U.S. Department of State Issues “Do Not Travel” Advisory for Yemen: February 26, 2025
Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2025, 00:00 EST – The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Yemen, effective immediately. This is the highest level of travel warning issued by the Department of State and reflects the extremely dangerous and volatile security situation within the country.
The advisory cites ongoing armed conflict, the threat of terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines as the primary reasons for urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Yemen. The country has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since 2014, pitting the Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized government against the Houthi rebels, who control much of the northern and western parts of the country, including the capital, Sana’a.
Key Concerns Outlined in the Advisory:
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Armed Conflict: The advisory highlights the continuous, widespread armed conflict throughout Yemen. This includes ongoing airstrikes, ground fighting, and artillery shelling, which pose a significant threat to civilians and could trap travelers in dangerous situations. Key transportation routes may be closed or impassable due to the conflict.
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Terrorism: The advisory emphasizes the persistent threat of terrorist attacks throughout Yemen. Extremist groups, including al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS, remain active and capable of carrying out attacks targeting both civilians and government entities. These attacks could include bombings, suicide attacks, assassinations, and kidnappings. Westerners and U.S. citizens in particular may be targeted.
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Civil Unrest: Political instability and economic hardship have fueled frequent civil unrest and demonstrations across Yemen. These events can turn violent with little or no warning, posing a risk to travelers.
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Kidnapping: Kidnapping for ransom remains a significant threat, particularly for foreigners. Both criminal gangs and militant groups have been known to kidnap individuals for political leverage or financial gain.
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Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance: Large areas of Yemen are contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). These pose a severe risk to anyone traveling in affected areas, particularly outside of major urban centers.
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Health Risks: Yemen faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as cholera, diphtheria, and malaria, are common. The advisory strongly recommends ensuring all necessary vaccinations are up-to-date and consulting with a healthcare professional before considering any travel to the region. The already fragile healthcare system has been severely impacted by the conflict.
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Limited U.S. Government Assistance: The U.S. government has severely limited its ability to provide consular services and assistance to U.S. citizens in Yemen due to the security situation. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a has been suspended since 2015, and there is no permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in the country. Any assistance would need to be rendered remotely and/or through partnerships with other diplomatic missions in the region, which could be significantly delayed or impossible to provide.
Recommendations for U.S. Citizens:
The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to:
- Do Not Travel to Yemen.
- If currently in Yemen, depart immediately when it is safe to do so.
- Exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant of their surroundings.
- Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
- Monitor local news and media for updates on the security situation.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Yemen for comprehensive details on security, health, and travel advice.
Impact and Context:
This Level 4 advisory for Yemen underscores the protracted and complex nature of the conflict in the country. It is a continuation of similar advisories issued in recent years, reflecting the lack of significant improvement in the overall security landscape. The advisory serves as a critical warning for U.S. citizens to prioritize their safety and avoid non-essential travel to Yemen.
The timing of this advisory could coincide with renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at brokering a ceasefire and a political solution to the conflict. However, the Department of State’s warning suggests that the security risks on the ground remain unacceptably high, despite any potential progress in negotiations.
The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor the situation in Yemen closely and will update its travel advisory as conditions change. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to stay informed and heed the Department’s warnings. It is imperative to understand the severity of the risks and to prioritize personal safety above all else.
Yemen – Level 4: Do Not Travel
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Department of State a new article on 2025-02-26 00:00 titled “Yemen – Level 4: Do Not Travel”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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