Yemen buying blow

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Yemen buying blow

The ongoing war in Yemen has either destroyed these markets or forced their closure. This would militarize the borderlands in perpetuity. Crucially, despite recurring conflict within Yemen, the warring domestic parties by and large took care to avoid clashing in the vicinity of these markets, given their value to the economy. The principal confrontation pitted the Iran-backed Ansar Allah rebel group, commonly known as the Houthis, against a Saudi-led Arab military coalition. Both sides quickly came to view the borderlands as a strategic asset and took to building up their military presence there. In and of itself, this development had negative repercussions on trade. Yet worse was to come. The economic downturn accelerated. Finally, outright clashes transformed the borderlands into battle zones. This led to the shuttering of the border markets and sundered long-standing cross-border economic and social links. Prospects for a significant amelioration of the current dismal state of affairs are bleak. Saudi Arabia and its allies have proven unable to dislodge the Houthis from most borderlands. As a result, even if the warring parties reach a peace deal, it is likely that they will divide the borderlands between them. Traders and stall owners seem to have realized as much. Some have gravitated toward smuggling, others have reconstituted smaller versions of the markets in inland Yemen, and yet others have set up shop along the more remote northeastern parts of the border. Though the markets, which took shape in Yemen over the second half of the twentieth century, catered mostly to Yemeni consumers, they suited Saudi interests in several ways: visas were not required of visitors who restricted themselves to the border areas, sundry items were brought together in a single location, and rates were tax-free. Significantly, the markets helped to sustain remote and somewhat marginalized Yemeni communities and enhanced relations between tribes on either side of the border. The markets began as small-scale affairs that operated only on certain days of the week. Nonspecialized stalls were the norm, but products and services were geared toward the needs of border communities. For example, many stalls sold foodstuffs, building materials, and agricultural products. Some also provided financial services, including money transfers via the hawala system a monetary transaction structure based on the honor system. For the most part, the markets emerged near border crossings. Even those located farther inland arose along highways or roads that led to a border crossing. Residential settlements, initially quite small, arrayed themselves around the markets. This phenomenon was apparent across all four border governorates, whose combined length is 1, kilometers about 1, miles. However, the northwestern governorates of Saada and Hajjah played host to larger markets than northcentral al-Jawf and northeastern Hadramout, owing to more cross-border traffic and a larger local population on both the Yemeni and Saudi Arabian sides of the border. In Saada, the markets sprang up around the Aleb crossing. In Hajjah, they were clustered around the Harad crossing. And in al-Jawf, it was in the vicinity of the Khadra crossing that the markets took shape. In the borderlands of Hadramout, where the most widespread economic activity was the raising of livestock, the markets were few and far between despite the presence of the Wadiah crossing. Many of the areas where the markets took root are named for the tribes that predominate there, a convention that has some precedence in the original demarcation of the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Most of these tribes are further subdivided into branches. For example, the border districts of Saada are home to the Suidan, Qurei, and Salah branches of the Waela tribe, with the Jabara and Husainia branches straddling the border itself. Because of geographic and demographic connections with the Saudi border communities, many members of Yemeni tribes near the border have both Saudi and Yemeni nationalities. For decades, several of these tribes had taken pride in the fact that they tilled agricultural land and did not have to resort to doing business at the border, an activity they associated with the marginalized and the poor, particularly those who had failed to make a living among their native inland communities and had come to the borderlands out of desperation. The success of the border markets counteracted this long-held stigma. The tribes began to involve themselves in the markets and benefited accordingly. This was especially true of the farmers among them, who would now sell their crops and buy their necessities at the same location. An additional factor that contributed to the growth of the markets was the improved security situation on the border in the first decade of this century. Throughout the s, skirmishes had occasionally broken out between Saudi and Yemeni military forces over contested border areas. In , however, a new demarcation of the border, one considerably more precise than its predecessor in , came to pass. The resulting stability and the ease with which the border was traversed by locals on either side enabled the border markets to become supply-and-distribution points for goods that were brought to Yemen from Saudi Arabia or vice versa, thereby boosting both their revenue and their economic significance. At the markets, many commercial transactions, especially bulk purchases, were made using Saudi rather than Yemeni currency, in part because the trade balance favored state-subsidized, and therefore cheaper, products from Saudi Arabia. And when Yemen was hit by an oil shortage in , border merchants imported fuel from the Saudi Arabian border markets and sold it to fellow Yemenis. When it came to the entry of Yemeni nationals into its territory, Saudi Arabia had long pursued a dual policy. Yemeni border inhabitants were allowed to enter and exit Saudi Arabia with few restrictions, even if all they possessed was Yemeni nationality. As such, merchants from the interior found it very difficult to conduct border transactions, let alone cross into Saudi Arabia, and generally obtained Saudi goods by buying them from Yemeni border residents who sold them at a profit. One product sold at all the markets that proved especially popular with Saudi buyers was qat, a plant whose leaves function as a mild stimulant when chewed. Since qat is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, where it is classified as a drug, most Saudis who made their way to markets across the border to buy it would end up spending several hours or even a couple of days on the Yemeni side in order to consume their supply before heading home. The plant was sold to Saudi consumers at a higher price, which increased profit. Qat tourism led to the construction of locandat , which are a sort of combination of rest stop, restaurant, and hotel. At a locanda , visitors could chew qat and dine at their leisure and even had the option of spending the night. This suited Saudi traders as well as Yemeni expatriates who lived in Saudi Arabia. All this activity generated popular confidence in the notion of working in border areas that until then had a reputation among inland Yemenis as far-flung and periodically unstable. Indeed, the transformation of the borderlands from a remote region, parts of which were contested, to one that was both peaceful and economically dynamic spurred migration from inland areas of border governorates and even from inland governorates. And with the business conducted at such markets increasing not only in volume but in variety, laborers began flocking to the area in search of menial work. Given the then-thriving economy, wages there were higher. As a result, the markets of Harad, for example, a district located in Hajjah Governorate, came to include stall owners, operators, and laborers from the southwestern cities of Taiz, Hudaydah, and Amran, many of whom took up residence in the area and sent for their families. Whereas in , the population of Hajjah Governorate stood at 1,,, by it had jumped to around 1,, In the first decade of this century, many markets that had previously operated only on specific days of the week took to opening every day. For example, both the Souq al-Thalouth of Harad and the Souq al-Khamis of Munbeh were initially open for business on one day of the week, the former on Tuesdays and the latter on Thursdays. Bit by bit, however, they began to open on additional days, until they turned into daily markets that operated around the clock. Moreover, their stalls, previously flimsy shanties, were now fashioned out of clay bricks. Both transformations—operating more frequently and making use of sturdier construction material—occurred in other markets as well. In , an on-again, off-again conflict between the Houthis and the Yemeni state morphed into a full-blown and continuous civil war, one that drew in regional powers. The consequences for the borderland economy were catastrophic. The war dealt the border markets a fatal blow, destroying several and forcing others to close permanently, and tore apart the cross-border social fabric of the borderlands. With the war grinding on, there is little to chance to halt, let alone reverse, such developments. Yet even an end to the hostilities is unlikely to restore the status quo ante. This would serve to militarize the borderlands in perpetuity and prevent the resumption of both cross-border trade and social relations. In , a sixth round of fighting in as many years between the Yemeni military and the Houthis ended with the latter taking control of large parts of Saada Governorate, including areas along the border. Yet by the end of , the Houthis were in control of all border areas in Saada as well as most of those in Hajjah and al-Jawf. Thousands of people were displaced, and many markets—especially the remaining weekly ones, which saw less traffic than their daily counterparts—suffered as a result of people avoiding travel to border areas. For example, the group imposed on merchants the khums , a religious tithe, in line with their theological beliefs. As a result, trade in agricultural produce experienced a precipitous decline. According to Saudi foreign trade statistics, imports from Yemen dropped by around 50 percent between and In alone, imports decreased by 75 percent compared to Throughout all these developments, Saudi Arabia maintained a flexible policy toward Yemen, one that saw it strike deals with both the Yemeni state and the Houthis. Saudi officials provided the Yemeni army with air support in , but also reached understandings with the Houthis, particularly as the latter cemented their control over border areas. Saudi-Houthi deals tended to take the form of an informally concluded quid pro quo: in return for the Houthis helping the Saudi state maintain security along the border, Saudi Arabia would allow much-needed fuel to enter Houthi-controlled border areas. In , however, the Houthis launched yet another rebellion against the weakened Yemeni state. Saudi Arabia viewed this development as a threat, with the Iran-backed Houthis increasingly assuming the role of a state within a state. This set the stage for the Saudi-led military intervention in March This made life unbearable for many inhabitants and led to a mass exodus. Many scaled back their operations drastically, others moved elsewhere, and yet others closed down permanently. In the districts of Harad, al-Dhahir, and Midi, the war obliterated the border markets, causing people to flee. Escaping the raging war, most of them fled to various areas of the Yemeni interior. Today, all that remains in the border area is a shell of the long-abandoned original Thalouth, as well as ruined residential dwellings. Midi fared even worse. In , the area became an epicenter of military confrontation, and when the Houthis withdrew later that same year, they left behind thousands of land mines. Even markets on the Saudi side of the border suffered. The authorities undertook this measure ostensibly to protect the people of the borderlands from the Houthis, who were firing missiles into Saudi territory. However, the more strategic goal was to distance the largely Shia inhabitants of these areas from the Houthis, who now controlled the Yemeni side of the border, and thereby prevent any possible collusion. Following the evacuation and resettlement, many markets in these Saudi border areas closed. If nature abhors a vacuum, the warring parties were only too happy to fill it. The collapse and closure of the border markets on the Yemeni side prompted the Saudi military and the Houthis to swoop in and compete for control over the former economic hubs. However, it is notable that neither side seems keen on resuscitating them. The Houthis have captured fewer former border markets, but have nonetheless managed to recruit disaffected or unemployed non-Zaydis from these areas into their ranks and train them elsewhere. The Saudi military generally assigns the task of recruitment to its Yemeni allies. The recruits earn a small monthly salary, but are provided with little to no military training before finding themselves thrust into battle. The Houthis have had less success in taking over former markets and using them to their advantage. However, they have managed to recruit people to fight alongside them, often in or near markets that the Saudi government has since turned into military camps. This is particularly true of Yemenis deported from Saudi Arabia because of their illegal status. Upon their return to Yemen, the Houthis offer them the chance to exact revenge by taking up arms against Saudi Arabia—and to do so while earning a much-needed salary. The demise of the border markets did not just cripple a distinct economic system that tied together the Yemeni interior and the Yemeni-Saudi borderlands. It complicated and in some cases cut off social links between people on either side of the border. The markets, after all, had cemented familial and social relations between borderland inhabitants from the two countries. Many stalls and shops in the Yemeni markets were jointly owned by Yemenis and Saudis of the same extended family, thereby allowing them to maintain and even strengthen a bond that an international border might have otherwise weakened or severed. Additionally, it was common for members of such extended families, as well as for Yemenis who lived and worked in Saudi Arabia, to undertake cross-border visits. The most affected are Yemenis from the northwestern parts of the country who live and work in southeastern Saudi Arabia, which is adjacent to their areas of origin. As for the markets themselves, following their shuttering, some resurfaced elsewhere. In , as Saudi-backed government forces closed in on Hairan, battles with the Houthis took place near Baddah Beni Hassan and brought economic activity to a standstill. Other merchants moved even farther afield. Some traders made their way to northeastern regions of the Yemeni-Saudi border. Slowly, they began to change the economic landscape there. Before the war, there were no large markets in the vicinity of the Wadiah border crossing in Hadramout Governorate. A handful of restaurants and shops providing basic services to motorists were all one could find in the area. Indeed, fruit and vegetables previously exported overseas via the Harad port are now routed through Wadiah. All this economic activity has contributed to the emergence of residential settlements close to the border crossing. Merchants who have chosen to remain in northwestern border areas have precious few means of making a living. With legal economic activity providing scant profit, many have resorted to smuggling. Some of the villagers-turned-smugglers have demonstrated resourcefulness in other ways. For example, several have gone so far as to train donkeys to do the smuggling for them. Laden with wares, these donkeys make their way unaccompanied to points within Saudi Arabia, where they are corralled by Saudi smugglers and relieved of their burden. Smuggling is not a new development. Traditionally, two types of items were smuggled across the Yemeni-Saudi border. The first was goods that were legal in Saudi Arabia and Yemen but subject to relatively high customs duties. This included foodstuffs, construction materials, and home appliances. The second was made up of products prohibited on either side of the border, such as drugs, or only on the Saudi side, such as qatand weapons. The demise of the border markets has translated into even more such activity. As ever, the most widely smuggled products are hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin, as well as cannabis and qat. Drugs and cannabis, which originate in Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Iran, are shipped by sea to Yemen, where they are offloaded at secret points and then smuggled into Saudi Arabia, where demand is high. Before the conflict, many Saudis in the district of Jizan would enter Yemen through the Harad crossing in order to purchase qat. Today, those who still wish to obtain the stimulant must buy it from smugglers. Qatsmugglers now reap a significant profit by catering to Saudi customers. The smuggling of arms has also flourished. Many Saudis began to worry about militants or even criminal gangs infiltrating their country. Because strict gun laws apply in Saudi Arabia, they had to turn to smugglers from Yemen, where possession of arms is an integral part of the culture, especially in border areas. Smugglers in Saadah, whether veterans or novices, had only to turn to the Raqumarket, located in an inland area of the governorate, to purchase arms that they could then sell for a higher price across the border. Yet it is not just drugs or weapons that are smuggled from Yemen into Saudi Arabia. People smuggling has surged. With the onset of the conflict, many Yemenis who had had steady work at the border markets suddenly found themselves without jobs. Moreover, massive unemployment in war-torn Yemen as a whole has impelled Yemenis from inland governorates, many of whom previously had no ties to Saudi Arabia, to cross the border with the aid of hired smugglers. Most are Ethiopians who reach Yemen by sea, having set off from Somalia. They then head for cities or towns that are known as transit points. According to estimates by the International Organization for Migration, the number of African migrants entering Yemen in was 50, Smuggling, whether of goods or people, seems likely to continue for the time being. Even in the best-case scenario, one in which it becomes possible to resume economic activity in these borderlands, it is hardly certain that a sizable number of people would do so. Once bitten, twice shy, the Yemeni merchants and residents who made the border markets such a successful enterprise may well decide against returning and beginning anew. While continued conflict hardly augurs well for the border markets, ironically a peace agreement between the warring parties may serve as the nail in their coffin. The Saudi government seems to have given up on its initial goal of enabling the pro-Saudi Yemeni government to retake all of Yemen and has become resigned to the Houthis retaining control over northern parts of the country. One way to do this is to reactivate a dormant plan to build a border wall. Saudi Arabia began construction of that wall in , only to suspend the project at the request of the Yemeni government, which still controlled much of the country. In , Riyadh briefly considered resuming construction, but decided against such a move given continued opposition on the part of the Yemeni government. This would lessen the likelihood, for example, of Houthi-fired missiles striking populated areas in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it would give Saudi border security forces the chance to neutralize would-be infiltrators, smugglers, and migrants well before they breach the border. The Houthis seem willing to accept the idea of a buffer zone on condition that Saudi Arabia recognize their de facto Sanaa-based government and end military support of the internationally recognized and pro-Saudi Yemeni government. This was made clear by the Houthis during their negotiations with the Saudis—which began in mid and remain ongoing—in Muscat, Oman. For one thing, Saudi military forces would almost certainly prevent the border markets from reestablishing themselves. In all probability, they would also clear out remaining communities around the buffer zone. Inhabitants of Yemeni borderland areas that fall outside the zone would fare little better, as the permanent closure of border crossings would take its toll on them. Although the borderlands have long since ceased to attract internal migration and are now hemorrhaging that portion of their population which moved to the region in recent years, many original inhabitants, such as farmers and livestock herders, have thus far remained despite all the hardships. With no prospect of cross-border trade and progressively fewer local buyers of their products, however, they may well move to other parts of Yemen. Peace through the establishment of a buffer zone would have consequences both far-reaching and long-lasting. All that is gone now. Yet it appears that a worse development is on the horizon: a permanent disfigurement of the landscape along with forced demographic change through a Saudi-Houthi joint project for a buffer zone. Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say that the buffer zone would mark the definitive end of the border market era. The country is undergoing a process of cantonization, one driven by the political and military imperatives of Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the UAE is backing southern Yemeni separatists in their efforts to detach much of southern Yemen from the region controlled by the internationally recognized and pro-Saudi government. This paper draws on a mix of sources and methods. The primary sources include interviews with dozens of locals residing by Yemen-Saudi borders and local researchers. Due to coronavirus restrictions and security circumstances near the areas under study, most of the interviews were conducted via phone. The paper also utilizes secondary sources tackling Yemen-Saudi border issues.

The War in Ukraine is Another Blow to Yemen

Yemen buying blow

Latest updates: Safety and security — added information for Canadians in the Middle East. Avoid all travel to Yemen due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorist attacks, and kidnapping. Back to top. Despite truce agreements, the security situation in Yemen remains highly unstable and unpredictable due to the ongoing civil war that started in The state of emergency declared in March remains in effect. Armed terrorist and criminal groups are still active in many parts of the country, particularly in the south. The humanitarian situation remains extremely precarious in the country due to several years of armed clashes between rebels and a coalition led by neighboring countries that conducted airstrikes on territories held by rebels in western and northern Yemen. The conflict led to the displacement of millions of people and significant disruptions to the availability of essential services and goods such as:. The Government of Canada has urged Canadians to leave Yemen since May and continues to advise against all travel to Yemen. Commercial means to leave the country are extremely limited. If the armed conflict intensifies it could impact your ability to depart the country by commercial means. Your safety continues to be at risk in Yemen due to war, terrorism, and kidnapping. Do not travel to Yemen. If you choose to travel to Yemen, or remain in the country, despite this advisory:. Since November , rebels regularly conduct attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea with drones and missiles. In response, since January , a US-led coalition has conducted air strikes on rebel-controlled positions in western and northern Yemen, including the cities of Hajjah, Taiz, Hodeidah and Sanaa. During the civil war between rebels and government forces, armed rebels in Yemen have targeted neighbouring countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in retaliation for their involvement in the war in Yemen. The April truce significantly reduced the violence in the country and in the region, but there is still no agreement to end the civil war. There is a continued risk of internal armed conflict and a heightened risk of attacks targeting western interests in Yemen and in the region. Due to security risks, the Government of Canada cannot provide assistance to citizens trying to leave Yemen by land to Saudi Arabia. There is a high threat of terrorism. Terrorists have targeted Western interests and Yemeni government buildings. Terrorist groups also target checkpoints manned by the Houthi rebel group in Sanaa and elsewhere in the country, and target Houthis in general. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas known to be frequented by foreigners. Foreigners have been targeted. Some hostages have been killed. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Mass gatherings large-scale events. Landmines and unexploded munitions remain a danger in the southern and eastern areas of the country, particularly around Aden, and in the central highlands. Most have been marked and access clearly delimited. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Although credit cards are rarely accepted, scams may also occur. Women travelling alone have been subject to different types of harassment, verbal abuse, or physical assaults. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Government of Canada office. Advice for women travellers. There is a shortage of fuel in Yemen. You may have difficulty securing fuel. Fuel and diesel shortages could impact sectors and services such as:. Not all businesses are equipped with a generator. As a result, shortages could affect essential services such as:. Certain parts of Yemen are experiencing famine. Drivers may not respect traffic laws and may often drive on the wrong side of the road. Vehicles are poorly maintained. Roaming animals also pose hazards. Roadblocks and checkpoints may be set up without warning. Local authorities may close access to certain areas without notice. If you are involved in an accident resulting in death or injuries, you may be jailed or fined. Compensation has to be paid to the family of any victim. Minibuses service — known as dabaabs — is available in most major cities. If you want to reach Aden or Seiyun airport, the International Organization for Migration may be able to help by providing ground transportation through a local bus company. You may purchase tickets through their local offices. Once you arrive at Aden or Seiyun airport, you will need to produce copies of airline tickets at checkpoints. Contact information - International Organization for Migration in Yemen. Shared taxis are common in Yemen. Private taxis are also available in major cities and at airports. Motorcycles are often used as taxis. Accidents are common. Ferry services are connecting the various ports in the area, including to Djibouti. Vessels are frequently hijacked or attacked while crossing the Red sea, or in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Aden. There are pirate attacks and armed robberies against ships in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. Information about foreign domestic airlines. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. We have obtained the information on this page from the Yemeni authorities. It can, however, change at any time. Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Yemen. Official travel. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. You must obtain your visa well in advance at the closest Yemeni diplomatic mission prior to travelling. If you intend to stay in Yemen for more than 14 days, you must register your passport with the Yemeni Immigration authorities. You can expect heavy penalties if you overstay the duration of your visa. Some local sponsors retain students or employees passports. However, this is not required under Yemeni law. You could be denied entry into Yemen if your passport bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever vaccines section. This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations. Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination. Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella MMR , diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella chickenpox , influenza and others. You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination s you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. About Yellow Fever. Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada. There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact such as oral-anal sex with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus. Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles. Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids e. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air. It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza flu is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling. The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere. The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals including free-roaming dogs , and closely supervising children. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment. Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure e. Polio poliomyelitis is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 cVDPV2 is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune. Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water. Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions. The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration drinking lots of fluids. Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling. Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time. Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms blood flukes which can be found in freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands. The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities. Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds e. There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection. Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk. To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions. Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional. Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:. To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page. The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years. Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya. Learn more: Dengue Insect bite and pest prevention. Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever. Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets places where live animals are slaughtered and sold or caves. Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock pigs, cows , monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game. The risk to travellers is low; MERS is primarily spread through contact with camels or camel-based products raw milk, meat, urine. It can also spread through close contact, such as when caring for an infected person. Avoid contact with animals especially camels , camel-based products, and wash your hands frequently. MERS symptoms range from mild and flu-like to more severe pneumonia-like symptoms, and can result in death. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:. Sexually transmitted infections STIs , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. Health care is inadequate throughout the country. Medical facilities and hospitals are very limited, even in major cities. They lack of medical staff and supplies. You will likely need medical evacuation if you are seriously ill or injured. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and lengthy jail sentences. The consumption of alcohol in public is illegal. Public intoxication is also a criminal offence, no matter where the alcohol was consumed. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Yemeni customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to traditional and Islamic practices and beliefs. Women should carry a headscarf to cover their head at all times while travelling in Yemen. Avoid engaging in religious activities that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values. This includes preaching, possessing, or distributing religious literature or material. Common law partnership is illegal in Yemen. Men and women are not permitted to share a home unless they are legally married or are related to one another. Sexual relations outside of marriage are a criminal offence and may be subject to severe punishment, including the death penalty. Marriage outside Canada. Yemen family law is different from Canadian family law. Yemen isn't a signatory to The Hague Convention. Decisions are based on Islamic law. It's extremely difficult for woman, even if she is a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through Yemeni courts. Canadian custody orders may not be recognized in Yemen. Local authorities may prevent Canadian children or spouse from leaving the country without prior authorization of the Yemeni father, husband or male relative. To avoid any difficulties in Yemen, consult a Canadian and a Yemeni lawyer before travelling. If you're involved in legal proceedings such as divorce or custody dispute in Yemen, consult a Yemeni lawyer for advice and assistance regarding your own specific situation. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Yemen. If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs. If local authorities consider you a citizen of Yemen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services. Depending on the region and the local authority, each town may have an entrance checkpoint where you will have to show your travel documents if you travel by land. You must also obtain permission from the Yemen Tourist Police to travel outside Sanaa. International Driving Permit. The economy is primarily cash-based. Credit cards are accepted in some major hotels only. ATMs may only be available in major cities. Between March and September , heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in western Yemen, especially in the following Governorates:. There are reports of significant damage to buildings and infrastructure and disruptions to essential services. Saturated ground increases the risk of flash floods. Climate change is affecting Yemen. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information. In summer, sandstorms and dust storms occur in some areas. Sand-laden winds can blow at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. These storms can also cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal in some individuals. The monsoon season extends from April to September. Seasonal flooding can slow down overland travel and reduce the delivery of essential services. Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons. Yemen has been facing drought in recent years, leading to crop failure and severe food shortages. During the rainy season, torrential rains and heavy flooding occur regularly, especially in mountainous areas. Flooding often results in landslides that can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services, such as:. Large-scale emergencies abroad. For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh, and follow the instructions. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an 'as is' basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services. Learn more about consular services. There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so. Avoid all travel. On this page Risk level Safety and security Entry and exit requirements Health Laws and culture Natural disasters and climate Need help? Safety and security Information for Canadians in the Middle East Heightened tensions in the region could pose security risks. This may result in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures. You should: monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times Security situation Despite truce agreements, the security situation in Yemen remains highly unstable and unpredictable due to the ongoing civil war that started in The conflict led to the displacement of millions of people and significant disruptions to the availability of essential services and goods such as: food water medical supplies power distribution health care sanitation There is severe damage to critical infrastructure, including hospitals. If you choose to travel to Yemen, or remain in the country, despite this advisory: seek safe shelter and remain there until you can identify safe means to exit maintain emergency provisions such as water and food exercise extreme caution at all times always be aware of your surroundings keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety and that of your family ensure that your travel documents are up-to-date monitor local and international media to stay informed of the situation Regional conflicts Since November , rebels regularly conduct attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea with drones and missiles. Terrorism There is a high threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Other targets could include: government buildings, including schools places of worship airports and other transportation hubs and networks public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during: religious holidays public celebrations major political events, such as elections Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place Follow the instructions of local authorities Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations Mass gatherings large-scale events Landmines Landmines and unexploded munitions remain a danger in the southern and eastern areas of the country, particularly around Aden, and in the central highlands. Exercise caution in these areas Look for posted landmine warnings Stay on paved roads Avoid walking or hiking in these areas Crime Violent crime Car bombs and drones have been used in assassinations. Exercise a high level of personal security awareness at all times. Petty crime Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Carjacking is a serious concern in Yemen. Avoid travelling alone, especially at night Remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances Advice for women travellers Shortages Fuel There is a shortage of fuel in Yemen. Fuel and diesel shortages could impact sectors and services such as: transport telecommunication, including internet water and waste collection shops, cafes and restaurants Power Power shortages often occur. As a result, shortages could affect essential services such as: health care services food production goods distribution Food Certain parts of Yemen are experiencing famine. Plan to have adequate water, food and fuel supplies. Road safety Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. If you chose to drive in Yemen: undertake overland travel in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles and with an experienced guide only avoid driving after dark leave a travel itinerary with a third party be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food and a cell phone avoid renting a car and driving it yourself call the police if involved in an accident Public transportation Public transportation is unsafe and unreliable. Buses Minibuses service — known as dabaabs — is available in most major cities. Use officially marked taxis only Negotiate fares in advance or insist that the driver use the meter Avoid taking shared taxis Never enter a cab if it already has one or more passengers Avoid using ridesharing apps Ferries Ferry services are connecting the various ports in the area, including to Djibouti. Avoid using ferries. Piracy There are pirate attacks and armed robberies against ships in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Live Piracy Report - International Maritime Bureau Air travel We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. Entry and exit requirements Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada can't facilitate your entry into or exit from Yemen. Passport Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Regular Canadian passport Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Yemen. Passport for official travel Different entry rules may apply. Other travel documents Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Long stay If you intend to stay in Yemen for more than 14 days, you must register your passport with the Yemeni Immigration authorities. Local sponsors Some local sponsors retain students or employees passports. Entry bans You could be denied entry into Yemen if your passport bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Children and travel Learn more about travelling with children. Yellow fever Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever vaccines section. Laws and culture You must abide by local laws. Drugs Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Alcohol The consumption of alcohol in public is illegal. Avoid drinking alcohol outside licensed premises. If you are convicted, you could face corporal punishment, imprisonment or the death penalty. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics Dress and behaviour Yemeni customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to traditional and Islamic practices and beliefs. To avoid offending local sensitivities: dress conservatively behave discreetly respect religious and social traditions seek permission prior to photographing individuals Religious proselytism Religious proselytism is illegal. Ramadan In , the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from: drinking eating smoking Marriage Common law partnership is illegal in Yemen. Marriage outside Canada Family law Yemen family law is different from Canadian family law. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Yemen by an abducting parent: act as quickly as you can consult a lawyer in Canada and in Yemen to explore all the legal options for the return of your child report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Useful links International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents Children and travel Canadian embassies and consulates by destination Request emergency assistance Others illegal activities The following activities are illegal in Yemen and punishable by heavy fines or jail time: photographing government buildings, military installations and holy sites trafficking or eating pork exporting any Yemeni antique importing pornographic material engaging in prostitution Dual citizenship Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Yemen. Dual citizens Identification Local authorities may ask you to show identification at any time. Carry identification documents at all times Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa in a safe place, in case they are lost or confiscated Driving You must carry an International Driving Permit. International Driving Permit The country has a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Plan accordingly Make sure you have access to sufficient local currency while in the country Check with your hotel which payment methods will be accepted. For more information on flooding Climate change Climate change is affecting Yemen. Earthquakes Yemen is located in a seismic and a volcanic zone. Useful links Earthquakes - What to Do? Large-scale emergencies abroad Severe weather In summer, sandstorms and dust storms occur in some areas. If a dust storm is occurring: stay indoors keep windows closed Rainy season The monsoon season extends from April to September. Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons Drought and flooding Yemen has been facing drought in recent years, leading to crop failure and severe food shortages. Flooding often results in landslides that can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services, such as: transportation power distribution water and food supply telecommunications networks emergency services medical care In the event of flooding: avoid the affected area exercise caution stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts follow the instructions of emergency responders, including evacuation orders Large-scale emergencies abroad. Need help? Local services Emergency services Dial for emergency assistance. Street Address Diplomatic Quarter, P. Box , Riyadh, , Saudi Arabia Telephone 11 Fax 11 , Email ryadh-cs international. Take normal security precautions Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada. Exercise a high degree of caution There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Avoid non-essential travel Your safety and security could be at risk. Avoid all travel You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Date modified:

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