BootsnAll Travel Community

Has anyone recently been to Yemen, specifically Sana'a? I am thinking of spending a month there in May/June studying Arabic, I already take it but more exposure, and though I don't really have many fears/worries about heading off there, my parents do. Mainly due to the fact that it is in the Middle East, not because of me. So, this question is more to settle their fears and not my own. What do you have to say about Yemen?

Yemen is a center of anti-American terrorist activity. It hosts many terrorists from many countries, not to mention a large percentage of a more or less hostile population. There are terrorist training camps in Yemen.

It is one of the most dangerous Arab countries to be in, with a high rate of violence against westerners.

If you think you will be immune from this, I look forward to your report from this country.

From my understanding, Syria is a safer country to learn Arabic in. There is a Center for Islamic Studies that teaches Arabic for a low price, in exchange for being taught a little Koran.

Egypt is another option if your parents nix the trip altogether.

NOTE: EXTREME RISK: - FCO advise against any travel to the Yemen at present however there are likely to be risks for all British interests in teh region. The Yemen government is making strenuous efforts to combat terrorism. This particularly impacts on travellers with Pakistani / Iranian / Israeli visas or stamps in their passports who are likely to be subject to long delays on entering the country. The rest of this advice applies when the situation improves - the potential for instability is likely to remain. The risk of random kidnapping and threat of terrorist attacks remains. Travellers to Yemen should register with their local Embassy. Beachwear and shorts should be confined to the beach / pool. Smoking is forbidden in public during Ramadan. Where possible travel in organised groups with well-established tour agents. Armed theft of vehicles is common. There remains some danger from mines laid during the civil war in the Southern and Eastern Governances. Off-road travel is not recommended. Respect local sensitivities regarding religious sites.

http://www.brookes.ac.uk/worldwise/directory/www00217.html

some interesting facts about sana'i

http://www.al-bab.com/bys/articles/jackson93.htm

Australian view:

Reconsider need to travel

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Yemen

These are some of the official reports. Blogs to follow.

quote:

From my understanding, Syria is a safer country to learn Arabic in. There is a Center for Islamic Studies that teaches Arabic for a low price, in exchange for being taught a little Koran.

There are a lot of students from all over the world studying Arabic here in Damascus (although mostly from SE Asian Islamic countries). I have met a few from China and Malaysia that can to study nine years ago and have stayed. However, I do not know what the programs are like.

Be aware that (compared to some of the neighbouring countries) rent is not so cheap and can range from US$750-1500/month for a two bedroom apartment in the middle of town (you can negotiate to include all amenities as well).

Though I've never been to Yemen, the people I know who have traveled there will always give the same advice: the capital is fine, when outside the capital travel with a guided group and do not go off on your own. This seems to not have changed in the last 10 years or more. You keep hearing about kidnappings, but generally these are people who strayed from their group on purpose when they were out in the countryside. There are clans and warlords and whatnot, and the guides know these power arrangements and bribe the appropriate persons. That's their job. If no one is bribed, or you don't have a guide to do this, or you don't follow your guides advice the risk is high that you may be kidnapped. There is a fairly long tradition of this and you must understand that kidnapping is generally a political venture. In other words, they kidnap you and release you in return for fellow clansmen in prison. While I certainly don't recommend this or want the kidnapping to sound cute, in the vast majority of reports the kidnapees all say how politely and properly they were treated. Like guests but wihtout the right to leave. So while certainly a crime, this type of kidnapping shouldn't be compared to what's going on in certain other countries.

PS my sources are my partner, my quasi-mother-in-law (who have both been there) and several friends from Arabic countries, so I'm not just repeating what I heard on tv here.

Elis, I have heard basically the same information. As I'll be there mainly to study, I'll likely stay in Sana'a only, but maybe go out on the weekends with others. Yes, the kidnapping is not 'cute' but when you read about it in comparison to others, it almost does.

I think the parents are relaxing and accepting that I'm going to be area of the Middle East quite alot, and that I'll probably be fine if I don't do anything silly.

Thanks

Go to Yemen!

I studied Arabic at the Yemen Language Center the summer after 9/11. Never felt a need to hide the fact that I am American. Sana'a is a great city, and I felt more safe walking around there late at night after a solid qat chew than I would in Washington DC after a night of drinking.

It is unfortunate that it's not easier to travel around. But you can still get outside the capital. Myself and some of my coursemates made our way to Marib to see the ancient dam. Its poorly maintained but still worth the trip. The breathtaking ride alone makes it worthwhile.

The school did their best to give us recommendations on where to go and what to do, but most of their advice was common sense. We walked around freely and never had any problems. I found work at some of the English language institutes around town, and then my students showed me around.

Some Westerners attending the school had been kidnapped a few years earlier, but I heard they had a great time. Kidnapping in Yemen is much different than say, a kidnapping in Peru. You're treated as a guest with traditional Arab hospitality. Ultimately, your kidnapping, provided its resolved peacefully, brings water, schools or some other infrastructure to the tribe.

i would really advise against it. a couple of years ago my uncle when back there, as he and my mother were born in aden, my grandfather being in the british police in yemen way back in the 40's-50's. Anyway he went with a very well organised group, with armed guard etc. after he got back we found out there was a plot to kidnapp him and his group, but the kidnappers messed up and kidnapped the wrong convoy. The people who were kidnapped did not make it home.

He was lucky. you may not be so lucky. especially if your going by yourself.

Hey, everyone, thanks for the replys. After talking to other students at my university who have been and are there, and other travelers, I have fully decided to go as most claims of the danger are more than they should be. As I'll be there at a school, it will be different than if I was just there as an independent traveler. Also, since I speak Arabic and am there to learn more, it should make things easier.

Housediggity, you echoe what many others have told me about the kidnapping, not that I want to be, but it does sound better than most places!

Lilyruin, when did this incident take place as it has been quite a few years since anyone was killed after being kidnapped? I know of several earlier in the year, but those people were fine. But thank you for your concern.

I think the biggest threat in Sanaa are the wild dogs which roam the alleys at night, barking and howling. really awful.

travel in Yemen is safe, as long as you keep your eyes open and not wander where you.re not supposed to wander (areas as al-jawf, shabwa, saada, and marib). The government would probably not allow you to go anyway.
If you travel outside the capital, you need a tasrih, a permission. When I was in Yemen in 2003, I went to the areas of Sanaa, Aden, and alHudayda, and it was really good, albeit waaaay too hot on the coast (it was summer).