Fast Facts

Yemen In brief

Official Name: Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah (Republic of Yemen)
Location: in the south-west corner of the Arabian Peninsula (South-west Asia)
Population: 16 million
Area: 555,000 sqkm with altitudes of up to 3,700m (over 12,000 ft).
Capital: Sana'a population: 900,000; altitude 2,300m
Largest Cities: Sana'a, Aden
Government: Republic headed by a president and a vice president
Language (s): Arabic
Ethnic Group (s): Arab
Religion (s): Islam

Climate

The diversity of the climate here, is another advantage, where it is always fresh with sunshine all round the year. In the mountains it can be cool (at night & early morning, otherwise warm days) and moderate on the coast of Indian Ocean and the Red Sea in winter, whereas in summer it is fresh and moderate in the mountains and can be hot but bearable on the coasts & the deserts.

Access

Air Access to Sana'a

Yemenia from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome
Egypt Air from Cairo
Royal Jordanian from Amman
Gulf Air from Bahrain & Abu Dhabi
Emirates from Dubai
Lufthansa from Frankfurt
KLM from Amsterdam

Airports

Sana'a International : 15 km from city centre.
International & domestic airports in Taiz, Aden, Riyan, Seyun, Hodeidah.

Visas

Visa applications must be made with the embassy of Yemen in the country of residence. For countries where Yemen has no diplomatic representation, visas can be arranged locally. For this service available from Future Tours Industries, passport details must be sent to us at least 20 days in advance.

Passports bearing Israeli visas are not accepted.

Customs & currency regulations

Entry of 2 litres alcohol (for non moslims) & 200 cigarettes is allowed. There are no restrictions on cameras. No special declarations are needed.

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques brought into the country.

Health

No vaccination is compulsory, although for up to date information we recommend you contact your local medical organisation.


Usful information

Public holidays

Weekend: Friday.

Fixed:
1 May (Labour Day)
22 May (Unity Day)
7 July (National Victory Day)
26 September (National Day)
14 October (National Day)
30 November (National Day)

Moveable:

Islamic holidays :

Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Fitr (Ramadhan)
Hijra new year
Prophet's birthday
Ramadhan :The 9th lunar month during which Muslims fast all along daylight hours. Non Muslims are asked to respect those fasting by refraining from eating, drinking and smoking in public places. Office and shop hours change during this month. Opening hours are prolonged in the evening.

Business hours:
Government : Sat. to Wed. 08:00 to 15:00
Banks : Sat. to Thu. 08:00 to 13:00
Offices : Sat. to Thu. 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00
Shops : Everyday, all day until late.

Currency exchange:
The country's currency is the Yemeni Riyal (YR). Bank notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 are in circulation and have English and Arabic numerals.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and money changers. The rate of exchange varies.

Credit cards:
Major credit cards are accepted in international hotels and a limited number of retailers. Shopping requires cash. Thomas Cook and American Express travellers cheques can be exchanged at these companies representative offices in Sana'a.

Cuisine

International standard service of European and Oriental food is available at major hotels. A small number of good quality touristic restaurants operate in the main cities.

Hundreds of typical Yemeni restaurants, very simple and inexpensive, serve traditional meat and fish dishes all over the country. Food is fresh and healthy.

Starters

Zahaweg Askary: (A spicy sauce made from fresh tomatoes, green peppers and spices)
Zahaweg Jobn: (A spicy sauce made from fresh tomatoes, green peppers and spices and Yemeni goat cheese)
Shafuut : (Bread with yoghurt, mint, spices and herbs)
Helba : (Sauce made from various spices and herbs)
Bent Assahn: (Puff pastry covered with honey)
Buraik : (Puff pastry stuffed with minced meat)
Sabaya : (Typical Yemeni bread covered with honey)
Shorbat Adas: (Lentil Soup)
Shorbat Khudhar: (Vegetable Soup)
Shorbat Borr: (Barley Soup)