I am a British citizen and have the opportunity to visit Sana'a for a few days. The British FCO state that all UK nationals should not go there, and those that are there should get out, but this advice has been the same since 2008.
So basically, has anyone been there recently and lived to tell the tale? Or am I risking kidnap or even worse by the mere contemplation of going there?
Thanks
Reply to this I was there in 2010 and definitely not as bad as the FCO was saying at the time. However, I'm reading mixed reviews about the safety of Sana'a and other places in Yemen in the past 12 months. This differing opinion is coming from seasoned travellers and expats there. Try Lonely Planet's Thorntree forum and to a lesser extent Tripadvisor for the latest news.
The government has just announced a federalism plan to settle tensions in the country -
Federation Plan Offer Yemen a Way Forward. There is a lot occurring there lately.
Would I go now - not with the degree of confidence I had in 2010 - but some limited travel would be possible. However, the situation can deteriorate quickly in Yemen, so if you are going I would only book a visit as late as possible.
Reply to this Thanks Shane. I think I'll give Yemen a miss for the time being, especially after reading about an attack on a prison today, which managed to close the airport.
Reply to this Hi, I am in Yemen now. All kidnappings happend in capital city to people, who work here or staying here for longer time.
Me and my friends from Czech republic and Slovakia were traveling with tour agency Easy Travel to Yemen. So far as I know for a longer time no kidnap of tourist. You are always with a guy from agency and all trips are by car. Socotra is completly fine and safe.
Reply to this Thanks Lucia and welcome to Travelblog! I met people from the Yemen Tourism Board in London and they told me that large areas of the country are still safe. However, travellers like yourself give conflicting reports. I loved Yemen, enjoy your time there.
Reply to this no, it is not that bad. i travel to yemen since 7 years. in the beginning indepenend, now these days you need to go with a travel agency. it´s for your own safety, because even in sanaa there are areas which are not considered as safe. anyway, when you are in sanaa, it is more fun to have a guide with you who can explain you a bit. at my last trip i met mohammed and i can recomment him. http://unexplored-destinations.com/
yemen is a great country and does not deserve this bad reputation. with all the people i travelled to yemen, there was noone who did not wanted to return to yemen. (and some did join me on another trip there)
Reply to this How conflicting reports :D it is true. All kidnapping happend in capital city. It is a fact. Old City is safe, President´s mosque in capital is safe, and tourists are not being kidnap for long time. So nothing on this is "conflicting report"
All places allowed for tourists are okay. I have never said it is not okay for tourists go there.
I spent in Yemen 4 months and I love that country and I wish to go back there. And I know people from Promotion Board, I met them and I am in touch with them.
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