State Department Issues Travel Advisory on Yemen

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 -- The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs issued the following travel advisory:

Do not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines.

The U.S. Embassy in Sana'a suspended its operations in February 2015, and the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.

Terrorist groups continue to plot and conduct attacks in Yemen. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting public sites, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Additionally, there is a continuing threat of kidnapping/detention by terrorists, criminal elements, and/or non-government actors. Employees of western organizations may be targeted for attack or kidnapping.

Military conflict has caused significant destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities. This limits the availability of electricity, clean water, and medical care. This instability often hampers the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver critically needed food, medicine, and water. Critical levels of violence, to include armed conflict, artillery shelling, and air strikes, persist throughout the country. There are also reports of landmines throughout Yemen.

Cholera is present throughout Yemen. There is a limited availability of medicine and medical supplies, and adequate medical treatment is unavailable.

There is a very high risk of kidnapping, and detention of U.S. citizens in Yemen, particularly dual national Yemeni-Americans. Rebel groups in Sana'a have detained U.S. citizens, including dual Yemeni-American citizens. U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, have faced difficulty - including lengthy delays - when attempting to depart Yemen.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration's Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/yemen-travel-advisory.html#ExternalPopup).

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Yemen:

- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

- Consult the Centers for Disease Control's webpage on Health Information for Travelers to Yemen (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/yemen-travel-advisory.html#ExternalPopup).

- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.

- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.

- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs, if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.

- Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization.

- Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.

- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

- Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

- Review the Crime and Safety Report for Yemen (https://www.osac.gov/Country/Yemen/Detail).

- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist.