Yemen

Recommended Vaccinations For Yemen

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Polio Vaccine

Travellers who intend to visit Yemen for 4 weeks or more may be required to show proof of polio vaccination taken 4 weeks to 12 months prior to arrival in the country. Failure to produce this documentation may result in vaccination at the entry ports. Childhood vaccinations, including polio, should be up-to-date prior to travel.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities and who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Yemen

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

For anti-malaria medication, the World Health Organization and the US CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Drug resistance to chloroquine is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Yemen

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Yemen through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Yemen.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Yemen. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or visiting remote areas.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) may occur in Yemen.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Polio

Yemen is infected with vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) with the potential risk of global circulation. Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated travellers are at a higher risk if they come in direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and water, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas with poor hygiene standards.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria throughout the country below 2,000 meters altitude, mainly from September through February. There is no risk in Sana'a. There is a very limited risk on the island of Socotra.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Yemen, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in Yemen and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Yemen. Travellers to Yemen are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in the Yemen. Travellers involved in outdoor activities may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Yemen

Personal Safety

The threat to security and personal safety in Yemen is extremely high due to economic conditions, civil unrest, and active terrorist groups, including the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). The AQAP has claimed responsibility for many attacks in Yemen. The threat of kidnapping and terrorist attacks are extremely high. Westerners and places frequented by Westerners are actively targeted. The government of Yemen has limited control over parts of the country. Police do not always adhere to any sort of legal framework and may act unconventionally. For example, police may detain people without cause based on requests from tribes or influential families.

If travelling to Yemen, security arrangements are extremely important. Travellers may need to hire personal security escorts to ensure their safety.

Travel outside Sana’a requires a permit that could take up to 24 hours to receive. Without this permit, a traveller could be detained or deported.

There is a high risk of carjacking. Due to the high risk of kidnapping, particularly of foreigners, do not use the Aden-Taiz-Sana’a highway. Routes in and out of cities can be blocked with little or no notice.

Weapons are easily available, and tribes and other groups can be heavily armed.

Although less of a problem in Yemen, petty crime does occur. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport.

Women have been verbally and physically harassed in this country and should exercise caution. Always wear a head covering, avoid eye contact with men, and cover arms and legs. Unaccompanied women can be targeted.

Extreme Violence

Extreme violence is common in Yemen. The security situation is unstable and unpredictable. There is a very high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping. Westerners are targeted. Any international worker or visitor could be targeted (including westerners of Yemeni origin, journalists, tourists, students, teachers, and workers with the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and oil and gas companies). Your country of origin may not be able to protect you or secure your safe release if you are kidnapped.

Political Unrest

Civil unrest and armed conflict occur frequently in Yemen, and the overall situation remains volatile.

Areas To Avoid

Do not travel to Yemen (including the island of Socotra) due to ongoing armed conflict, and the very high threat of kidnapping and terrorism.