Yemen
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Yemen.
Warnings and insurance
Status as of: 30 October 2026
Updated: 27 October 2026
Latest update: Updated information regarding regional tensions (found in the ‘Warnings and insurance’ section)
Your travel insurance policy may be rendered invalid if you travel contrary to the guidance issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen
The FCDO recommends against all travel to the entirety of Yemen due to the highly volatile security environment.
If you are currently in Yemen, you are advised to depart immediately.
Refer to the Safety and security section for additional details.
UK government support
Assistance for British citizens is extremely restricted within Yemen. Operations at the British Embassy in Sana’a remain suspended, and all diplomatic and consular personnel have been evacuated.
The UK government is unable to assist British nationals with their departure from Yemen, as no evacuation protocols are in place.
The FCDO cannot provide guidance regarding the safety of travel advice.
If you are a British national in Yemen requiring assistance from the UK government, you may contact the FCDO at 020 7008 5000 (available 24 hours).
Regional tensions
The situation across the Middle East remains highly unpredictable, with a significant risk of sudden escalation. Since the conflict began in early 2026, Iran has expressed its intent to target locations linked to the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, businesses, organizations, institutions, and facilities. There have been retaliatory strikes and attacks by Iran and other actors across the region targeting civilian and US military infrastructure.
Since July 2026, the Houthis have conducted air strikes against Saudi territory and Saudi-flagged vessels in the Red Sea. There is a persistent risk of further military escalation, including within Yemen and the Red Sea, which could materialize with little warning.
British nationals currently in or planning to transit through the Middle East should prepare for potential airspace closures, flight cancellations, and general travel disruptions. You should:
read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad – GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
follow advice from the local authorities
monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
stay away from areas around security or military facilities
keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel despite FCDO advice, ensure you research your destination thoroughly and secure comprehensive travel insurance. Your policy should provide coverage for your specific itinerary, planned activities, and any expenses incurred during an emergency.
