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Reviewed: 25 August 2010, 15:35 NZDT
Still current at:
03 September 2010
There is extreme risk to your security in the Governorates of Ma’rib, Shabwah and Hadramaut due to terrorism, tribal violence and the risk of kidnapping. We advise against all travel to these areas.
There is extreme risk to your security in the Governorate of Sa’ada due to the unpredictable security situation and armed conflict. Although official military operations against Yemeni rebels have ended, hostilities could resume at any time and we advise against all travel to this area.
There is high risk to your security elsewhere in Yemen and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel due to the very high threat from terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.
There is a significant threat from terrorism in Yemen, including against Westerners and western interests. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Yemen, and could be directed at any location known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Possible targets for terrorist attacks include (but are not limited to) embassies, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, tourist sites, government offices, military and oil industry facilities, and transport and aviation interests.
New Zealanders in Yemen are advised to exercise extreme caution in public places, maintain a high degree of personal security awareness at all times and take all possible security precautions to protect their safety.
In June 2010, a Yemeni government building in Aden was attacked by gunmen, resulting in a number of deaths. In April 2010, there was an attempted suicide attack against a convoy of British Embassy vehicles. There were no casualties. In March 2009, four South Korean tourists and one Yemeni national were killed following an attack at a tourist site in Shibam, southern Hadramaut. Four others were injured. A convoy of vehicles was also targeted by a suicide bomber close to Sana’a International Airport.
In September 2008, an attack on the US Embassy in Sana’a resulted in the deaths of 17 people, including six terrorists. In April 2008, also in Sana’a, an improvised explosive device exploded at the headquarters of a Canadian oil company and mortar attacks occurred against the Italian Embassy and a residential compound. In March 2008, there was a mortar attack against the US Embassy in Sana’a. In January 2008, two Belgian tourists and two Yemeni nationals were shot dead, and four other Belgians seriously injured following an attack by four gunmen on a convoy of tourist vehicles in the Governorate of Hadramaut.
Tribal groups in Yemen have kidnapped foreigners (including in the capital Sana’a) to draw attention to their grievances with the government. In May 2010, two American tourists were kidnapped near Sana’a, and two Chinese oil workers kidnapped in the Shabwah region. In November 2009, a Japanese national was kidnapped between Sana’a and Marib, and in June 2009 a British national and eight other foreign nationals were kidnapped in the Governorate of Sa’ada. Three of those kidnapped were killed. Due to the risk of kidnapping you should avoid all travel outside the major cities.
Political or economic developments in Yemen and the region could trigger demonstrations and protests. New Zealand travellers are advised to keep themselves informed of such developments and local sensitivities and avoid all large gatherings, protests and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.
Piracy is a significant threat in Yemeni waters, especially in the Gulf of Aden. Incidents of piracy have also been known to occur in parts of the Red Sea. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report.
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Yemen, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens who get into trouble is severely limited.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Yemen should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel in Yemen – exclusions may well apply.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Yemen are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for the Middle East
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