Yemen

May 11, 2004

This Travel Warning is being issued to update security information for Yemen and to warn U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Yemen. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on August 20, 2003.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of traveling to Yemen. The security threat to all U.S. citizens in Yemen remains high due to continuing efforts by Al-Qa'ida to re-constitute an effective operating base. This could lead to possible attacks by extremist individuals or groups against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses and perceived interests. From time to time the Embassy may temporarily close or suspend public services for security reasons. Emergency assistance to U.S. citizens during non-business hours (or when public access is restricted) is available through Embassy duty personnel.

U.S. citizens in Yemen should exercise caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security. Maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current.

The Embassy in Sanaa advises American citizens in Yemen to exercise particular caution at locations frequented by foreigners, such as the Sanaa Trade Center, American-affiliated franchises, restaurants and shops in the Haddah area in Sanaa, in Aden and elsewhere, and at restaurants and hotels frequented by expatriates. U.S. citizens should also be particularly alert around Bab al Yemen, Tahrir Square, the Bounia neighborhood and areas surrounding the Taj Sheba Hotel, Jamal Street and Suq al Qah as foreigners have been the target of attacks in these areas. Other areas could also be affected. U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa where they may obtain updated information on travel and security in Yemen and enroll in the Warden System (emergency alert network).

Americans who believe they are being followed or threatened while driving in urban centers should proceed as quickly as possible to the nearest police station or major intersection and request assistance from the officers in the blue-and-white police cars stationed there. Occasionally, U.S. Government personnel in Yemen may be prohibited from traveling to sections of Sanaa or other parts of Yemen. The Yemeni government also restricts travel to specified areas by U.S. citizens and other Westerners from time to time. Travelers should be in contact with the Embassy for up-to-date information on such restrictions.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Dhahr Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District, P.O. Box 22347. The telephone number of the Consular Section is (967)(1) 303-155, extension 2153 and 2266. The fax number is (967)(1) 303-175. The after hours emergency number is (967) (1) 303-155. Additional information on registering with the Embassy can be found at http://usembassy.state.gov/yemen/citizen_services.html.

Current information on travel and security in Yemen may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-317-472-2328. U.S. citizens should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Yemen, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement on the Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://usembassy.state.gov/yemen/citizen_services.html.

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