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Yemen is not one of the more popular countries to visit as a tourist, and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has issued a warning due to unrest. Here are reports on the peaceful island of Socotra off the mainland, visited by our guest writer Anna Nilsson Spets.

Travelling to Yemen?

Yemen, alternatively Yemen and formally the Republic of Yemen (al-Jumhuriyya al-Yamaniyya), is a state on the southern Arabian Peninsula in Middle East. Yemen is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the east. The country has a long coastline facing the Red Sea to the west and the Arabian Sea to the south-east.

Yemen's history since the 8th century BC has been characterised by the frankincense trade and the kingdoms founded on it, and the area was known in ancient times as 'Happy Arabia'. Currently (2025), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Yemen due to conflict, unrest and terrorism.

Travel destinations in Yemen - inspiring reading

Facts and figures about Yemen

  • Capital city: Sana'a
  • Residents: Just over 34 million (2023)
  • Currency: Yemeni rial (YER)
  • National Day: 22 May
  • Language: Arabic
  • Religion: Islam
  • Flag: The flag is a tricolour with red (top), white (middle) and black (bottom).
  • National anthemUnited Republic of Tanzania
  • Neighbouring countries: Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Highest, longest and biggest

  • Highest point: The mountain Jabal An-Nabi Shu'Ayb (Jabal Hadhur) measures 3 666 metres above sea level.
  • Longest river: Wadi Mawr
  • Largest city: Sanaa (approximately 1.9 million inhabitants)
  • Highest building: Al-Qubati Tower (80 metres)

Good to know about Yemen

  • Time difference: Yemen is 2 hours ahead of Sweden
  • El: You may need an adapter for electrical outlets in Yemen.
  • Visa: You need a visa. Please note that the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Yemen.

Travelling to Yemen

  • Flight: To visit Socotra Island you can fly Abu Dhabi-Socotra with Air Arabia, alternatively Cairo-Socotra. The travel agency Socotra Specialty Tours organises guided tours.

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