer to the FCDO advice is always the same: their analysis is extremely biased and based on extremely unlikely scenarios, since they want nothing to do with travelers venturing in those areas if the extremely unlikely happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The situation in Hadramut is arguable, yes, but Socotra is an isolated paradise that always stayed at the edge of the conflict, the reason why it keeps receiving thousands of tourists every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, you might be interested in our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/venezuela-travel\/\"><strong>travel guide to Venezuela<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My personal perspective on safety in Yemen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You have already learnt that, when talking about Yemen, one must be able to differentiate between North Yemen and South Yemen, the first being the apparently dangerous part of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, I haven\u2019t been in North Yemen, so I can\u2019t really verify whether that region is safe or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Actually, nobody does, since you can\u2019t really travel there nowadays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, South Yemen is pretty big, but the only place which can be visited is Hadramut, so this section will mainly focus on safety in Hadramut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it safe to travel to Hadramut?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a difficult question to answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I was traveling around Hadramut, everything felt very safe indeed, and it shouldn\u2019t be a coincidence that Hadramut is the only area in Yemen which foreigners are allowed to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hadramut Insurgency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nonetheless, we can\u2019t deny the fact that from 2016 to 2018, Hadramut had a large presence of Al-Qaeda and ISIS, terrorist groups that were even controlling the regional capital: Mukalla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For nearly two years, suicide bombings and actual fighting happened nearly every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The situation, however, has drastically improved, since the area has been cleared up from terrorists, hence they decided to open it for international tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, one must travel to Hadramut with extra caution but at the end of the day, you will certainly do that because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Independent travel is not allowed and one must always be with their local guide, who will not allow you to wander around on your own<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must be accompanied at all times by Yemeni armed escorts during your trip in Hadramut, and you must pay for their service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are endless checkpoints<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s difficult to say whether Hadramut is safe or not: your trip to Yemen will be rather short, you will always be with armed escorts and an expert fixer who knows where to go and how to deal with complicated situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Would it be safe if you traveled to Yemen as an independent backpacker?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t know because nobody has done it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Is-it-safe-to-travel-to-Yemen-My-fixer-and-driver.-Many-Yemenis-are-armed-with-AK47-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Is-it-safe-to-travel-to-Yemen-My-fixer-and-driver.-Many-Yemenis-are-armed-with-AK47-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Is-it-safe-to-travel-to-Yemen-My-fixer-and-driver.-Many-Yemenis-are-armed-with-AK47-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Is it safe to travel to Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40615\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My fixer and driver. Many Yemenis are armed with AK47<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">\ud83e\udeaa How to get a visa for Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A visa is strictly required for traveling to Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good news is that all nationalities can apply for a tourist visa, an easy, straightforward process &#8211; as long as you can afford it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bad news is that you can only get it through a local fixer, with whom you must book a full tour &#8211; like in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/syria-itinerary\/\"><strong>Syria<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; and it\u2019s usually pretty expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">Join <a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/yemen\/\"><strong>our Yemen tour<\/strong><\/a> and get your visa instantly, with no hassle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, the visa takes around 1 full month to process, but this is Yemen, and it\u2019s recommended to get in touch with your local fixer\/tour operator way before that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everything can be arranged on WhatsApp, and all you need to do is send a copy of your passport, a passport photo and a filled-out form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the Yemeni visa, your local tour operator\/fixer will also apply for a security clearance, something needed for going through all checkpoints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your fixer should send you your visa via email and all you have to do is print it out and collect your stamp upon arrival in Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">The visa process for Socotra is pretty similar, but it\u2019s a distinct process that shall be done with Socotra-specific tour operators. A visa for mainland Yemen is not valid for Socotra and viceversa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Visa-for-Yemen-My-entry-visa-for-Yemen.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Visa-for-Yemen-My-entry-visa-for-Yemen.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Visa-for-Yemen-My-entry-visa-for-Yemen.jpg\" alt=\"My entry visa for Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40617\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20\">\ud83d\ude91 Travel insurance for Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Most travel insurance companies don\u2019t cover for travel in Yemen, except for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=yemen_travelguide_en_own\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I recommend it because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only travel insurance company that covers Yemen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They have different plans for all budgets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Covers senior citizens too<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Readers of this blog can get an <strong>exclusive 5% discount.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=yemen_travelguide_en_own\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">BUY IT HERE TO GET YOUR DISCOUNT<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">\u26c5 Best time to visit Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like in other Gulf countries, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-oman\/\"><strong>Oman<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-saudi-arabia\/\"><strong>Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/a>, you should avoid traveling in Yemen during the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I visited Yemen in the month of November. Days were warm but rarely over 30\u00baC and evenings were pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">\ud83d\udcda Useful books for traveling in Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Ly49tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Yemen travel guide by Lonely Planet<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Very outdated (1999) but the only available guidebook to the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Ly49tl\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-guide-Lonely-Planet.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-guide-Lonely-Planet.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-travel-guide-Lonely-Planet.jpg\" alt=\"Yemen travel guide Lonely Planet\" class=\"wp-image-40619\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3JRDPJr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Tribes and Politics in Yemen: A History of the Houthi Conflict<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Indispensable book to understand everything related to today\u2019s conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3JRDPJr\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tribes-and-Politics-in-Yemen.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tribes-and-Politics-in-Yemen.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tribes-and-Politics-in-Yemen.jpg\" alt=\"Tribes and Politics in Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40621\" style=\"width:239px;height:undefinedpx\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Yemen-Pictorial-Seiyun-Hadramaut-Guides\/dp\/B0C1JCT9BM?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=37a19ae7673df36c16d33d86922adf3d&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">A pictorial guide to Yemen by Sian Pritchard-Jones&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Bob Gibbons&nbsp;<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My friends and fellow travelers Sian and Bob just published this pictorial guide to Yemen which also contains fresh and actionable advice to the country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Yemen-Pictorial-Seiyun-Hadramaut-Guides\/dp\/B0C1JCT9BM?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;linkId=37a19ae7673df36c16d33d86922adf3d&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/A-pictorial-guide-to-Yemen.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/A-pictorial-guide-to-Yemen.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/A-pictorial-guide-to-Yemen.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-43352\" style=\"width:261px;height:372px\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">Independent travel in Yemen mainland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you travel in Yemen mainland independently?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, independent travel in Yemen is strictly forbidden, including within Hadramut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My fixer in Yemen told me the story of a Japanese traveler who tried to escape while having an after-lunch break at the hotel, time which the tourist took advantage of to buy or rent a motorbike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He was detained at the first checkpoint and wasn\u2019t allowed to leave until the fixer showed up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, traveling in Yemen is so restricted that you can\u2019t even change your itinerary once permits have been issued, because those permits must specify the dates you will be in each area of Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/travel-to-Hadramut-Visiting-a-remote-village-with-our-driver-and-escort-somewhere-in-Hadramut--1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/travel-to-Hadramut-Visiting-a-remote-village-with-our-driver-and-escort-somewhere-in-Hadramut--1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/travel-to-Hadramut-Visiting-a-remote-village-with-our-driver-and-escort-somewhere-in-Hadramut--1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"travel to Hadramut\" class=\"wp-image-40623\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visiting a remote village with our driver and escort somewhere in Hadramut<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">\ud83d\udeeb How to get to Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Yemen by air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the only feasible way to travel to the Yemeni mainland by air is with Yemenia Airways via Cairo to a city named Seiyun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are 3 to 4 flights a week and tickets must be purchased via a tour agent based in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-egypt-itinerary\/#9\"><strong>Cairo<\/strong><\/a>, the contact of which should be shared by your Yemeni tour operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my case, I reached out the mentioned tour agent on WhatsApp, who told me to wire her the total cost of the flight ticket to an Egyptian bank account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The round-trip ticket from Cairo to Seiyun cost 870USD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a week, she acknowledged receipt of the money and sent me a copy of my flight ticket, also on WhatsApp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a strange but a pretty simple and legit process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Fly-to-Yemen-How-to-fly-to-Yemen.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Fly-to-Yemen-How-to-fly-to-Yemen.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Fly-to-Yemen-How-to-fly-to-Yemen.jpg\" alt=\"Fly to Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40625\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How to fly to Yemen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Yemen by land<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemen shares a border with Oman and Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Yemen from Oman<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The border is fully open because the region of <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-salalah-dhofar\/\"><strong>Salalah in Oman<\/strong><\/a> leads directly to Hadramut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, my fixer stopped picking up travelers from the Omani border because as of today, the scenic coastal road that leads to Mukallah is controlled by the STC, therefore it remains closed to foreigners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you can use the northern road, but that involves driving over 600km (one-way) through an empty desert, and that\u2019s something he doesn\u2019t really want to do anymore, especially because he would have to come all the way from Seiyun and back, a 1200km journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel from Saudi to Yemen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With proper clearance, you can use the Al Wadeeah border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I know a few people who have crossed into Saudi from Yemen using that border, but I don\u2019t know anyone who has actually entered Yemen from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Travel reports on that matter are welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea;font-size:18px\"><strong>Chewing khat in Yemen<\/strong><br>Khat is a local plant and a drug &#8211; similar to coca leaves &#8211; typically consumed in Yemen but also in the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-somaliland\/\">Horn of Africa<\/a><\/strong>, especially in Somalia, southeast <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-ethiopia\/\"><strong>Ethiopia<\/strong><\/a>, Djibouti and North <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/safari-kenya-budget\/\"><strong>Kenya<\/strong><\/a>. Yemeni men are addicted to it and basically, life stops every day after lunch time for chewing khat. It\u2019s an actual social problem because khat isn\u2019t cheap and there are many Yemeni men who spend their wages on this drug rather than buying food for their families. Still, if you are traveling in Yemen, you must spare one afternoon to chew khat with the locals. If you buy the best quality one, it will give you an extra dose of energy and that night you won\u2019t sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/roads-in-Yemen-Our-road-trip-around-Yemen-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/roads-in-Yemen-Our-road-trip-around-Yemen-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/roads-in-Yemen-Our-road-trip-around-Yemen-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"roads in Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40627\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our road trip around Yemen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10\">\ud83d\udd4c The country, people, and culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemen is actual Arabia, the place where it is believed the Arabs come from, and the birthplace of the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sabaeans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sabaeans<\/strong><\/a>, a group of Ancient South Arabians who founded Sheba, home to worldwide famous Queen of Sheba, all stories that appear in the Quran and the Hebrew Bible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of GDP per capita, Yemen is among the poorest countries in the world and, along with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/afghanistan\/\">Afghanistan<\/a><\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-haiti\/\"><strong>Haiti<\/strong><\/a>, and North Korea, the only non-African country that makes it to the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its location, Yemen is the only country in the peninsula that doesn\u2019t belong to the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) an agreement between the Gulf States &#8211; Bahrain, Kuwait, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-oman-woman\/\"><strong>Oman<\/strong><\/a>, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates &#8211; similar to the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Culture in Yemen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemenis are purely Arabs but from a traveling perspective, sometimes I feel they do have a slight South Asian (Pakistani) twist, in the way they eat and behave, different from the rest of the Gulf States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This shouldn\u2019t be surprising, however, since the coast of Yemen has been benefited from the frankincense trade for centuries, receiving visitors from many parts of the world, specially from South Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tribal laws in Yemen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>They are grouped in tribes and, similarly to Pashtuns in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-afghanistan-safe\/\"><strong>Afghanistan<\/strong><\/a>, their tribal laws dictate their daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like Pashtuns, Yemenis treat their guests even better than family members but at the same time, they are really, really conservative and their acts might be subject to certain rules that may create absolute rejection to international visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, without wanting you to fall into a Yemeni stereotype, a woman having extra marital relations is considered one of the most dishonorable things that could happen to a family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the city of Seiyun, an unmarried woman was caught in the house hanging out with an unrelated man. They weren\u2019t caught having sex, but they were just sitting together. After doing their own research and investigation, the family decided to murder her by cutting her head off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such is the strength and importance of their tribal laws that in these cases, the police decide not to intervene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, this was an extreme case carried out by an uneducated family. Most Yemenis condemned such an act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-highlights-A-fruit-seller-in-the-market-of-Seiyun-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-highlights-A-fruit-seller-in-the-market-of-Seiyun-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"40631\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemen-highlights-A-fruit-seller-in-the-market-of-Seiyun-1.jpg\" alt=\"Yemen highlights\" class=\"wp-image-40631\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fruit seller in the market of Seiyun<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/People-in-Yemen-Members-of-the-political-Yemeni-class.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/People-in-Yemen-Members-of-the-political-Yemeni-class.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"40629\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/People-in-Yemen-Members-of-the-political-Yemeni-class.jpg\" alt=\"People in Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40629\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Members of the political Yemeni class<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Yemen, they speak Modern Standard Arabic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Religion in Yemen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Islam is the state religion, 35% of the population being Shia and 65% Sunni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Women in Yemen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemen is the most conservative country I have ever been to, even more than Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nonetheless, you need to remember that I only visited the region of Hadramut, a rural and remote area of Yemen, where people are probably more traditional than in the capital Sanaa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, I was particularly shocked by some of the things I experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">100% of the women wear niqab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Except for one beggar, we never saw the face of a woman, but all of them were wearing the niqab, which covers everything but the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You are not allowed to talk to women, not even to look at them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The only female interaction we had was the day we got hissed at by a local woman while we were sitting in the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All we did was smile at her, but she reacted by hissing at us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>She basically told you to fuck off <\/em>&#8211; our fixer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saudi women are surprisingly liberal compared to Yemeni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One day, while walking around a village, we heard some young women talking and laughing, something we had not witnessed in that country yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>They are very liberal <\/em>&#8211; our fixer said. And the reason was that those young girls had been born in Saudi and they came to Yemen to visit their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-saudi-woman\/\"><strong>Saudi women<\/strong><\/a> might seem extremely conservative, you are likely to talk with them when you are <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-saudi-arabia-ethical\/\"><strong>traveling in Saudi<\/strong><\/a>. A Saudi woman wearing a niqab asking for a selfie isn\u2019t rare, plus they work in many supermarkets and shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\"><strong>Local women with long hats<\/strong><br>When traveling around Yemen, you will notice many local women wearing some pretty high hats. They are farmers and they use those hats to protect themselves from the heat. Apparently, that shape helps to keep their heads cool. These woman are among the poorest in Yemen and they despise being photographed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Women-in-Yemen-A-local-farmer-sitting-next-to-the-road-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Women-in-Yemen-A-local-farmer-sitting-next-to-the-road-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Women-in-Yemen-A-local-farmer-sitting-next-to-the-road-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Women in Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40633\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A local farmer sitting next to the road. Photo by my friend Kevin at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tatteredatlastales.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tattered Atlas Tales<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11\">\ud83c\udf72 Yemeni food and cuisine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemeni food is heavy and mostly based on meat and rice, but I believe it is the best food in the peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, Yemeni <em>mandi<\/em> is one of the most common dishes in Oman, UAE, and Saudi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemeni restaurants don\u2019t usually to have tables but people gather on a circle on the floor and eat with their hands from the same plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is Yemeni honey so famous?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For a long time, Yemen was believed to produce some of the best and purest honey in the world, coming from bees that are fed exclusively from the flowers of the Sidr tree, which also has therapeutic properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Honey plays a big role in Yemen\u2019s economy and according the UN, more than 100,000 households depend on it for their livelihoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemeni-honey-Hanging-out-in-a-honey-shop-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemeni-honey-Hanging-out-in-a-honey-shop-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yemeni-honey-Hanging-out-in-a-honey-shop-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Yemeni honey\" class=\"wp-image-40635\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hanging out in a honey shop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there alcohol in Yemen?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemen is a dry country, you can\u2019t buy alcohol legally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12\">\ud83d\udc83 How to travel in Yemen as a solo female traveler<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yemen might possibly be the most challenging country in the world to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-oman-woman\/\">travel as a female<\/a><\/strong> traveler, way more difficult than in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Afghanistan, foreign women don\u2019t need to wear the burqa, but a hijab is enough, like in <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\"><strong>Iran<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in the region of Hadramut, foreign women must wear the niqab in all public spaces, markets and pretty much everywhere, but in the hotel and in the wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may remove your niqab when you are in the car, but not when going through villages and checkpoints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it safe to travel in Yemen as a female traveler?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As long as you are accompanied by men, traveling in Yemen as a woman is safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you removed your niqab, you\u2019d get a lot of attention but if you are wearing it, nobody will dare to tell you a thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Solo-female-travel-in-Yemen-Traffic-jam-during-our-road-trip-around-Yemen-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Solo-female-travel-in-Yemen-Traffic-jam-during-our-road-trip-around-Yemen-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Solo-female-travel-in-Yemen-Traffic-jam-during-our-road-trip-around-Yemen-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Solo female travel in Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40637\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traffic jam during our road trip around Yemen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13\">\ud83d\udcb0 Money and prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Yemen, they use Yemeni Rials (YRI) and approximately: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>$1 = 1400 YRI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the official currency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, in South Yemen, they have started using a different, unofficial currency also named Yemeni Rials, but with a different value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With South Yemen Rials, <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>$1 = around 1000 YRI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I never understood why South Yemen adopted a different currency and how the value was defined but, in any case, if traveling to Hadramut, that\u2019s the only currency you will see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ATMs and exchanging money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your debit or credit card will be useless in Yemen, so do bring everything in cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only currency which I recommend bringing is US dollars. They didn\u2019t even want to exchange my Euros, at an acceptable rate at least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your US dollars should be brand-new, they are very strict about this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They actually found a tiny ink stain in one of my bills and they didn\u2019t accept it, even though I received a bunch of dirty Yemeni Rials in exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does it cost to travel in Yemen?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A tour to Yemen booked through a local fixer is always all-inclusive, so it\u2019s difficult for me to say what are the actual prices of the most typical things, including hotels and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What I can tell you however is that a solo trip to Yemen is expensive, with prices starting at $4,500 for a solo 6-day tour, excluding international flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to travel to Yemen for less, I recommend <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/tours\/yemen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">joining a group<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14\">\ud83d\udefa Transportation: how to move around Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It will be difficult for me to write much in this section since I only moved around in a private car, and you are certainly going to do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/roads-in-Yemen-Our-road-trip-around-Yemen-1-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/roads-in-Yemen-Our-road-trip-around-Yemen-1-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/roads-in-Yemen-Our-road-trip-around-Yemen-1-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"roads in Yemen\" class=\"wp-image-40639\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our road trip around Yemen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15\">\ud83c\udfe8 Where to stay in Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I stayed in two different hotels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/ERoDajXCbVvWwY1N9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Hawta Palace Hotel<\/strong><\/a>: a traditional boutique hotel in the city of Seiyun. It has a pleasant garden where many local families hang out in the weekends by paying a fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/BPrisFn3wnmcS3Fr7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Hayd Aljazeel Resort<\/strong>:<\/a> a mountain resort in Wadi Doa\u2019n with awesome views to the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both were pretty amazing and I believe the two best options in the area. Other than that, I don\u2019t recall seeing many hotels besides basic ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16\">\ud83d\udcbb Internet in Yemen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you buy a SIM card in Yemen?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can, but in the region of Hadramut, 4G barely works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We did have some decent Wi-Fi in the hotel in Seiyun but that\u2019s all what we got during our trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a VPN for traveling in Yemen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Your connection will be much safer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Yemen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I recommend <strong>ExpressVPN<\/strong> &#8211; Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.expressvpn.com\/c\/2203603\/1462855\/16063?subId1=yemen_travelguide_en&amp;partnerpropertyid=1965781\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#dd3333\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Get ExpressVPN<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">If you want to learn more about VPN, check: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/vpn-travel\/\"><strong>Why you need a VPN for traveling<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17\">\u2757 More Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All guides and articles for traveling in Yemen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/socotra-travel\/\">Socotra Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel guides to other countries in the Middle East<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\">Iran Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-palestine-travel-west-bank\/\">Palestine Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-syria\/\">Syria Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-lebanon\/\">Travel Guide to Lebanon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-iraq-federal\/\">Iraq Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-saudi-arabia\/\">Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-oman\/\">Travel Guide to Oman<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You might also like our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-haiti\/\"><strong>Haiti travel guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also be interested in: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/countries-middle-east-safe-travel\/\"><strong>Where in the Middle East is safe?<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-places-visit-middle-east\/\"><strong>The most beautiful places in the Middle East<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/visit-Yemen-Pinterest-2-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/visit-Yemen-Pinterest-2-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/visit-Yemen-Pinterest-2-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"visit Yemen \" class=\"wp-image-40647\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:460px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wanna travel to Yemen with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Yemen on: November 19th to 24th, 2026 Yemen is a country which has been taken from a fairy tale, a destination that overawes each and every visitor who is captivated by the mesmerizing architecture that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40888,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[164,156,320],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-guides","category-middle-east","category-yemen"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40469"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57290,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40469\/revisions\/57290"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40888"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}