Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Yemen Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Wed, 9 Mar 1994 15:36:57 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Yemen ============================================================ Yemen - Consular Information Sheet March 8, 1994 Country Description: Yemen is a republic governed by a presidential council, prime minister and cabinet, and a constitutional parliament. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Yemen is a developing country, and modern tourist facilities, except in the major cities, are not widely available. Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. Entry to Yemen may be denied to persons with passports showing Israeli or South African visas or entry/exit stamps. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended. Chloroquine-resistant malaria suppressants are recommended for travel to areas outside the city of Sanaa. For more details, the traveler can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen, Suite 705, 2600 Virginia Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 965-4760; or the Yemen Mission to the U.N., 866 United Nations Plaza, Room 435, New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 355-1730. Areas of Instability: Travel in Yemen, particularly to the tribal areas north and east of Sanaa, can be dangerous. Disputes between different tribal groups and between tribal groups and the government have led to violent incidents. These disputes have sometimes led to the kidnapping of Westerners, including Americans. This situation is now exacerbated by the political involvement of rival groups. Yemeni security officials advise against casual travel to rural areas. If travel to these areas is necessary, the risk to personal security may be reduced if such travel is undertaken by air or with an armed escort. In addition, traffic is sometimes hindered by temporary military checkpoints and movements that are a result of political tension between the northern and southern portions of the country. Armed hijackings of vehicles, accompanied in some instances by violence, occur in many parts of the country, including the capital. Urban violence is a growing problem. Foreign embassies and Yemeni government buildings have been the targets of bombs and rockets planted or fired by unknown individuals or groups. These disturbances and violent incidents present a danger to U.S. citizens in Yemen. Medical Facilities: Basic medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Yemen, but not necessarily in outlying areas. The altitude of Sanaa (7200 feet) and lack of adequate medical facilities can cause problems for some visitors. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: The most serious crime problem affecting travelers to Yemen is the armed, at times violent, hijacking of vehicles. Travelers occasionally have been victims of petty street crime. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Dual Nationality: The government of Yemen may not recognize the U.S. citizenship of persons who are citizens of both Yemen and the United States. This may hinder the ability of U.S. consular officials to assist persons who do not enter Yemen on a U.S. passport. Dual nationals may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes or military service. Travelers can contact an embassy or consulate of Yemen for further information on possible dual nationality. Photography Restrictions: Specific permission is required for the use of video cameras. Photography of military installations, equipment, or troops is forbidden, and in the past has led to the arrest of U.S. citizens. Such sites are not always obvious; if in doubt, it is useful to ask specific permission. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within Yemen. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen is located at Dhahr Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District, P.O. Box 22347. The telephone number is (967-1) 238-843/52. The workweek in Yemen is Saturday through Wednesday. No. 94-028 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993, to update sections on areas of instability and dual nationality.