Yemen is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3).

Voltage

The voltage in Yemen is 220 V. Five star hotels provide both options i.e. 110 V. or 220 V.

Visas and Passports

Travellers to the Republic of Yemen require a passport that is valid for at least six months and does not have an entry stamp for Israel. Visas are valid for three months from the day of issue.

Visas are also available on arrival for the following passport holders all EU member countries, US, Canadian and Japanese passport holders.

Climate

Yemen’s climate could be classified under three climatic zones:

• Tihama and the south coastal strip - the hot and humid coastal strip
• The mountainous regions which have extreme temperatures ( high altitude and strong sunshine ).
• The desert areas which have a dry , hot desert climate .

Health

One needs to be careful about the strong sun and the altitude in Yemen. A protective sun lotion and a chap stick are of great help against dryness . Drinking water must be purified with sterilising tablets but bottled mineral water, tea, fruit juices, soft drinks and butter milk are easily available, even in the remotest villages.

Hotels

Currently 5 star accommodation is restricted to the two main cities of Sana’a (two hotels) and Aden (one hotel ). Other cities have either three or four star hotels. ‘funduk‘ - smaller hotels are innumerable and provide basic boarding & lodging facilities.

Alcohol

Yemen is a strict Muslim country where the drinking of alcohol by locals is not permitted . However , non - muslem tourists are allowed to bring in alcohol into the county for personal use .

TRAVEL ADVICE

Seasons

• High season - First week of October to end April.
• Peak season - 20th. Dec. to 5th. January.
• Low season & shoulder months May to September.

Inbound Flights

• From Europe
  Lufthansa - Three times a week from Frankfurt via Cairo.
  Yemenia - the national carrier has regular flights from London, Rome, Frankfurt and Paris.
• From the Middle East
  Emirates - Four times a week.
  Gulf Air - Four times a week.
  Royal Jordanian - Three times a week.
  Egypt Air - Twice a week.

What To Wear

Light cotton clothes are appropriate to the climate in Yemen mainly in the desert areas. Marib, Hadramout and the Tihama area. But it is also advisable to pack some warmer cloths during tours since temperatures in the mountains can drop to zero. Women must cover their arms and legs at all times.

Money and Currency

It’s advisable to take the majority of your money in US$ travellers cheques and dollars. Dollars are widely accepted by banks, hotels and money exchangers. Credit cards are accepted mainly in five star hotels . Local restaurants and shops only accept local money ( Yemeni Riyals ).

Photography

Should be restricted mainly to landscapes & buildings. Permission should be taken before photographing men and as far as possible avoid taking photographs of women, military, police personnel & installations.
Standard print film is easily available but transparency film is restricted to a few shops in Sana’a.

Souvenirs / Momentoes

Items made in the Yemen include jambias (the traditional Yemeni dagger),silver jewellery, worked leather and rugs made of goat/sheep hair .Traditional items include colourful pots , baskets & incense burners. Small packets of incense and spices can be bought from the ‘Souq’ - the local market . Other unique souvenirs are prints and paintings ( water - colour and oil ) produced by a number of Yemeni artists.