Yemen is home to one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited civilisations — ancient Sabaean kingdom, mudbrick skyscraper cities, UNESCO Old Sana’a, and Socotra Island accessible now via Abu Dhabi.
Yemen’s mainland hosts extraordinary civilisational heritage — the UNESCO-listed Old City of Sana’a with its extraordinary mudbrick tower houses, the Hadhramaut valley’s “Manhattan of the Desert” at Shibam, and the ancient Sabaean kingdom centred at Marib. Due to ongoing mainland conflict, Visit Horn of Africa currently operates Socotra Island exclusively, accessible via Abu Dhabi year-round (October–May). We monitor mainland Yemen for future access.
Capital: Sana’a | Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER) | Language: Arabic | Difficulty: Advanced
Socotra Island is accessible now and is one of the world’s greatest travel experiences. Yemen’s mainland heritage — when accessible again — will be one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations for serious cultural travellers. Visit Horn of Africa will be first to operate there when conditions allow.
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Everything you need to know before travelling to Yemen — visa requirements, safety, best time to visit, currency, health, and practical logistics.
For Socotra: Yemeni visa via VHA. For mainland: not currently operating.
Mainland: NOT currently operating due to conflict. Socotra Island: separate and currently accessible via Abu Dhabi.
October–April (Socotra only currently)
Socotra: October–May. Mainland (future): October–April.
Yemeni Rial (YER)
USD preferred on Socotra. Very limited infrastructure.
Socotra: fly Abu Dhabi → Socotra Airport (SCT). VHA coordinates all access.
Yellow fever if from endemic country. Hepatitis A recommended.
From ancient ruins to living cultures, from wildlife to coastlines — the essential Yemen experiences for every type of traveller.
Dragon’s Blood Trees, Hoq Cave, Qalansiyah Lagoon. October–May. Via Abu Dhabi. Book now.
UNESCO mudbrick tower houses. Ancient Sabaean civilisation. One of the world’s great old cities. Future access pending security.
500-year-old mudbrick skyscrapers in the Hadhramaut. Future access pending security.
Ancient Sabaean kingdom capital. Queen of Sheba connection. Future access pending security.
Yemeni cuisine is one of the Arab world’s finest — saltah (meat and fenugreek stew), mandi (slow-roasted lamb), bint al-sahn (honey bread), and the world’s finest mocha coffee. On Socotra: simple fish, rice, and dates.
Visit Horn of Africa operates expertly guided tours in Yemen — from short introductory visits to comprehensive multi-country expeditions. All tours are operated with named guides and can be customised for private groups.
7 Days
14 Days
All tours can be customised for private groups. Contact our guide team for a tailored Yemen expedition.