Middle East
Is Yemen safe?
L4Do not travel
Is Yemen safe?
Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia since July 2026, al-Qaeda and Islamic State kidnap threats, and arbitrary detention make Yemen one of the world's most dangerous countries.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2025-12-18.
- Homicide rate: 5.8 per 100,000 people (2013, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 29.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 199 · Ambulance 191 · Fire 191.
- Solo women: Extremely conservative; women must be covered and rarely move freely without male companions. Not feasible solo.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Kidnapping by al-Qaeda, tribes or criminal groups
- Houthi detention of Westerners and aid workers
- Airstrikes and frontline fighting
- Landmines on roads and tracks
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing military sites leads to arrest and arbitrary detention.
- Clothing with political symbols or slogans can get you arrested.
- Same-sex relations can carry the death penalty.
Safety by place in Yemen
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Socotra | 1/5 · Avoid travel |
Quick answers
Is Yemen safe for tourists?
Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia since July 2026, al-Qaeda and Islamic State kidnap threats, and arbitrary detention make Yemen one of the world's most dangerous countries.
Is Yemen safe for solo female travelers?
Extremely conservative; women must be covered and rarely move freely without male companions. Not feasible solo.
What is the emergency number in Yemen?
Police 199 · Ambulance 191 · Fire 191.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Yemen
- Speedtest Global Index: Yemen
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.