GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
From Vienna there are connections via Frankfurt or with Egyptair (MS) via Cairo, from Zurich via Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich or with Emirates (EK) via Dubai.
Air passes
With the Star Alliance’s Middle East Airpass, travelers can explore Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates on up to ten flights. More information is available on the Star Alliance website, www.staralliance.com.
With the Visit Middle East Pass from Allianz Oneworld, travelers can book any number of flights (at least 3 flights) with the participating airlines British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian and travel to the following 12 countries: Egypt, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq Yemen, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.
Departure fee
No.
Arrival by car
There are roads from Riyadh, Mecca and Jeddah (in Saudi Arabia) to Sana’a, but traveling to and from Yemen by car and bus is not recommended.
Arrival by ship
The largest international ports are Aden, Hodeida, Mokka and Mukalla. International cruises call at Yemen.
ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
Yemenia (IY) (Internet: www.yemenia.com) offers between Sana’a, Taiz, Hodeida and Aden. Bookings should be checked and confirmed prior to departure.
Flight times
from Sana’a to the other major cities (approximate hours and minutes):
| plane | Bus / car | |
| Aden | 0.45 | 4.30 |
| Hodeida | 0.30-0.45 | 3.00 |
| Taiz | 0.45 | 3.30 |
On the way by car / bus
The road network has a length of approx. 67,000 km, of which almost 10,000 km are asphalted. The roads in Sana’a and from Taiz to Mocha are good. It is a 5 hour drive from Aden to Taiz. There is a connecting road from Aden to Sana’a and a 500 km long road from Aden to Mukalla. The other roads are mostly desert slopes. Four wheel drive vehicles and a guide are essential. Driving off the paved roads can be life-threatening because of possible minefields. Warning: officially there is right-hand traffic, but some locals drive on the left.
Buses run regularly between cities.
Taxishave yellow license plates. Shared taxis (white with horizontal stripes) are the cheapest means of transport for longer distances. A minimum fee applies in cities, but for longer journeys you should agree on the fare in advance. There are
rental car companies in all cities. Minimum age 25 years.
Documentation: international driver’s license. A driving license limited to three months is available on presentation of the national driving license.
On the way by ship
Ferries connect all Yemeni ports. Details from the port authorities.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Yemen duty-free (adults):
600 cigarettes or 60 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
1 l alcoholic beverages (only foreigners who are not resident in Yemen; not during Ramadan);
1 bottle of perfume or eau de toilette;
350 g gold jewelry (women only);
Gifts up to a value of YER 100,000 if not used commercially.
Valuables should be declared and registered upon entry so that there are no problems when leaving.
Prohibited imports
Unauthorized firearms, drugs (except Qat), pornographic material (ie almost every Western magazine. Videos and DVDs are examined upon entry) and products of Israeli origin.
SHOP
Overview
In the souks (markets) visitors can browse and look for handicrafts. Nice souvenirs are foutah (national costumes), leather articles, jambia (daggers), candlesticks, scarves (interwoven with gold thread), amber, as well as colorful pillows and ceramic goods. Gold and silver work, spices, perfume, Bukhur incense sticks with matching vessels and colored mats are also very popular. Shop opening times: i. A. Sun-Thu 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Mostly takes place in the hotels (see accommodation).
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
In Sana’a, the offer ranges from 3 to 5-star hotels. There are several 3-star hotels in Taiz and Hodeida, and there is also a 3-star hotel in Mareb. In Aden, the tourist hotels (including two hotels of international standard) can be found in the Tawahi district. There are also hotels in Mukalla (al-Shaab), Seiyyum (al-Salaam), Shihr (al-Sharq), Mukheiras and Jaar. Outside the larger cities and vacation areas, accommodations are limited. The spectrum generally ranges from old palace hotels to modern luxury hotels to funduks (inns) and nomad tents. Advance booking is recommended and written confirmation should be insisted on. 15% extra will be charged for service. Information from the General Authority of Tourism, Yemen, (a country located in Middle East according to topmbadirectory).
Camping
Campsites are available in Khokha and Mokha. More information from travel agents in Sana’a.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Different depending on the altitude. On the coast hot and dry all year round with temperatures between 34 ° -53 ° C. In the highlands warm in summer, very cold at night in winter (October – March). The annual rainfall is very low. In desert areas there are strong temperature differences between day and night. The most pleasant season is between October and April.
