YEMEN
Yemen has established itself as one of the most favorite tourist destination, attracting travelers with its striking scenery and spectacular Islamic and pre-Islamic architecture. Yemen boasts hugely varied landscapes, from magnificent mountains to lush fruit-growing valleys to semi-arid plains and wide sandy beaches. The towns and cities hide souks and spice markets, mosques and ancient city walls.
The country is home to numerous significant archeological sites, while adventurous travelers can enjoy camping and trekking in the unique Socotra archipelago, which counts over 270 endemic species among its enormous range of wildlife and plant life.
The Republic of Yemen is bordered in the northwest, north and northeast by Saudi Arabia, in the east by Oman and in the south by the Gulf of Aden. To the west lies the Red Sea. The islands of Perim and Karam in the southern Red Sea are also part of the Republic
CLIMATE IN YEMEN
The climate varies according to altitude. The coastal plain is hot and dusty throughout most of the year. The highlands are warm in summer and, during winter, from October to March, nights can be very cold in the mountains. Annual rainfall is extremely low and temperatures, particularly in summer, are very high. The most pleasant time is from October to April.
Required Clothing
Lightweight clothes are worn in the coastal plain all year. Warmer clothes are needed from November to April in the highlands.
VISA REQUIREMENTS TO YEMEN
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months after date of departure required by all nationals of some countries.
Visas
Required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above, unless transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 168 hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Visa Note
The government of the Republic of Yemen refuses entry and transit facilities to holders of Israeli passports, or holders of passports containing visas valid or expired for Israel or any indication, such as entry or exit stamps, that the holder has visited Israel.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist (Single-entry): £25; Visitor: £40; Business: £50 (Single-entry); £90 (six month Multiple-entry); £190 (one year Multiple-entry). Transit: £30. All nationals are advised to contact embassy to check the visa requirements.
Validity
Single-entry: two months from date of issue for stays of up to one month; Multiple-entry: six months or one year from date of issue for stays of up to one month each.
ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO IN YEMEN
General
The Haraz Mountains and al-Mahwit are good trekking locations. Diving is increasingly popular in the Red and Arabian seas, as is sailing. Fishing is also a possibility.
Shop for souvenirs in Sana'a's 1,000-year-old Bab al-Yemen Market, which is divided into 40 different crafts and trades. The spice market is one of the best to visit. Other markets include the Souk al-Nahaas selling embroidered head-dresses, belts and jambias (curved daggers).
• Enjoy the subtropical climate of Wadi Wa'aar, lying between Sana’a and Sa'dah in the north. Out of this rises the Shahara, a huge mountain massif, the highest point being nearly 3,000m (9,840ft) above sea level. This can be climbed by foot or by 4-wheel drive car.
• Lounge on several superb beaches fringing the Indian Ocean at Little Aden, situated in the crater of an extinct volcano; this is an area of small fishing villages in sheltered bays.
• Hike and camp on Socotra Island; the island's remarkable landscape is home to a huge array of wildlife and plants.
• Visit Shibam, 36km (22 miles) from Sana’a, a pre-Islamic settlement, protected by the great fortification of Koukabanb. The town's distinctive tall houses were made of mud bricks to protect from Bedouin attacks.
• Walk amongst Yemen’s early crops of grapes in the strikingly fertile Sad'ah Basin.
• Dive in the balmy Red and Arabian seas, or take to the water for a spot of sailing.
• Scale Hadda Mountain and take in picturesque villages dotted with orchards growing apricots, peaches, walnuts and almonds. |
